---
title: "Myopia control | Eye Health Guide"
description: "How myopia control slows short-sightedness in children: orthokeratology, low-dose atropine, special contact lenses and outdoor time."
url: https://eyehealthguide.org/treatments/myopia-control/
source: Eye Health Guide
licence: "General information only. Cite the URL and the named medical reviewer."
---

Treatment

# Myopia control

Medical reviewer [Mr Mohamed Mohyudin](https://eyehealthguide.org/reviewers/mohamed-mohyudin/)· Last recorded site review July 6, 2026

### About this review

This page inherits the site’s previous review record. A separate, current article sign-off has not yet been recorded.

[How review works](https://eyehealthguide.org/reviewers/) · [Official biography & credentials](https://mohamedmohyudin.co.uk/author/mohamed-mohyudin/)

Quick answer

Myopia control means treatments that slow how quickly short-sightedness worsens in children, not just correcting vision with glasses. Options include orthokeratology (overnight lenses), low-dose atropine eye drops, specialised soft contact lenses and spending more time outdoors. WHO and NEI guidance emphasise outdoor play and early eye checks for growing eyes.

### On this page ⌄

1. What myopia control is
2. Orthokeratology (ortho-k)
3. Atropine drops and other options
4. Outdoor time and lifestyle
5. Conditions this can help
6. Frequently asked questions

## What myopia control is

Short-sightedness (myopia) often increases during childhood as the eye grows longer. Standard glasses clear vision but do not stop progression. Myopia control treatments aim to slow that lengthening, reducing future prescription strength and long-term risks linked to high myopia.

## Orthokeratology (ortho-k)

Special rigid lenses worn overnight temporarily reshape the cornea for clear daytime vision without glasses. Ortho-k is a recognised myopia control option in suitable children, though strict hygiene and specialist fitting are essential because overnight wear carries infection risk if care is poor.

## Atropine drops and other options

Low-dose atropine eye drops, used nightly under specialist supervision, can slow myopia progression in many children. Special soft multifocal or dual-focus contact lenses are another option. Your clinician will discuss benefits, side effects such as light sensitivity, and which approach fits your child.

## Outdoor time and lifestyle

WHO and NEI-aligned guidance links more outdoor time — often around 90 minutes or more daily when possible — with lower myopia risk. Balanced screen habits, good reading distance and regular eye exams help too. Myopia control works best when started early, before prescriptions become very high.

## Conditions this can help

## Frequently asked questions

### Can you stop myopia getting worse in children?

You cannot always stop it completely, but ortho-k, low-dose atropine, special contact lenses and more outdoor time can slow progression significantly in many children.

### Is ortho-k the same as myopia control?

Ortho-k is one myopia control method. It also gives glasses-free daytime vision, but it must be fitted and monitored by a specialist.

### How much outdoor time helps prevent myopia?

Research supports roughly 90 minutes or more of outdoor activity daily when possible. Outdoor light and distance viewing are thought to help, alongside limiting very long near work.

Your next step

## Take this to your appointment

Write down what has changed, when it started, your current medicines and the questions you want answered. Take these to your eye-care appointment.

Sudden loss of sight, severe eye pain or a dark curtain across vision needs immediate assessment. Do not wait to complete a worksheet.

## Sources for this information

These references support the information on this page. Follow the linked source for its full context.

- [National Eye Institute - Nearsightedness (Myopia)](https://www.nei.nih.gov/eye-health-information/eye-conditions-and-diseases/nearsightedness-myopia)