Contact Lenses for Myopia (Short-Sightedness)

What Is Myopia?

Myopia is a refractive error where the eye focuses light in front of the retina instead of directly on it, making distant objects blurry while near vision remains relatively clear.¹ In a normal eye, the cornea and internal lens bend incoming light so it lands precisely on the retinal surface. In a myopic eye, the eyeball is slightly too long, or the cornea is too steeply curved. This means the focal point falls too early, before it reaches the retina.

Myopia affects approximately 36% of Australians and is becoming increasingly prevalent among both adults and children. Childhood diagnoses rose from 24.6% in 2017 to 28.8% in 2022, with increased near work and reduced outdoor time recognised as contributing factors.³

What Causes Myopia?

Myopia is most commonly caused by axial elongation. This means the eyeball grows slightly longer than normal from front to back. Less commonly, the cornea is too steep for the overall length of the eye. In both cases, the result is the same: light focuses too far forward.

Genetics play an important role, with a family history of short-sightedness significantly increases the risk. Environmental factors also contribute: sustained near work including reading and prolonged screen use is associated with faster progression, while spending approximately two hours outdoors daily during childhood appears to have a protective effect.¹

How Contact Lenses Correct Short-Sightedness

A single vision contact lens for myopia works by diverging incoming light before it enters the eye, reducing overall focusing power and moving the focal point back onto the retina.² These lenses are minus-powered, which is why they are thinner in the centre and thicker at the edges. For wearers with higher myopia, contact lenses can also improve visual quality by reducing the minification effect of stronger minus spectacle lenses.

Daily Disposable Lenses for Myopia

Daily disposable contact lenses are the most commonly prescribed option for myopia correction. A fresh, sterile lens is worn each morning and discarded at night, with no cleaning solution, no storage case, no overnight maintenance.

Monthly and Fortnightly Lenses for Short-Sightedness

Reusable contact lenses (fortnightly or monthly) are a reliable and cost-effective alternative for myopia correction, particularly for full-time wearers. These lenses must be removed each evening, cleaned with an approved solution, and stored overnight in a clean case.

Prescription Parameters: BC, DIA, and Vertex Distance

A contact lens prescription for myopia includes more than the sphere power. The base curve (BC) describes the curvature of the back surface of the lens. If it is too steep, the lens fits too tightly; if it is too flat, it moves too much. The diameter (DIA) specifies the overall lens width. Both are assessed during a professional contact lens fitting.

A glasses prescription cannot be used directly to order contact lenses because of vertex distance (the space between a spectacle lens and the eye). Because contact lenses sit directly on the eye, the effective power changes.For myopia stronger than approximately –4.00D, the contact lens power must be mathematically reduced compared to the glasses prescription to achieve the same visual result.

Frequently Asked Questions

Contact lens suitability, replacement schedules, and wear times must always be confirmed by your optometrist based on your individual prescription and eye health.

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