Multifocal lenses, which have different powers in different areas have been found to control presbyopia and myopia. These have been seen to effectively reduce myopia progression by about 50 percent, which is similar to the results of ortho-k lenses. These soft contact lenses are used like regular contacts, leaving your child with great vision while reducing the risks of high and medium myopia. 

    Pros -

• One of the simplest treatments
• Effective
• Kids love not having to wear glasses. 

    Cons -

• Children need to handle them well
• They need to be used the whole day

Though this control progression rates better than single vision lenses, they are not as effective as multifocal contacts, or Ortho K (also called GVSS or CRT). Because of the low rates of slowing down myopia progression, most experts do not consider this option effective enough to fully reduce the risks of vision loss from high myopia.  

    Pros -

• Easy to use
• More effective than single vision lenses

    Cons -

• Not as effective as Ortho K contact lenses and soft multifocal myopia management contact lenses.
• Not highly regarded by eye care professionals.  
• Glasses increase the likelihood of eye injuries in children. 
• Social stigma and not for sports. 

This treatment involves the use of gas permeable lenses during bed time instead of using vision correction methods for the entire day. The average reduction in myopia progression using this method is around 45 percent. Learn more about Orthokeratology & Myopia Management.

Pros -

• Effective
• A well-fitting lens provides a continuous peripheral myopic defocus to the retina
• The optics are present at all times

Cons -

• More invasive than spectacle lenses
• A poor fit of the lens may lead to changes in corneal shape and corneal damage post-treatment