Childhood Myopia Control

Updated: 3 September 2026 · By the Eye-Shop optical team · This article does not replace an examination by a paediatric ophthalmologist.

The most common question we hear from parents when they bring in their child prescription is not «how much are the glasses». It is: «Will the numbers keep climbing every year?» Until a few years ago the honest answer was «probably, yes». Today there is something we can do about it — and every parent of a 6-14 year-old who already wears myopia glasses deserves to know it.

Why childhood myopia is not «just a prescription»

Myopia grows because the eye lengthens more than it should during development. Every extra millimetre of length is roughly 3 dioptres (-3.00) more. The problem is not thick lenses — it is that a very long eye carries a higher lifetime risk of retinal problems in adulthood. That is why modern eye care no longer wants to simply «correct» a child myopia, but to slow the rate at which it climbs. For the background, start with what myopia is and how it develops over time.

How myopia-control lenses work (in plain terms)

A plain myopia lens focuses perfectly on the centre of the retina, but out at the periphery the image «lands» behind the eye — and, odd as it sounds, that is a signal for the eye to keep growing. Myopia-control lenses keep the centre crystal clear, but around the edge they carry hundreds of tiny defocus zones that bring the image forward. The eye «reads» that it does not need to lengthen. The child sees normally — and notices no difference after the first few days.

The three solutions we fit at Eye-Shop

All three are certified medical devices (European regulation MDR 2017/745) with published clinical studies. They are not «special glasses» — they are lenses that go into whichever children frame you choose.

Lens	Technology	What the studies show	Note
Hoya MiYOSMART	D.I.M.S. — 400 micro defocus segments in a ring around the centre	~60% less progression over 2 years (Japan/Hong Kong)	The most widely used worldwide; also available in a photochromic version
Essilor Stellest	H.A.L.T. — 11 rings of aspheric micro-lenslets	~67% less progression over 2 years	Very discreet surface, almost invisible
Shamir Optimee	FocusFlow — defocus zones with a central vertical channel of clear vision	Newer generation, designed for reading comfort	A good choice for children who read for hours

Which of the three? Honestly, in practice the difference is made by consistent wear and an early start — not the logo. We follow the paediatric ophthalmologist recommendation and, where there is none, we suggest based on the prescription and the frame.

What to realistically expect

The lenses slow progression — they do not stop it and do not «erase» the myopia that is already there.

Adaptation takes 1-2 weeks: some children report slight «blur» at the sides in the first days, which passes.

They need all-day wear. A child who takes them off at school = half the result.

Re-examination every 6 months — the ophthalmologist measures the progression and decides on the next step.

The payoff shows over time: we are talking about fewer dioptres at 16-18, not a difference next week.

How much it costs

Let us be clear: myopia-control lenses cost quite a bit more than the standard lenses we include free with every frame — they are medical devices with research behind them. The price depends on the prescription and the thinning, which is why we quote against your actual prescription. And yes, the cost is best compared with something very specific: with what a very high myopia would cost at 18.

The frame matters as much as the lens

A lens worn 12 hours a day needs a frame that will not break, slip or pinch. In store, for myopia-control lenses, we almost always suggest NanoVista (practically shatterproof, with a retention strap — 42 models in stock, 74-126€), Oakley Youth for the most active kids, or Ray-Ban Junior for children who want «grown-up-looking glasses». The right size is critical for the peripheral zone to work — see our glasses size guide. For lens material (polycarbonate or Trivex — shatterproof and light), there is a good read on eyenews.gr about lens materials.

What you learn in store

The window is closing. The biggest jump in prescription happens between 7 and 12. A child who starts at 8 gains far more than one who starts at 14.

Time outdoors counts. Two hours a day in natural light independently lowers the risk — lenses do not replace playing in the yard.

There are other routes too. Low-dose atropine drops and special contact lenses are options your ophthalmologist may discuss; glasses are the simplest and safest for everyday life.

Watch for the early signs. If your child does not wear glasses yet but squints or moves close to the screen, look out for the signs that they need glasses.

How to get started

Bring us the paediatric ophthalmologist prescription (or ask them to note «myopia-control lenses»). Together we pick a frame from our children eyeglasses, we quote for MiYOSMART, Stellest or Optimee depending on the prescription, and the glasses are ready in a few working days. All with a 2-year frame warranty.