Myopia Control for Children: Ortho-K, MiSight, and Stellest Explained
If your child’s glasses prescription seems to increase every year, you’re not alone. Myopia (nearsightedness) is becoming more common in children, and it’s progressing faster than ever before.
At Vision Care Center in Bellevue, we focus on more than just correcting vision, we offer myopia control treatments designed to slow progression, protect long-term eye health, and reduce future risks.
Let’s break down what myopia is, why controlling it matters, and the three most effective options available today: Orthokeratology (Ortho-K), MiSight contact lenses, and Stellest spectacle lenses.
👁️ What Is Myopia, and Why Should Parents Be Concerned?
Myopia occurs when the eye grows too long from front to back, causing distant objects to appear blurry. Glasses and standard contact lenses correct vision, but they do not stop the eye from continuing to grow.
Higher levels of myopia significantly increase the risk of serious eye conditions later in life, including:
- Retinal detachment
- Myopic macular degeneration
- Glaucoma
- Early cataracts
This is why modern eye care focuses on myopia control, especially while a child’s eyes are still developing.
🌙 Orthokeratology (Ortho-K)
Ortho-K uses custom-designed rigid contact lenses worn overnight. While your child sleeps, the lenses gently reshape the surface of the eye. In the morning, the lenses are removed, allowing your child to see clearly all day without glasses or contacts. Think of Ortho-K like dental retainers, but for your eyes. The effects are temporary, but generally last for at least 24 hours, so your child must wear the lenses every night. Our Ortho-K lens of choice is Paragon CRT (Corneal Reshaping Therapy).
Benefits of Ortho-K:
- Clear daytime vision without eyewear
- Proven to slow myopia progression
- Great for sports and active kids
- Non-surgical and reversible
Ortho-K is one of the most effective myopia control options when properly fitted and monitored by an experienced provider.
👓 MiSight Daily Contact Lenses
MiSight is the first FDA-approved daily soft contact lens specifically designed to slow myopia progression in children.
These lenses look and feel like regular daily contacts but use specialized optics to reduce the signals that cause the eye to continue elongating.
Benefits of MiSight:
- Daily disposable (fresh lens every day)
- Comfortable and easy to adapt to
- FDA-approved for myopia control
- Excellent option for younger children
MiSight is a great choice for families who want an effective, low-maintenance contact lens option.
⭐ Stellest Lenses
Stellest lenses are advanced spectacle lenses developed by Essilor that slow myopia progression using specialized optical technology. Although they have been available in other countries, such as Canada, for years, it was only FDA approved recently in the United States
They look like regular glasses but incorporate a unique lens design that alters peripheral defocus, a key driver of myopia progression.
Benefits of Stellest:
- No contact lenses required
- Ideal for children not ready for contacts
- Proven myopia-control technology
- Simple daily wear like standard glasses
Stellest is an excellent solution for families who prefer glasses-only myopia control.
🔬 Which Myopia Control Option Is Best?
There is no single “best” option for every child. The right choice depends on:
- Your child’s age
- Prescription and rate of progression
- Lifestyle and sports participation
- Comfort with contact lenses
At Vision Care Center, we take the time to evaluate each child individually and recommend the option that best fits their needs and your family’s goals.
Dr. Jordan Jin has extensive experience in all 3 treatment options, and he provides free myopia control consults to answer questions and to discuss which option would be best for your child.
⏱️ Why Experience and Time Matter
Myopia control is not a one-size-fits-all service. It requires precision, experience, and ongoing monitoring.
We schedule longer appointment times and use advanced measurements to track eye growth over time, something many offices do not offer. Our goal is safe, effective, and long-term results.
✔️ Start Early, Protect Vision Long-Term
The earlier myopia control begins, the more effective it can be. Slowing progression even modestly can significantly reduce the risk of serious eye disease later in life.
If your child’s prescription has changed in the past year, or if myopia runs in your family, now is the time to explore your options.
📍 Schedule a free myopia control consultation at Vision Care Center in Bellevue to learn whether Ortho-K, MiSight, or Stellest is right for your child!
Dr. Jordan Jin
Vision Care Center
14700 NE 8th St, Ste 105
Bellevue, WA 98007
📞 (425) 746-2122