How fast is your child’s vision changing and what can you realistically do to slow it down?
I’m David Truong, owner and Principal Optometrist at Beyond Eyecare. I’ve spent years helping families across Sydney find the right vision care for their kids—especially when it comes to managing myopia. It’s something I take seriously because I’ve seen how quickly short-sightedness can progress when left unchecked.
In this article, I’ll explain what MiSight contact lenses are, how they work, and why they’ve become a trusted choice for parents. You’ll also get a side-by-side look at how they compare to other myopia control methods, from Ortho-K overnight contact lenses to atropine eye drops.
Key Takeaways:
- MiSight contact lenses are the first soft lenses clinically proven to slow myopia progression in children.
- They work by combining clear central vision with peripheral defocus to reduce eye elongation.
- Daily disposable design helps lower the risk of infection and makes them easy for kids to manage.
- MiSight is most effective when started between ages 8–12, with early intervention delivering the best results.
Understanding MiSight Contact Lenses
MiSight contact lenses are not your typical daily disposables—they are specifically engineered to manage myopia progression in children. Developed by CooperVision, these lenses incorporate ActivControl® Technology, a unique optical design that corrects vision while also addressing the underlying cause of worsening myopia: excessive elongation of the eye. By delivering clear central vision and simultaneously providing peripheral defocus, MiSight helps to slow down this growth in a clinically proven and child-friendly way.
The lenses feature concentric treatment zones that work intelligently throughout the day. The central zone provides the clarity your child needs for school, sports, and everyday tasks, while the surrounding rings subtly alter peripheral focus to reduce the stimulus for further eye elongation. This dual-function design allows children to benefit from both effective vision correction and proactive myopia management—without the need for glasses or eye drops.
To learn more about the benefits of MiSight daily disposable contact lenses, watch the following video with Dr Michael Nelson from the Good Optometry Morning YouTube channel.
Clinical Benefits of MiSight Lenses
MiSight contact lenses are changing the way we manage childhood myopia. With strong clinical backing and years of real-world success, they offer clear benefits that go beyond simply seeing better.
- Proven long-term impact on myopia progression.
Clinical studies over seven years show an average 59% reduction in myopia progression. Nearly 90% of children using MiSight had slower prescription changes than those in standard lenses. - Helps lower risk of future eye disease.
By slowing eye elongation, MiSight reduces the chances of developing high myopia. That means a lower lifetime risk of conditions like retinal detachment and glaucoma. - No rebound after stopping.
During treatment, myopia progression is dramatically slowed. But even after discontinuing use, there’s no rebound effect where myopia worsens rapidly.
MiSight offers parents a reliable way to slow myopia without compromising eye health or daily routines. Backed by data, it’s a smart, safe choice.
Ideal Candidates for MiSight
In my practice, I’ve found that MiSight contact lenses are most effective when introduced early—typically between the ages of 8 and 12. That’s usually when myopia starts to emerge and tends to progress quickly. The sooner we begin managing it, the better chance we have at slowing things down. If your child is already short-sighted and their prescription changes from year to year, they’re likely a strong candidate for MiSight.
When I assess suitability, I consider more than just age or prescription strength. A child’s readiness plays an equally important role. Those who can maintain good hygiene and follow a simple daily routine tend to do very well with these lenses. MiSight is an excellent option for children who lead active lives, play sports, or feel self-conscious in glasses. The combination of visual freedom and a boost in confidence often makes a noticeable difference—for both the child and their parents.
Advantages Of Daily Disposable Design
Why choose daily disposables over reusable lenses for kids? One word — hygiene. With MiSight, your child uses a fresh, sterile lens every morning and throws it away at night. There’s no cleaning solution, no cases, and far less chance of bacteria building up. That simplicity makes a big difference, especially when we’re relying on kids to follow routines without shortcuts.
There’s also comfort to consider. MiSight lenses are made from Omafilcon A, a soft material that holds moisture well and lets plenty of oxygen reach the eye. That means they stay comfortable even after hours of school, screens, and sport. Kids pick up the technique of inserting and removing them surprisingly fast, and most of them adapt within days.
To learn more about MiSight contacts, watch the following short video from the Doctor Eye Health YouTube channel.
How MiSight Compares to Other Myopia Control Options
Which option actually suits your child’s lifestyle best?
MiSight contact lenses offer a solid middle ground. Unlike Ortho-K, there’s no need to wear lenses overnight. That means less pressure around bedtime and fewer worries about cleaning routines. Ortho-K does give lens-free vision during the day, but for some kids (and parents), daily disposables are simply easier to manage.
Compared to myopia control glasses like MiYOSMART or Stellest, MiSight gives full peripheral vision. No frames, no reflections, and no worries about lost glasses on school excursions. It’s a huge plus for sporty or self-conscious kids who don’t like how they look in specs.
Atropine drops are effective, but can come with light sensitivity and pupil dilation. MiSight skips the side effects.
Here’s a quick look at how MiSight stacks up against other common myopia control options:
Option | Wear Time | Key Benefits | Potential Drawbacks |
MiSight | Daytime | Clear vision + slows myopia progression | Requires child to manage daily lenses |
Ortho-K | Overnight | No lenses during day, effective control | Strict cleaning needed, less suitable for younger kids |
Myopia Control Glasses | Daytime | Easy to use, familiar | Can obstruct peripheral vision, less ideal for sport |
Atropine Eye Drops | Nighttime (usually) | Non-invasive, no physical lens | Light sensitivity, daily drops needed |
What To Expect with MiSight at Beyond Eyecare
When you visit Beyond Eyecare, we start with a thorough eye examination. I assess your child’s prescription, overall eye health, and axial length—the key measurement that helps us understand how quickly their eyes are growing. If MiSight looks suitable, we go ahead with an in-clinic lens fitting. Your child gets to try the lenses on, and I carefully check for comfort, fit, and vision clarity. It’s important to me that both you and your child feel confident before moving forward.
Next comes the trial phase. This gives your child the chance to wear MiSight in their day-to-day life—at school, during sport, and even through those long stretches of homework. I follow up regularly during this time to track how things are going and make adjustments if needed. Once we’re all happy, we lock in a follow-up plan with scheduled reviews, ongoing axial length measurements, and any tweaks required as your child grows. It’s a comprehensive care model designed to manage myopia over the long term.
MiSight typically costs around $1,200 per year. That includes the lenses, all fitting appointments, regular follow-ups, and axial length monitoring. It’s not just a product—it’s a program. Many families find that private health insurance, especially with extras cover, can offset a significant portion of the cost. Considering the long-term risks associated with high myopia—like retinal detachment, glaucoma, and macular degeneration—it’s an investment in your child’s future eye health, not just their present-day vision.
Final Thoughts
If your child is between 8 and 12 and showing signs of worsening short-sightedness, this could be the right time to act. Early intervention means fewer changes to prescription, better long-term eye health, and more freedom for your child to live, play, and learn without barriers.
Book an appointment with Beyond Eyecare today at Zetland (02) 9662 6364 or Surry Hills (02) 9556 1160. You can also schedule a convenient time through our website.