What Are Anti-Myopia Glasses and How Do They Work?


Myopia, or nearsightedness, is becoming increasingly common in children around the world. While traditional glasses correct blurred distance vision, they don’t stop myopia from getting worse. New solutions are emerging that help slow the condition’s advancement. One of the most promising innovations is anti-myopia glasses. Already popular in countries around the world, these specialized lenses are now making their way to the U.S. and offer an exciting new way to manage childhood myopia.
 

Understanding Myopia

Myopia occurs when the eye grows too long from front to back or the cornea is too curved. This causes light to focus in front of the retina instead of directly on it, making distant objects appear blurry. It typically begins in childhood and often progresses as the eyes continue to grow. Untreated myopia can increase the risk of serious eye conditions later in life, such as retinal detachment, glaucoma, and macular degeneration.
 

What Is Myopia Management?

Myopia management involves strategies to slow the eye’s abnormal elongation and reduce the risk of high myopia. Current treatment options we offer include:
 

• Orthokeratology (Ortho-K): Specially designed rigid contact lenses worn overnight that temporarily reshape the cornea to provide clear vision during the day and slow eye growth.
• Atropine Eye Drops: Low-dose atropine is a medicated drop used nightly to reduce myopia progression with minimal effect on pupil size or accommodation.
• MiSight® 1 Day Contact Lenses: The first FDA-approved soft contact lenses proven to slow the progression of myopia in children aged 8–12 at initiation.

These treatments are personalized based on a child’s age, myopia severity, and lifestyle needs.
 

Anti-Myopia Glasses: A Global Innovation Coming to the U.S.

Anti-myopia glasses have been used successfully in countries like China, Canada, and across Europe and will soon be available in the United States. Unlike standard lenses, these glasses feature specially designed optics that manage how light is focused in the peripheral retina. This is important because research shows that peripheral defocus plays a key role in signaling the eye to grow longer.
 

These lenses contain multiple small lens segments surrounding a central correction zone. While the central zone allows for clear vision, the surrounding defocus zones help redirect peripheral light to reduce the stimulus for continued eye growth.
 

How Do They Work?

Anti-myopia glasses work through peripheral defocus technology. By adjusting how light enters the eye around its edges, they alter the visual signal that contributes to axial elongation. Clinical studies have shown these lenses can slow myopia progression by up to 60% in some children. These lenses are non-invasive, easy to wear, and especially useful for children who are not yet ready for contact lenses or eye drops.
 

Why Early Myopia Management Is Essential

The earlier myopia is identified and managed, the better the chances of preserving long-term eye health. Slowing its progression can significantly reduce the risk of serious vision complications in adulthood. Early intervention also helps improve a child’s ability to see clearly in the classroom, supporting better learning and academic success. With more tools now available, families have greater flexibility and options to protect their child’s vision and overall development.
 

Schedule Your Child’s Eye Exam Today

At Vision One Eyecare, we’re committed to staying at the forefront of myopia management. Whether it’s Ortho-K, atropine drops, MiSight® lenses, or the latest anti-myopia glasses soon to be available in the U.S., we’re here to help guide you in protecting your child’s vision.
 

If you are concerned about your child’s nearsightedness, schedule a pediatric eye exam with Vision One Eyecare to explore myopia management treatments. Visit our office in Katy, Texas or call (281) 395-2010 to book an appointment today.