Pediatric Myopia Management Clinic — From Ortho-K (Dream Lens) to MiSight and MiyoSmart
A child's myopia does not end with the glasses prescription going up every year. If myopia progresses rapidly during growth, it becomes high myopia in adulthood, and high myopia is a risk factor for retinal disease and glaucoma. That is why pediatric eye care today is centered not on “fitting glasses” but on management that slows the progression of myopia.
At the St. Mary's Jin Eye Center Pediatric Myopia Management Clinic, an ophthalmologist trained at Seoul St. Mary's Hospital performs a detailed examination and proposes a management method suited to your child's eye condition and lifestyle. A 3-minute walk from Gangnam Station Exit 5 — a convenient location for a check-up on the way to school or academy.
When myopia management consultation is needed
- When the glasses prescription rises noticeably within 6 months to 1 year
- When a child in the lower grades of elementary school has already started wearing glasses (the younger, the faster the progression tends to be)
- When one or both parents have high myopia
- When near work such as smartphones and studying is prolonged and outdoor activity is limited
Comparison of myopia control methods
| Method | What it is | Suited for |
|---|---|---|
| Dream Lens (orthokeratology lens) | Worn during sleep to reshape the cornea, allowing glasses-free daytime vision. A myopia control effect has been reported. | Children who want to be active without glasses or lenses during the day; very active children (e.g., swimming) |
| MiSight (MiSight) | Daily-disposable soft contact lenses for pediatric myopia management, worn during the day. | Children who have difficulty adapting to Ortho-K or prefer daytime lenses |
| MiyoSmart (MiyoSmart) | Glasses with a special lens design (D.I.M.S.) that help slow myopia progression. No surgery or contact lens wear. | Younger children for whom contact lenses are burdensome; children who are comfortable with glasses |
| Low-dose atropine | Myopia control eye drops applied before bedtime (e.g., Myoguard). Used alone or combined with other methods. | Children with rapid progression; children who need combined management |
Which method is right depends on corneal shape, degree of myopia, and the child's lifestyle, and is decided together with the specialist after a detailed examination. Detailed costs for each method are provided at your in-clinic consultation (Ortho-K costs can also be inquired via Online Consultation).
How Ortho-K (Dream Lens) treatment proceeds
- 1. Detailed examination — Corneal topography, refraction, and eye health check to determine suitability for wear
- 2. Trial fitting & prescription — Selecting the lens that fits your child's cornea
- 3. Wear training — Training for the child and guardian on insertion, cleaning, and storage
- 4. Regular check-ups — Intensive checks in the early period of wear, then regular checks of vision and corneal condition
FAQ
From what age is it possible? We usually consult from elementary school age; it depends on the child's cooperation and eye condition and is decided after a detailed examination.
Does Ortho-K make myopia go away? No. It is a management method that corrects daytime vision and slows progression; it is not a treatment that eliminates myopia itself. We explain these limitations openly before starting.
How often are the regular check-ups? At short intervals in the early period of wear, then regularly as determined by the specialist once stable.
The timing is difficult because of academy schedules. Weekday registration is open until 17:45, and Saturday hours are 09:00–15:00 with no lunch break. Booking an appointment can reduce waiting time.
Online Booking Tel. 02-577-7782
St. Mary's Jin Eye Center · 337 Gangnam-daero, Seocho-gu, Seoul · 3-minute walk from Gangnam Station Exit 5 · Hours: weekdays 09:00–18:00 (lunch 13:00–14:00), Saturday 09:00–15:00
