MiSight vs. Ortho-K: Which Myopia Treatment Is Best for Your Child?

If you're a parent in Orlando, Florida, and your child has been diagnosed with myopia (nearsightedness), you’re not alone—and you’re right to look for long-term solutions. Myopia is becoming increasingly common in children, and without proper management, it can progress quickly and lead to more serious vision problems later in life. Fortunately, families in the Orlando area have access to advanced treatment options like MiSight® 1 day contact lenses and orthokeratology (Ortho-K) lenses.
 

Understanding Myopia and Its Progression

Myopia occurs when the eye grows too long from front to back, causing light to focus in front of the retina rather than directly on it. This results in blurred distance vision. Myopia often begins in childhood and tends to progress rapidly during the school years, especially between ages 6 and 17. If left unmanaged, progressive myopia can lead to high myopia, which increases the risk of serious eye conditions later in life, such as retinal detachment, glaucoma, and macular degeneration. At Uptown Eyecare, we focus on evidence-based myopia control strategies tailored to each child’s unique needs.
 

What Are MiSight® 1 Day Contact Lenses?

MiSight® 1 day lenses are FDA-approved soft daily contact lenses specifically designed to slow the progression of myopia in children aged 8-12 at the start of treatment. These lenses use a unique optical design with concentric rings that simultaneously correct vision and signal the eye to slow its elongation.
 

Key benefits of MiSight® include:

• Daily disposable lens for hygienic, convenient use
• Comfortable for active kids
• Clinically proven to reduce myopia progression by up to 59% over 3 years

MiSight lenses are a great choice for children who are comfortable with contact lenses and prefer a simple daily routine.
 

What Is Ortho-K and How Does It Work?

Orthokeratology, or Ortho-K, involves specially designed rigid gas-permeable lenses that are worn overnight. These lenses gently reshape the cornea while your child sleeps, allowing them to wake up with clear vision - no glasses or contacts needed during the day. Beyond vision correction, Ortho-K has been shown to significantly slow axial elongation, the root cause of myopia progression.
 

Benefits of Ortho-K include:

• Daytime freedom from glasses or contacts
• Proven efficacy in slowing myopia progression
• Ideal for active children and athletes

Ortho-K is particularly suitable for children who are not ready for daytime contacts or want freedom from corrective eyewear during waking hours.
 

Which Is Best for Your Child?

There’s no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to managing myopia. Every child is different, and their treatment plan should reflect their unique needs. At Uptown Eyecare, we believe in taking a personalized approach to myopia control.
 

It starts with a comprehensive eye exam to assess your child’s overall eye health and visual needs. We then evaluate key factors such as your child’s age, the severity of their myopia, and their daily lifestyle and habits. Understanding these elements allows us to recommend a solution that fits both their vision and comfort needs.
 

We also take the time to discuss your child’s goals and their comfort level with contact lens wear. For some, MiSight® 1 day lenses may be the best fit because of their simple daily use and effectiveness. For others, Ortho-K lenses may be more appealing, offering the freedom of clear daytime vision without wearing lenses during the day. Our goal is to find the right balance of comfort, convenience, and effectiveness to support your child’s long-term vision health.
 

Take the Next Step at Uptown Eyecare

If your child has myopia, it’s important to act early. Our expert team is here to guide you through your options and build a custom myopia management plan that works.
 

If you are concerned about your child’s nearsightedness, schedule a pediatric eye exam with Uptown Eyecare to explore MiSight and Ortho-K. Contact our offices in Orlando, Florida, by calling our Hunter's Creek office at (407) 855-6132, or our Pixon Lake Nona location at (407) 378-2585 to book an appointment today.