Myopia Control for Kids in Calgary
Protect your child’s vision with evidence-based treatments proven to slow nearsightedness progression and support long-term eye health.
What is Myopia?
Myopia (nearsightedness) happens when the eye grows longer than it should, causing light to focus in front of the retina. This makes distant objects look blurry.
Myopia is becoming more common, with research suggesting up to 50% of children may be nearsighted by 2050. A combination of lifestyle and genetic factors plays a role, especially during childhood when the eye is still developing.
Common Causes & Risk Factors
- Increased screen time/near work (reading, digital devices, homework)
- Limited outdoor time including natural light exposure
- One or both parents with myopia
- Rapid eye growth during childhood
- Visual environment and lifestyle patterns
What is Myopia?
Myopia (nearsightedness) happens when the eye grows longer than it should, causing light to focus in front of the retina. This makes distant objects look blurry.
Myopia is becoming more common, with research suggesting up to 50% of children may be nearsighted by 2050. A combination of lifestyle and genetic factors plays a role, especially during childhood when the eye is still developing.
Common Causes & Risk Factors
- Increased screen time/near work (reading, digital devices, homework)
- Limited outdoor time including natural light exposure
- One or both parents with myopia
- Rapid eye growth during childhood
- Visual environment and lifestyle patterns
How to Spot Myopia in Children
Some children show clear signs, while others don’t notice their vision has changed. Keep an eye out for:
- Squinting to see distant objects
- Sitting very close to the TV, iPad or computer
- Difficulty seeing the board at school
- Holding books/screens close to the face
- Headaches or eye fatigue after near work
- Avoiding sports or activities needing distance vision
Even without symptoms, early eye exams are key. Myopia can progress silently, and slowing progression early can protect long-term eye health.
How to Spot Myopia in Children
Some children show clear signs, while others don’t notice their vision has changed. Keep an eye out for:
- Squinting to see distant objects
- Sitting very close to the TV, iPad or computer
- Difficulty seeing the board at school
- Holding books/screens close to the face
- Headaches or eye fatigue after near work
- Avoiding sports or activities needing distance vision
Even without symptoms, early eye exams are key. Myopia can progress silently, and slowing progression early can protect long-term eye health.
| Without Myopia Control | With Myopia Control Treatments |
| Faster yearly prescription increases | Slower, smaller prescription changes |
| More elongation of eye over time | Controlled axial eye growth |
| Higher lifetime risk of sight threatening eye disease | Lower long term eye disease risk |
| Thicker, heavier lenses later in life | Lighter prescriptions and better visual comfort |
| More visual strain during learning and sports | Better clarity for school and daily activities |
Myopia & Long-Term Eye Health
High myopia in childhood can increase the risk of certain sight-threatening eye conditions later in life. As the eye elongates and prescriptions rise, the tissues at the back of the eye become more stretched and vulnerable.
Higher myopia is associated with increased long-term risk of:
• Myopic macular degeneration
• Glaucoma
• Retinal detachment
• Cataracts
Early detection and management helps slow progression, reducing lifetime risk and protecting vision into adulthood. This chart shows how higher levels of myopia increase the likelihood of eye complications later in life. The more the eye elongates, the more strain is placed on delicate retinal tissues, increasing the risk of sight-threatening complications.
How We Diagnose & Monitor Myopia
A comprehensive eye exam is the first step in understanding your child’s vision. During the appointment, we assess both visual acuity and eye growth, since myopia progression is linked to how quickly the eye elongates. At Mission Eye Care, we use advanced pediatric myopia technology to track changes and build a personalized treatment plan.
What We Measure During a Myopia Assessment
- Prescription changes (refraction)
- Axial length – the length of the eye, a key indicator of progression
- Corneal shape and health
- Eye focusing ability (accommodation)
- Family history and lifestyle risk factors
We compare these findings to age-expected growth patterns to determine your child’s risk level and whether treatment should begin right away.
Ongoing Monitoring
Myopia control is a long-term partnership. Once a plan is in place, we schedule regular follow-ups to monitor changes and ensure the treatment is working as expected.
A typical follow-up schedule may include:
- Baseline measurements at first visit
- A review at 3–6 months
- Ongoing monitoring every 6–12 months
Myopia Treatment Options
Every child’s eyes are unique. We use advanced diagnostic tools to understand how quickly myopia is progressing, then recommend treatment options suited to your child’s needs, comfort, and daily activities.
Soft & Multifocal Myopia-Control Contact Lenses
Soft contact lenses designed for myopia control are worn during the day and removed at night, providing clear vision for school, activities, and daily life. Their peripheral defocus design helps slow eye elongation, reducing myopia progression over time.
We offer both daily disposable lenses (MiSight®) for simple, hygienic wear, and monthly/hybrid options for children with more complex prescriptions or astigmatism.
Why parents choose this option:
• Clear daytime vision without glasses
• Comfortable and easy to adapt to
• Clinically shown to slow progression
• Great for school, reading, and active kids
Soft & Multifocal Myopia-Control Contact Lenses
Soft contact lenses designed for myopia control are worn during the day and removed at night, providing clear vision for school, activities, and daily life. Their peripheral defocus design helps slow eye elongation, reducing myopia progression over time.
We offer both daily disposable lenses (MiSight®) for simple, hygienic wear, and monthly/hybrid options for children with more complex prescriptions or astigmatism.
Why parents choose this option:
• Clear daytime vision without glasses
• Comfortable and easy to adapt to
• Clinically shown to slow progression
• Great for school, reading, and active kids
Orthokeratology (Ortho-K)
Orthokeratology uses custom rigid contact lenses worn overnight to gently reshape the front surface of the eye while your child sleeps. Vision is clear during the day without glasses or daytime contacts, making it a great option for active kids and athletes.
Ortho-K is one of the most researched and effective methods for slowing myopia progression, especially during childhood growth years.
Why parents choose Ortho-K:
• Clear vision all day without lenses
• Popular with active or sporty children
• Shown in studies to slow myopia progression
• Lenses are replaced annually under supervision
• Safe when used with good hygiene and follow-ups
Orthokeratology (Ortho-K)
Orthokeratology uses custom rigid contact lenses worn overnight to gently reshape the front surface of the eye while your child sleeps. Vision is clear during the day without glasses or daytime contacts, making it a great option for active kids and athletes.
Ortho-K is one of the most researched and effective methods for slowing myopia progression, especially during childhood growth years.
Why parents choose Ortho-K:
• Clear vision all day without lenses
• Popular with active or sporty children
• Shown in studies to slow myopia progression
• Lenses are replaced annually under supervision
• Safe when used with good hygiene and follow-ups
Atropine Eye Drops
Low-dose atropine is a nightly eye drop used to slow myopia progression. It’s often recommended for younger children or those not ready for contact lenses, and can also be combined with other treatments for stronger control.
Studies show that low-dose atropine can significantly reduce myopia progression, helping slow eye elongation over time. Drops are supplied through a compounding pharmacy, typically in 1–3 month bottles.
Some children may experience mild light sensitivity or near-focus difficulty, and in those cases the concentration can be adjusted for comfort.
Why parents choose atropine:
• Easy nightly drop, no lenses needed
• Great for younger children
• Can be combined with other treatments
• Backed by strong clinical research
Atropine Eye Drops
Low-dose atropine is a nightly eye drop used to slow myopia progression. It’s often recommended for younger children or those not ready for contact lenses, and can also be combined with other treatments for stronger control.
Studies show that low-dose atropine can significantly reduce myopia progression, helping slow eye elongation over time. Drops are supplied through a compounding pharmacy, typically in 1–3 month bottles.
Some children may experience mild light sensitivity or near-focus difficulty, and in those cases the concentration can be adjusted for comfort.
Why parents choose atropine:
• Easy nightly drop, no lenses needed
• Great for younger children
• Can be combined with other treatments
• Backed by strong clinical research
Myopia Control Eyeglass Lenses
Myopia control eyeglass lenses are designed to slow myopia progression while providing clear everyday vision. These lenses use small treatment zones or ring based optical designs to help reduce axial eye growth, supporting long term eye health.
We offer advanced options such as ZEISS MyoCare™, Essilor Stellest™, and HOYA MiyoSmart®, which are clinically supported and child friendly for everyday wear.
Why parents choose myopia control glasses
- Easy and familiar option for younger children
- No contact lens handling required
- Can be used alone or alongside other treatments
- Available in photochromic lenses that darken outdoors and sunglass options
- One year no charge replacement for damage or prescription change
Our Myopia Control Clinic
Our Myopia Control Clinic provides structured care for children with nearsightedness, using ongoing monitoring, advanced measurements, and personalized treatment plans to help slow progression over time.
We track both prescription changes and axial eye length, giving us detailed insight into how quickly the eye is growing. This allows us to adjust treatment as needed and ensure your child’s plan remains effective as they develop.
What families can expect through the program:
- A customized treatment plan (glasses, soft lenses, Ortho-K, atropine, or a combination)
- Monitoring appointments are typically every 6 months
- Progress tracking using advanced imaging technology
- Annual reports with visual graphs showing progress vs. expected growth without treatment
- Ongoing support and clear communication at each stage
- Suitable for a wide range of ages, early treatment is encouraged
Our goal is simple: to support clear vision today while protecting long-term eye health.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Does Screen Time increase myopia risk?
Indirectly, yes. The more time spent indoors on screens, the less time is spent outdoors. Studies show that time outdoors is correlated with significantly reduced risk of myopia, with the recommended amount being 1.5 hours or more.
Does Mission Eye Care offer myopia control lenses?
Yes. We offer several advanced myopia-control lens designs, including HOYA MiyoSmart®, Essilor Stellest™, and Zeiss MyoCare™, as well as soft myopia-control contact lenses and Orthokeratology. Treatment recommendations are based on your child’s prescription, age, lifestyle, and the rate of progression of their myopia.
Does Mission Eye Care follow Canadian myopia guidelines?
Yes. Our clinic follows evidence-based clinical guidelines recognized by the Canadian Association of Optometrists, including early detection, regular monitoring, and proactive treatment to help slow progression. Myopia control is now considered standard care for reducing long-term eye health risks.
How does Mission Eye Care monitor myopia progression?
We monitor progression using both prescription changes and axial length measurements, which are key indicators of how quickly the eye is growing. Follow-up visits are typically scheduled every 6 months, and families receive progress reports with visual graphs to show how treatment is working over time.
Does Mission Eye Care use peripheral defocus technology?
Yes. Several of our myopia-control treatments work using peripheral defocus or optical treatment zones that help slow eye elongation. Your optometrist will recommend which option is most suitable for your child.
Does Mission Eye Care reverse myopia naturally?
Myopia cannot be reversed, but it can be slowed and managed through evidence-based treatments. Outdoor time, healthy visual habits, and reduced near-strain support eye health. Still, clinical interventions such as Ortho-K, myopia-control lenses, or atropine drops are needed to effectively slow progression.
Protect Your Child’s Vision for the Future
Early management offers the strongest long-term benefit. Our optometrists will assess axial length, prescription changes, and lifestyle factors to recommend a personalized treatment plan for your child.