Understanding MiSight® Contact Lenses: A Patient’s Guide to Myopia Control

If your child is nearsighted and their prescription seems to get stronger each year, you’re not alone. Myopia (nearsightedness) is increasing in kids worldwide — but now we have tools to help slow its progression. One of the most proven and well-studied options is MiSight® contact lenses, the only FDA-approved daily contact lenses designed specifically for myopia control in children.

What Is Myopia Control?

Traditional glasses or contact lenses help your child see clearly, but they don’t change the underlying reason the eye continues to grow longer. Myopia control refers to treatments that slow the rate of prescription changes over time, which may reduce the long-term risk of eye conditions associated with high nearsightedness, such as retinal detachment, glaucoma, and myopic macular degeneration.

What Are MiSight® Lenses?

MiSight® lenses are daily disposable soft contact lenses made for children who are nearsighted. Unlike regular contacts, MiSight® lenses have a special optical design that helps gently redirect peripheral light — this is believed to signal the eye to slow its growth, addressing the root cause of myopia progression.

MiSight lenses are also daily disposable contact lenses, meaning a fresh, clean lens is used every day ensuring optimal comfort & cleanliness. 

How Do MiSight® Lenses Work?

MiSight® lenses combine:

• Central correction to provide clear vision for school, sports, and everyday life

• Peripheral treatment zones that create a focused “signal” on the retina that can slow the eye’s elongation

This design aims to reduce the stimulus for the eye to grow longer — which is the main factor in myopia progression.

Who Are MiSight® Lenses Good For?

MiSight® lenses are an excellent option for:

• Children with progressive myopia

• Kids who are motivated and responsible enough to handle daily contact lenses

• Families looking for a non-glasses option during the day for myopic children

They are especially appropriate for children who want freedom from glasses during much of their day and for families who value the convenience of daily disposable lenses (no cleaning solution, fresh lens each day).

What Age Range Is Best?

MiSight® lenses are typically recommended for children ages 8 to 12, with many doctors fitting them in kids as young as 7 — depending on maturity and ability to handle and care for lenses. Since myopia progresses most quickly during school-age years, earlier intervention is very effective & highly recommended by doctors.

Are MiSight® Lenses Effective?

Yes — MiSight® has strong clinical evidence backing its use for myopia control. Studies have demonstrated that when worn consistently, MiSight® lenses can help slow nearsighted progression by an average of around 50–60% compared to standard single-vision lenses. Like all myopia control options, results vary, but many families see a meaningful reduction in prescription change over time. It should be noted that MiSight & other myopia control techniques slow the progression of myopia, not “reverse” it or cure it. 

What to Expect

With MiSight® lenses:

• Lenses are worn during waking hours and discarded at the end of the day

• Your child will still need routine eye exams and follow-ups to monitor vision and eye health

• Good lens care and handling habits are essential (even with dailies)

• Success hinges on consistent wear — missing days can lessen effectiveness

A Balanced Approach to Eye Health

Even with MiSight® lenses, good visual habits complement myopia control:

• Encourage plenty of outdoor time

• Breaks from prolonged near tasks (like reading or screen time)

• Regular follow-up with your eye care provider

Bottom Line

MiSight® contact lenses aren’t just a way to see clearly — they’re a proven, effective tool to help manage your child’s nearsightedness progression. For many families, they strike a great balance between vision correction, comfort, and evidence-based myopia control.

If your child’s prescription has been increasing each year, or you want to take steps now to protect their long-term eye health, ask your eye care provider about MiSight® lenses. They may be a smart choice to help keep your child’s vision clearer for longer — and potentially reduce risks down the road.

Further questions? Book your appointment with us here at Express Vision today!