Question 1

What is myopia management?

Accepted Answer

Myopia management (or myopia control) is a set of treatments — such as special contact lenses, spectacle lenses, or low-dose eye drops — that aim to slow how quickly a child’s short-sightedness gets worse over time. It does more than correct blurry distance vision: the goal is to limit how far the myopia progresses.

Question 2

How is it different from regular glasses?

Accepted Answer

Ordinary glasses and contacts correct blurry vision, but they aren’t designed to influence how fast myopia advances. Myopia-control options both correct vision and aim to slow its progression, which can help lower the long-term risks linked to higher levels of myopia.

Question 3

When should myopia management start?

Accepted Answer

Short-sightedness often progresses fastest through the school-age and teenage years, so there can be value in starting sooner rather than later. The right time depends on the individual child — Dr. Fong will assess your child and talk through whether and when to begin.

Question 4

Can myopia be reversed or cured?

Accepted Answer

Myopia management is about slowing progression, not reversing or curing existing short-sightedness. Your child will still have their vision corrected so they can see clearly — the aim is to keep the prescription from worsening as quickly.

Question 5

Which option is right for my child?

Accepted Answer

There’s no single right answer — the best approach depends on your child’s age, prescription, lifestyle, and how they respond over time. Dr. Fong creates a personalized plan and monitors progress at regular follow-ups, adjusting as your child grows.

Question 6

Does myopia control actually work?

Accepted Answer

Yes — myopia control is an evidence-based area of eye care. Research supports that treatments such as ortho-k, myopia-control contact and spectacle lenses, and low-dose atropine can meaningfully slow how quickly a child’s short-sightedness progresses compared with ordinary glasses alone. Results vary from child to child, which is why Dr. Fong measures progress at regular follow-ups and adjusts the plan.

Question 7

At what age can my child start myopia management?

Accepted Answer

Myopia usually begins around school age and tends to progress fastest through the childhood and teenage years, so there’s real value in starting early — often once a child is diagnosed as short-sighted, or if they’re at higher risk because a parent is. There isn’t a strict cut-off; Dr. Fong will assess your child and advise whether and when to begin.

Question 8

Is myopia control covered by OHIP or insurance?

Accepted Answer

In Ontario, routine eye exams for children are generally covered by OHIP, and we’ll bill that directly. Myopia-control treatments and materials themselves — such as specialty lenses or drops — are typically not covered by OHIP, though many private and workplace insurance plans contribute. We’ll go over exactly what’s covered and what isn’t before starting, so there are no surprises.

Question 9

How much does myopia control cost?

Accepted Answer

The cost depends on which approach suits your child and how long treatment continues, so we don’t quote a single price up front. During the myopia assessment, Dr. Fong will recommend an approach and our team will walk you through the full cost — including lenses or drops and follow-up visits — so you can make an informed decision.

Eye Disease	-2.00 D	-4.00 D	-6.00 D	-8.00 D
Myopic Maculopathy	2.2×	9.7×	40.6×	126.8×
Retinal Detachment	3.1×	9.0×	21.5×	44.2×
PSC Cataract	1.6×	3.2×	5.4×	12.3×
Glaucoma	1.7×	2.5×	2.5×	N/A

More than stronger glasses every year.

Why managing myopia is worth it

Myopic Maculopathy

Retinal Detachment

PSC Cataract

Glaucoma

Signs your child may be short-sighted

Squinting to see far away

Sitting very close

Holding things close

A family history

Ways we slow myopia

Orthokeratology (Ortho-K)

Myopia-control contact lenses

Myopia-control glasses

Low-dose atropine drops

Habits that help

Time outdoors

The 20-20-20 rule

A comfortable working distance

Related eye care services

Ortho-K

Comprehensive eye exams

Frequently asked questions

Get ahead of your child’s myopia

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