Atropine Drops vs. Eyeglasses & Contacts: Which is the Best Choice for Managing Myopia?

Myopia is becoming increasingly common among children and adults. As it progresses, it can significantly impact daily life and increase the risk of serious eye conditions such as retinal detachment, glaucoma, and macular degeneration. There are several options for myopia management, including atropine eye drops, multifocal eyeglasses and contact lenses, and Orthokeratology (Ortho-K).
 

Understanding Atropine Drops

Atropine eye drops have emerged as an effective way to slow the progression of myopia, especially in children. These drops work by relaxing the eye’s focusing mechanism, reducing strain that contributes to the elongation of the eye—one of the main causes of worsening myopia.
 

Benefits of Atropine Drops:

• Proven to slow myopia progression by 50-60% in many cases

• Easy to use with just a drop in each eye before bedtime

• Works well when combined with other myopia control methods

• Does not interfere with daytime vision
   

While atropine drops do not correct vision, they play a crucial role in managing myopia and are often recommended for children whose nearsightedness is rapidly worsening.
 

Exploring Multifocal Glasses & Contacts

Multifocal eyeglasses and contact lenses are another method used to manage myopia. These lenses contain different prescription zones that help the eyes focus more comfortably at varying distances, reducing eye strain and slowing myopia progression.
 

Benefits of Multifocal Glasses & Contacts:

• Improve vision while also slowing myopia progression

• Non-invasive and easy to integrate into daily life

• Provide clear vision for distance, intermediate, and near vision

• Suitable for children and adults
   

Multifocal lenses are an excellent option for individuals who need vision correction throughout the day while also seeking to control myopia.
 

What is Orthokeratology (Ortho-K)?

Ortho-K involves specially designed rigid gas-permeable contact lenses worn overnight to gently reshape the cornea. By temporarily correcting myopia, Ortho-K lenses provide clear vision throughout the day without the need for glasses or daytime contacts.
 

Benefits of Ortho-K:

• Provides clear vision during the day without corrective lenses

• Helps slow myopia progression by reshaping the cornea

• Ideal for children and active individuals who prefer to avoid glasses or contact lenses during the day

• Reversible and non-surgical
   

Ortho-K is particularly popular among children and young adults who engage in sports or other activities where glasses or daytime contacts may be inconvenient.
 

Which Option is Best Option?

The best choice for myopia management depends on various factors, including age, lifestyle, the severity of myopia, and personal preferences. In many cases, a combination of treatments—such as atropine drops with multifocal lenses or Ortho-K—may provide the most effective results.
 

A comprehensive eye exam is essential to determine the most suitable myopia management strategy. At Lifetime Eyecare, we assess each patient’s unique needs and provide personalized recommendations to help slow myopia progression and protect long-term vision.
 

Schedule Your Child’s Eye Exam Today

Managing myopia is more than just correcting vision—it’s about slowing its progression to reduce the risk of serious eye conditions in the future. Atropine drops, multifocal glasses and contact lenses, and Ortho-K each offer significant benefits, but the right choice depends on individual needs.
 

If your child has myopia, contact Lifetime Eyecare to schedule a comprehensive eye exam and explore the best treatment options for optimal eye health. Visit our office in Newton, North Carolina, or call (828) 731-2717 to book an appointment today.