Are these the same multifocals adults wear for reading?

Same family of designs, different job: in children the peripheral profile is used to influence eye growth while the center corrects distance.

At what age can kids handle contacts?

Maturity matters more than birthdays — kids who manage hygiene and routines do well; the fitting visit tells us quickly.

Do multifocal contacts work as well as Ortho-K for myopia control?

Both are respected options. We lead with Ortho-K, and choose per child based on measurements, lifestyle and how each eye responds.

Do multifocal contact lenses slow myopia?

Yes, in children, when the design carries enough peripheral power. In the BLINK randomized trial, children wearing high-add multifocal soft lenses progressed about 0.46 diopters less over three years than children in single-vision lenses, and their eyes grew less; medium-add lenses made little difference. Design and fit decide the effect, which is why progression is measured at every check.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Brandon Cohenmehr, OD Last reviewed October 24, 2026

Multifocal Contacts for Myopia

Daytime soft lenses that correct and control at once.

Soft multifocal contact lenses carry more than one power: clear central correction, with a surrounding profile that changes how light lands on the peripheral retina — the signal believed to slow eye growth. Worn by day, replaced on schedule, no overnight wear involved.

Book appointmentOr call 310-828-2010 Accepted insurance

Worn: Daytime, like normal soft lenses
Mechanism: Peripheral defocus profile
Suits: Kids ready for daytime lens care
Alternative to: Ortho-K or Stellest

Who they suit

The daytime path to control.

A good fit when: A child is comfortable handling lenses by day, wants freedom from glasses, but isn’t suited to or ready for overnight Ortho-K.
Why families pick them: Familiar soft-lens routine, disposable schedules, and correction plus control in one device. The first FDA-approved daily design here is MiSight 1 Day — covered on its own page.
How they compare: Ortho-K leads our program and adds lens-free days; multifocals keep everything in daylight hours. Measurement, age, prescription and personality pick the winner.
What stays the same: Hygiene rules, replacement schedules, and progression checks on the calendar.

The full menu

One goal, four tools.

Compare the options

Common questions

Multifocal contacts, answered.

Anything else, call the office at 310-828-2010.

Same family of designs, different job: in children the peripheral profile is used to influence eye growth while the center corrects distance.
Maturity matters more than birthdays — kids who manage hygiene and routines do well; the fitting visit tells us quickly.
Both are respected options. We lead with Ortho-K, and choose per child based on measurements, lifestyle and how each eye responds.
Yes, in children, when the design carries enough peripheral power. In the BLINK randomized trial, children wearing high-add multifocal soft lenses progressed about 0.46 diopters less over three years than children in single-vision lenses, and their eyes grew less; medium-add lenses made little difference. Design and fit decide the effect, which is why progression is measured at every check.