Comparing Myopia Control Treatment Options: Glasses, Contacts or Drops. Which is right for you?

Myopia is one of the most common eye conditions worldwide. Over one-third of the global population — and around 6.3 million Australians — are affected, with rates expected to reach 52% by 2050. With numbers rising, it’s important to understand your options.

Myopia treatments refer to standard methods that correct vision, like glasses or contact lenses. Myopia management treatments, on the other hand, are designed to slow the eye’s growth, reducing the risk of stronger prescriptions and future eye disease. This blog explores the key treatment options available to manage myopia and discusses the various factors that can help you make an informed decision about which treatment option is best for you.

How do we check the effectiveness of myopia management options?

When comparing treatments, effectiveness is usually measured by axial length (the length of the eye) and refractive error (the prescription strength needed to correct vision). These are the only reliable ways to track whether myopia is progressing or stabilising. 

In cases of myopia, axial length grows too quickly or too long. This means light is focusing at a point in front of the retina, rather than directly on it. The most accurate way of measuring axial length is with an instrument called an optical biometer, which we use at Vision Camberwell Optometrists.  

Unfortunately, not all practices that offer myopia management actually measure axial length — and this is a crucial gap in care. Axial length measurement is considered the gold standard in myopia management, as it provides a true picture of how the eye is growing over time. Without it, patients aren’t getting the complete level of care they deserve. 

In myopia, the refractive error means that light focuses in front of the retina, making distant objects appear blurry while near objects remain clear. Refractive error (i.e. myopia) is measured during an eye exam using a phoropter. We also place trial frames with lenses of different powers to find the most suitable prescription. 

FIG 1.
Normal Eye

FIG 2.
Myopic Eye

Comparing Myopia Treatment Options: Quick Comparison

Treatment option: Glasses

Treatment option: Soft contact lenses

Soft contact lenses (including MiSight myopia-control lenses) rest on your cornea and can be prescribed specifically for myopia control.

How do they work? 

Soft contact lenses sit on the surface of your eye and bend (refract) light so it focuses correctly on your retina, helping you see clearly.

Do they have any side effects? 

Some people may experience dry eyes, mild irritation, or redness. Rarely, infections can occur if lenses aren’t cleaned or worn properly.

Do they slow the progression of myopia?

Regular soft lenses mostly correct vision but don’t slow myopia progression. There are a few myopia control soft lenses available.

What ages is it suitable for? 

Children, teens, and adults can wear soft lenses. Usually, children around 8-9 years old can start wearing them independently if they are responsible with lens care.

Treatment option: Ortho K lenses

FIG 1. NO LENS

FIG 2. LENS FITTED

FIG 3. OVERNIGHT WEAR

FIG 4. LENS REMOVED

Orthokeratology (Ortho K) lenses reshape the cornea overnight, so no lenses are needed during the day.

How do they work? 

Worn overnight, they temporarily reshape the cornea, providing clear vision all day without glasses or lenses.

Do they have any side effects? 

They carry the same risks as contact lenses — a risk of infection if not cleaned properly.

Do they slow the progression of myopia? 

Research says that Ortho K lenses are effective in slowing down myopia progression. According to a key study, 41.5% of Ortho K users experienced low levels of myopia progression over a two-year period. 

What ages is it suitable for? 

They are an excellent option for active kids or adults who don’t want to wear lenses during the day.

Treatment option: Atropine drops

Atropine eye drops are a medicated option used to slow eye growth. They don’t correct vision, so glasses or contact lenses are still needed for people to see clearly. 

How do they work? 

Traditionally used to dilate pupils, atropine is now prescribed at low doses (0.01–0.05%) to slow myopia progression.

Do they have any side effects? 

Possible pupil dilation, light sensitivity, and near-vision blur due to ciliary muscle relaxation.

Do they slow the progression of myopia? 

Research suggests 0.05% is the most effective dose with minimal side effects.

What ages is it suitable for? 

Atropine drops are primarily suited to children.

Treatment option: RLRL therapy

Repeated low-level red-light (RLRL) therapy is a newer approach for myopia management. This treatment is used for children with myopia to control the progression of the condition.

How does it work? 

Children look into a device emitting safe, low-level red light to reduce myopia progression. With RLRL, children still need to wear glasses or contact lenses to correct vision. 

Does it have any side effects? 

Some children report temporary afterimages. Safety studies suggest risks are low with the correct dosage. We recommend monitoring eye health regularly to ensure there are no further side effects. 

Does it slow the progression of myopia? 

Research supports its ability to slow progression, but it is still relatively new.

What ages is it suitable for? 

Usage and research for RLRL therapy is mostly studied in young children.

How can you decide what’s the right treatment option for you?

Choosing the right option depends on more than just effectiveness. Think about these factors:

Lifestyle: 

Think about your (or your child’s) daily activities. Ortho-K may suit active lifestyles, while glasses may be easier to manage.

Comfort: 

Different treatments require different levels of tolerance. Eye drops need consistent application, and contact lenses must be worn and cared for properly. It’s important to choose an option you feel comfortable with.

Cost over time: 

Some treatments are ongoing and require regular purchases, like daily drops or disposable lenses. Myopia-control lenses for glasses start from $540 for a pair ($270 per lens) plus a frame, depending on prescription, frame and lens thickness, and a private health rebate may apply; see our myopia-control glasses page. Others, such as Ortho-K, may involve a higher upfront cost but fewer recurring expenses. Our OrthoK programme starts from $2,000 for both eyes, and Medicare rebates and/or private health rebates may apply; see our OrthoK fitting and fees page for what is included. Consider what works best for your budget.

Long-term availability: 

Myopia control is a long-term treatment, often lasting several years. It’s best to choose an option that you (or your child) can manage consistently. 

Always discuss options with your optometrist  to find a plan that balances effectiveness and lifestyle.

How else can you control myopia?

Beyond treatment, lifestyle factors play an important role in slowing myopia:

• Increased outdoor time is helpful. Daylight exposure is strongly linked to slower progression.
• Screen breaks can help you avoid prolonged exposure to screens without rest.
• Get regular eye checks because early detection and monitoring are key. We recommend getting annual eye tests, unless your optometrist recommends otherwise. 
• Maintaining overall sleep & health is always a way to support your eye health. This includes getting adequate rest.

Conclusion

Myopia treatments aim to slow progression, not cure it — and the best option varies for every person. Whether it’s glasses, contacts, drops, or newer therapies, consistency and long-term management matter most. Book an appointment with Vision Camberwell Optometrists to discuss which option is right for your family. Contact us if you’d like to discuss a myopia management plan.

References:

1. https://www.cera.org.au/conditions/myopia-and-refractive-error/
2. https://myopiainstitute.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Myopia_report_020517.pdf 
3. https://journals.lww.com/optvissci/Abstract/2012/01000/Myopia_Progression_Rates_in_Urban_Children_Wearing.7.aspx 
4. https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamaophthalmology/fullarticle/1813321 
5. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9522561/ 
6. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38906728/ 
7. https://www.myopiaprofile.com/articles/latest-research-atropine-efficacy-safety-NVK002 
8. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39672511/