Global use of myopia control contact lenses on the rise, survey finds
The use of myopia control contact lenses has increased significantly worldwide over the past 14 years, reflecting growing awareness and adoption among eye care professionals and parents to slow the progression of myopia in children, according to a study.
The study, which updates data collected between 2011 and 2018, analyzed over 8,500 contact lens fittings in 6-12-year-olds across 20 countries through 2024.
Soft myopia control (SMC) lenses rose from virtually no use in 2011 to 30.4% of soft lens fits by 2024. Orthokeratology myopia control (OKMC) lenses represented nearly 87% of all rigid lens fits by 2024. Between 2020 and 2024, 24% of all lenses fitted were SMC, 17% were OKMC, and the remaining 59% were non-myopia control lenses.
The researchers concluded that the data indicate growing global adoption of myopia control strategies, driven by increasing awareness among both clinicians and parents about the long-term benefits of early intervention in managing childhood myopia.
Reference
Efron N, Morgan PB, Woods CA, et al. International trends in prescribing contact lenses for myopia control (2011-2024): An update. Cont Lens Anterior Eye. 2025;102451. doi: 10.1016/j.clae.2025.102451. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 40451690.
