Myopia cannot be reversed — but its progression can be slowed significantly. Myopia control treatments work by reducing the rate at which the eyeball grows longer, keeping your child’s prescription more stable and reducing the risk of serious eye complications later in life.

Treatment Options at a Glance

1. Atropine Eye Drops

Atropine is a medication that has been used in ophthalmology for over 150 years. In very low concentrations, it is now the most evidence-based treatment for slowing myopia progression in children.

How it works

Low-dose atropine acts on receptors in the retina to slow the biological signals that cause the eyeball to grow too long. It does not correct the existing blur — the child still needs glasses or contact lenses — but it significantly reduces how fast the prescription worsens each year.

What the research shows

The landmark ATOM2 study (Singapore) and LAMP study (Hong Kong) demonstrated:

• 0.01% atropine — slows progression by about 50% with minimal side effects
• 0.025% atropine — slows progression by about 63%
• 0.05% atropine — slows progression by about 77%

How it is used

• One drop in each eye, given at bedtime
• Completely painless and takes less than 10 seconds
• Usually prescribed for 2 years initially, continued if the child is still progressing
• Most effective in children aged 5-14

2. Orthokeratology (Ortho-K) / Night Lenses

Ortho-K lenses are specially designed rigid contact lenses that a child wears only at night while sleeping. They gently reshape the cornea, providing clear, glasses-free vision during the day — and also slow myopia progression by about 50%. They are an excellent option for children who are active in sports or do not want to wear glasses during the day.

3. Multifocal / Peripheral Defocus Contact Lenses

These specially designed soft contact lenses or spectacle lenses have different focusing zones. While the centre corrects the child’s distance vision, the peripheral zones create a specific blur pattern that is believed to signal the eye to slow its growth. Studies show these lenses can reduce progression by 25-50%.

4. Increased Outdoor Time

While not a medical treatment, increasing outdoor time to 1-2 hours per day is one of the most accessible and effective strategies. Bright natural light triggers retinal dopamine release, which naturally slows eye elongation. This works best as a prevention strategy and can complement other treatments.

Which Treatment Is Right for My Child?

There is no single ‘best’ treatment — the right choice depends on the child’s age, degree of myopia, rate of progression, lifestyle, and parental preference. Many children do best on a combination (for example, atropine drops plus increased outdoor time). A myopia specialist can design a personalised plan for your child.