If your child is short‑sighted (myopic) or at risk of becoming so, 2026 brings great news. This year marks some of the biggest advances we’ve ever seen in children’s eye‑care, with new designs in glasses, contact lenses, orthokeratology, and even approved eye‑drop treatments now available in the UK.
This is arguably the biggest development of 2026:
Low‑dose atropine eye drops have now been approved for use in the UK for children with progressive myopia.
These drops have been used internationally for years, and the clinical evidence behind them is strong.
Stellest® just got even better
Essilor Luxottica has announced the next generation of Stellest® 2.0 lenses, offering an even stronger signal to the eye to slow down myopic growth. Available in the UK from Feb 2026, these lenses build on the already excellent results of original Stellest and are recommended for younger children or those at higher risk.
HOYA MiYOSMART iQ
Launched in Summer 2026, iQ is the latest evolution of the award-winning MiYOSMART myopia control lens. Building on the proven D.I.M.S. technology used in the original design, MiYOSMART iQ incorporates an enhanced optical profile that has demonstrated outstanding early clinical results.
New DOT (Diffusion Optics Technology) lenses
A new category of DOT‑based lenses now provides more precise control of peripheral defocus, which is especially helpful for younger children who need stronger, earlier control. These designs come from advances in optical engineering and have shown clinically meaningful reductions in progression.
ZEISS MyoCare – tailored by age
ZEISS now offers two designs for different age groups:
Both lenses use ZEISS’s C.A.R.E.® ring technology and have been shown to significantly slow myopia in both Asian and European children.
These updated lens options mean children can now receive more personalised spectacle‑based treatment than ever before.
MiSight® now in Silicone Hydrogel (SiH)
A major step forward: the proven MiSight® technology is now available in the breathable, comfortable MyDay® silicone hydrogel material, launching in the UK from February 2026.
This means clearer vision, healthier eyes, and even easier all‑day wear for children.
NaturalVue® Multifocal: next‑generation trials
Alongside MiSight updates, new NaturalVue® Multifocal trial data has emerged internationally, showing meaningful improvements in optical control and comfort. These updated findings support NaturalVue’s role as an important soft‑lens option for myopia management, especially for older children and teens.
Specialist Designs
For children with higher prescriptions or significant astigmatism, who cannot wear disposable lenses, we now have more customised specialist contact lens options for myopia control than ever before.
Orthokeratology (Ortho‑K) remains a popular option for children who want clear daytime vision without wearing lenses or glasses, and the newest designs now include more advanced fitting systems that cover a wider range of prescriptions. These updated models also offer adjustable treatment‑zone sizes to enhance comfort, centration, and overall myopia‑control effectiveness.
Major clinical trials show that combining:
…can double the overall treatment effect compared to either treatment alone.
Alongside these new treatments, the latest advice still highlights the importance of outdoor time, sleep routines, balanced screen use, and good nutrition in supporting healthy eye development.
We’ve put all the lifestyle & dietary tips on a separate page for you:
Final Thoughts
Myopia management has evolved significantly over recent years, and 2026 brings even better tools to help protect long term vision. Now is a great time to review your treatment options with a myopia consultation to ensure your eyes are getting the best care available.
Make an appointment: with one our Specialist Optometrists at ZACKS EYE CLINIC, LONDON
Further Reading: Myopia Management
