Specially designed spectacles
Some spectacle designs are intended to slow progression while providing clear central vision; current availability requires confirmation.
Availability to be confirmed
Myopia management
Myopia management aims to slow the rate at which childhood short-sightedness progresses. It does not cure myopia, reverse eye growth or guarantee that progression will stop. A thoughtful plan begins with the child's history, measurements, visual needs, maturity and family preferences, then considers options that are clinically appropriate and currently available.
On this page
Who may benefit
A careful starting assessment.
- Children who have recently developed myopia
- Children whose prescription has changed over time
- Families with a history of myopia who want an evidence-aware assessment
- Children already using a management option who need ongoing review
- Parents who want to understand benefits, limitations, risks and practical demands
Common reasons for seeking help
- Difficulty seeing a classroom board or other distant detail
- A spectacle prescription that appears to change frequently
- Myopia beginning at a younger age
- Questions about family history, outdoor time or sustained near work
- Interest in orthokeratology or another optical management option
What the service involves
Assessment before recommendation.
Build a progression picture
The clinician reviews age of onset, family history, previous prescriptions, current correction, daily visual environment and available measurements over time. A single prescription cannot show the whole trajectory.
Compare appropriate options
Available approaches may include specially designed spectacle or contact-lens correction and orthokeratology. The exact options supplied by Eksteen Optometrists must be confirmed. Any medical option would require the appropriate prescriber and regulatory pathway.
Share decisions with the child and family
The plan should be practical for school, sport, handling and family routines. The child should understand what the option does, while parents understand evidence, safety, cost and follow-up before deciding.
A flexible pathway
What to expect.
Not every patient follows every stage, and the order may change. The practitioner will explain what is relevant for you.
- 01
History and previous records
Review onset, family history, prescriptions, correction and visual habits.
- 02
Vision and refraction
Measure current distance and near vision and prescription using age-appropriate methods.
- 03
Eye-health assessment
Check the eyes and identify any finding that changes or delays the plan.
- 04
Progression and risk discussion
Explain what the available history suggests without predicting an exact future prescription.
- 05
Options and informed choice
Compare clear correction, evidence, expected effort, limitations, risks and alternatives.
- 06
Fitting or dispensing
Provide and teach the selected optical option if suitable and available.
- 07
Monitor and adapt
Review vision, eye health, adherence, experience and change using an individual schedule.
Possible options
Options depend on findings, goals and practical needs.
Specialist soft contact lenses
Some daytime lens designs may be considered for a child who can use them safely; current availability requires confirmation.
Availability to be confirmed
Orthokeratology
Overnight lenses may form part of a plan for a suitable child, with explicit overnight-wear risk counselling and close aftercare.Learn about orthokeratologyStandard clear correction
Up-to-date spectacles or contact lenses remain important for clear vision even when a management intervention is not selected.Explore spectacle correctionPotential benefits
- Clear correction combined with a plan to monitor change
- Potentially slower progression for some children using an evidence-informed option
- Parent and child education grounded in realistic expectations
- Regular review of vision, eye health and practical experience
Limitations and context
- No approach can guarantee that myopia will stop.
- Treatment effects vary between children and may change over time.
- Long-term comparative evidence and the effect on later eye-disease incidence remain incomplete.
- Every option has practical demands, limitations and possible adverse effects.
- The current options, measurements and review protocol at the practice require confirmation.
Safety and follow-up
Care continues after the first visit.
- Follow the prescribed wearing, handling and review plan for the selected optical option.
- Contact-lens options require careful hand hygiene, no water exposure and prompt response to symptoms.
- Encourage regular outdoor time and sensible breaks from sustained close work without presenting these habits as a cure.
- Keep the child's everyday correction up to date.
This page provides general information and does not replace an individual eye examination or advice. Suitability, current service availability and the exact care pathway must be confirmed with Eksteen Optometrists.
Useful answers
Frequently asked questions
These answers are general. An individual assessment is needed for advice about your own eyes, prescription or lenses.
Can myopia be stopped or reversed?
No option can promise this. Management aims to slow progression while providing clear vision.
Which option is most effective?
Group averages do not identify the best option for one child. Evidence, age, prescription, eye health, practical demands, risks and preferences all matter.
Do screens cause myopia?
Myopia has multiple influences. Sustained close work and limited outdoor time may be relevant, but a screen alone is not a complete explanation and families should not be blamed.
How long will my child need management?
There is no universal duration. The plan is reviewed as the child grows and as prescription, measurements, response, evidence and preferences change.
Contact the practice for myopia management
Share the main concern and any relevant diagnosis. The practice will contact you to discuss the appropriate appointment type.