Change Your Child’s Vision; Change Their Life

Myopia, or near-sightedness, is a refractive condition that causes blurry distance vision without glasses or contacts. It is increasing at an alarming rate, especially among school-aged children. In the early 1970s, only 25% of Americans were myopic. Today that number exceeds 40%, and by 2050 it is projected to reach 58%.¹²³

Near-sightedness is caused by a combination of genetics and lifestyle. If one parent is nearsighted, their child is 3x more likely to develop myopia. That risk increases to 6x if both parents are myopic.⁴

Lifestyle factors including increased screen time, heavy reading demands, and reduced time outdoors all contribute to the problem. Studies show that spending more time outside can help lower the risk.⁵

Glasses and conventional contact lenses help children see clearly, but they do not address the underlying problem: the elongation of the eye that drives progressive near-sightedness. In fact, there is a 96% chance that a child’s prescription will worsen during adolescence.¹ Higher levels of myopia also increase the risk of serious eye diseases later in life, including glaucoma, cataracts, retinal detachment, and myopic maculopathy.⁶ Early intervention matters.

Specialty Contact Lenses for Myopia Control

At VIP Eye Care, we specialize in two types of contact lenses designed to slow myopia progression by reducing how much the eye elongates over time.

The soft lens is a daily-disposable lens worn 10 to 11 hours per day, at least 6 days per week. The hard lens, known as an Orthokeratology or Ortho-K lens, is worn overnight. It gently reshapes the front surface of the eye while the child sleeps, so no glasses or contacts are needed during the day. This makes it an excellent choice for kids who swim, play sports, or simply prefer to be correction-free. While it is generally advised never to sleep in contact lenses, Ortho-K lenses are specialty lenses specifically
designed for overnight wear. Soft lenses are not recommended for overnight use in myopia control.

At VIP Eye Care, we fit Abiliti™ Ortho-K lenses, which are FDA-approved for myopia management and suitable for children as young as eight, with earlier fitting possible in select cases.

Ortho-K Is Not Just for Children

Although Ortho-K is best known for slowing myopia progression in kids, adults can benefit from it too. Many adults choose Ortho-K for the convenience of clear daytime vision without relying on glasses or contact lenses, particularly those with active lifestyles. While Ortho-K does not slow myopia progression in adults the way it does in children, it remains a safe, non-surgical option for functional daytime vision.

Schedule a Myopia Control Consultation

Children can be fit for myopia control lenses between ages 8 and 12, and sometimes earlier depending on the case. If your child has been diagnosed with near-sightedness, or if you are concerned they may be developing it, schedule a consultation at our Carillon office. We will evaluate whether your child is a good candidate for myopia control and recommend the best lens option for their needs. Early action can make a significant difference, not just in how your child sees today, but in protecting their eye
health for years to come.