What Are Myopia Control Glasses?
Myopia control glasses are specially designed eyeglasses that go beyond vision correction — they help slow the progression of myopia (nearsightedness), especially in children. These glasses use advanced lens technology that simultaneously provides clear vision and signals the eye to slow its elongation, which is a key cause of worsening myopia.
Why Is Myopia Control Important?
Myopia is rising globally, particularly in children. While regular glasses correct blurry distance vision, they do not stop the eye from continuing to grow longer. Progressive myopia can lead to serious eye health complications later in life, such as retinal detachment, macular degeneration, glaucoma, and early cataracts.
How Do Myopia Control Glasses Work?
These lenses use a concept called peripheral defocus. While the central part of the lens provides clear vision, the outer zones create a controlled blur or defocus on the peripheral retina. This defocus signals the eye to stop growing too long, which helps reduce the progression of myopia.
Top Myopia Control Glasses in 2025
1. Hoya MiYOSMART
- Uses D.I.M.S. (Defocus Incorporated Multiple Segments) technology
- Clinically proven to slow myopia progression by up to 60%
- Appears just like regular single-vision lenses
- Suitable for children from age 6 and up
2. Essilor Stellest
- Features H.A.L.T. (Highly Aspherical Lenslet Target) technology
- Reported to slow myopia progression by 67% on average
- Comfortable and easy for kids to adapt to
- Offers full UV protection and impact resistance
3. SightGlass Vision Diffusion Optics Technology™ (DOT)
- Newer entrant with a unique approach using diffusion technology
- Designed to scatter light and reduce contrast to slow myopia progression
- Still under clinical evaluation but showing promising results
Who Should Use Myopia Control Glasses?
These glasses are recommended for:
- Children aged 5 to 16 diagnosed with myopia
- Kids with fast-progressing myopia
- Children with one or both parents who are myopic (genetic risk)
- Kids who spend a lot of time indoors or using screens
Early intervention is key. The younger the child starts using these glasses, the more effective they are in slowing progression.
How Effective Are They?
Studies show that myopia control glasses can reduce myopia progression by **up to 60–67%** over a 2-year period compared to single-vision lenses. However, individual results vary, and they are most effective when combined with healthy lifestyle habits like outdoor activity and limited screen time.
Are There Side Effects?
Myopia control glasses are non-invasive and generally well tolerated. Most children adjust quickly. There may be a brief adaptation period where peripheral vision feels slightly different due to the lens design, but this usually resolves within days.
Cost and Availability
These lenses are more expensive than standard glasses due to their advanced technology. However, many clinics now offer payment plans or packages that include eye exams, lenses, and frame options. As of 2025, availability has expanded worldwide, and more optical providers are trained to fit these lenses properly.
Complementary Strategies
To maximize the benefits of myopia control glasses, consider combining them with:
- Outdoor time: Encourage at least 2 hours of natural light exposure per day
- 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes, look 20 feet away for 20 seconds
- Regular eye exams: Monitor changes in vision and eye growth every 6–12 months
Conclusion
Myopia control glasses are a breakthrough in childhood eye care. They not only correct vision but also help prevent future complications associated with high myopia. With options like MiYOSMART, Stellest, and newer innovations in 2025, parents now have access to proven solutions to protect their child’s vision long-term.
Speak to your optometrist or pediatric eye specialist to find the best myopia control strategy for your child.
