Blog:Atropine Drops & Soft Contact Lenses for Myopia Control: What’s Right for Your Child?

At Texas State Optical Fair Oaks, we offer advanced myopia control options designed to slow myopia progression while supporting your child’s long-term eye health. Two of the most effective treatments are low-dose atropine eye drops and soft contact lenses designed for myopia control. Understanding how each option works can help you decide what’s right for your child.
Traditional glasses and contact lenses correct blurry vision, but they do not slow the progression of myopia. Myopia control focuses on managing how quickly myopia worsens as a child grows.
Children’s eyes continue to develop throughout childhood and adolescence. When myopia progresses rapidly, it can lead to higher prescriptions and increased long-term eye health risks. Myopia control treatments aim to reduce that progression, helping protect your child’s vision for the future.
Low-dose atropine eye drops are a clinically proven option for slowing myopia progression in children. Atropine is applied as a nightly eye drop, typically before bedtime. At low concentrations, atropine helps slow the elongation of the eye, which is the primary cause of myopia progression.
Benefits of Atropine Drops
• Easy once-daily use at bedtime
• Suitable for younger children who are not ready for contact lenses
• Minimal impact on daily activities
• Can be combined with glasses or contact lenses
Atropine is often recommended for younger children or for families looking for a simple, non-invasive treatment option.
Specialized soft contact lenses designed for myopia control provide vision correction while actively slowing myopia progression. These lenses use advanced optical designs that reduce eye growth signals associated with myopia progression. They are worn during the day and function similarly to standard soft contact lenses.
Benefits of Soft Myopia Control Contact Lenses
• Clear vision throughout the day without glasses
• Active myopia control while the lenses are worn
• Ideal for active children involved in sports or extracurricular activities
• Daily disposable options promote hygiene and convenience
Choosing between atropine drops and soft contact lenses depends on several factors, including:
• Your child’s age and prescription
• Rate of myopia progression
• Lifestyle and activity level
• Comfort with eye drops or contact lenses
• Family preferences and long-term goals
In some cases, a combined approach may be recommended to maximize myopia control effectiveness. We perform comprehensive pediatric eye exams and myopia evaluations to determine the most appropriate treatment plan for your child. Regular monitoring allows us to track progression, adjust treatment when needed, and ensure your child’s eyes remain healthy as they grow.
Both atropine drops and soft contact lenses are effective, evidence-based options for managing childhood myopia. The right choice depends on your child’s age, lifestyle, and individual visual needs.
If your child has been diagnosed with myopia, contact Texas State Optical Fair Oaks to schedule a consultation and learn which treatment option is best for your child. Visit our office in Fair Oaks Ranch, Texas, or call (210) 698-6393 to book an appointment today.