Progressive myopia in children: specialised lenses and the Isolani method

A child doesn’t just wear glasses whilst standing still in front of an eye chart. They wear them whilst reading, running, playing, looking at the blackboard, bending over their notebook and switching their focus from a screen to the world around them. When the short-sightedness It changes as we grow; it is precisely this ever-changing nature of life that makes a careful and ongoing journey essential.

The starting point is always the ophthalmologist, whose remit includes assessment, diagnosis, prescription, advice and clinical monitoring. That is where our work begins: transforming that prescription into a pair of glasses that remain stable, precise and natural throughout the child’s everyday life.

At Centri Ottici Isolani, we use technology from leading manufacturers without limiting ourselves to a single brand. What really sets us apart is the way we apply it. At the heart of this is the Isolani Behavioural Alignment, the way in which we take the lens from the realm of theory and bring it into the lives of those who wear it.

A perspective that changes as the child grows

The term ‘developmental myopia’ refers to short-sightedness that progresses during childhood. However, every child has their own pace, habits and needs: no two cases are the same, and no single article can determine which solution is right for an individual case.

Specialised lenses serve two distinct functions: correct existing short-sightedness, enabling the child to see clearly, and they use an optical design specifically developed to to slow down the progression of short-sightedness during development. This is the main finding reported in studies compared with traditional monofocal lenses. The refractive progression may vary from child to child and must be assessed over time by an ophthalmologist, without promising or ruling out individual variations.

That is why the optometrist remains the point of contact. As for families, however, we want to make it clear what happens after the prescription has been issued: the quality of the result also depends on how the lens is fitted into the glasses, how the frame sits on the face, and how stable that position remains over time.

Different technologies, a single goal: to comply with the prescription

In recent years, research has led to the development of various ophthalmic lens designs capable of correcting myopia whilst, at the same time, slowing its progression. Among the most extensively studied is the technology D.I.M.S., used in Hoya MiYOSMART lenses, and the technology H.A.L.T., used in Essilor Stellest lenses. This acronym stands for ‘Highly Aspherical Lenslet Target’ and refers to a design comprising highly aspheric lenslets.

These are important technologies, backed by studies carried out on children and young people. But the name of the lens must not be seen as a shortcut: there is no single ‘right’ brand for everyone, and it is not our role to turn research into a commercial ranking. Every pair of glasses is based on the prescription and the optometrist’s recommendations; we can work with different manufacturers and technically implement the prescribed solution with the precision it requires.

To go into more detail about the two designs, we have prepared in-depth articles on the MiYOSMART lenses and D.I.M.S. technology and on the Essilor Stellest lenses and H.A.L.T. technology.

What do the studies really tell us?

Research is essential, but it must be presented for what it is. Studies describe average results observed in groups of children of a specific age, with specific characteristics and over a specific period. They help us to understand how the technologies work; they cannot predict the outcome for an individual child in advance, nor do they replace an assessment by an ophthalmologist.

The D.I.M.S. technology has a two-year randomised trial and a published six-year follow-up; conference data at eight years have also been presented, though these are still to be reviewed as preliminary findings. For H.A.L.T., randomised studies and published follow-up data are available up to five years. In this latter study, the comparison in subsequent years uses an extrapolated control group: a methodological detail that should be borne in mind when interpreting the results.

Scientific sources: two-year D.I.M.S. trial, Six-year follow-up of D.I.M.S., one-year HAL trial, Five-year HAL follow-up e European comparison: D.I.M.S./HAL.

And what about when you’re playing sport? There are also contact lenses designed specifically for this purpose

As well as spectacles, there are also contact lenses with specialised optical designs, such as certain soft dual-focus lenses. They do not necessarily use the same technology as ophthalmic lenses, but they serve the same dual purpose: to correct existing short-sightedness and to create a specific optical defocus designed to slow its progression during growth.

Consistency of use is an important factor: these solutions must be worn in accordance with the recommended times and methods, as the studies are based on regular usage patterns and, for some designs, a greater effect has been observed in the most consistent wearers. In sport and more dynamic activities, where they are suitable for the child, contact lenses can offer greater freedom of movement, a wider field of vision and help avoid the risk of breaking spectacles whilst playing.

In children, however, the fitting and use of contact lenses must always be based on the prescription and instructions provided by the ophthalmologist. Manual dexterity, hygiene, the child’s sense of responsibility and family support are all factors taken into account when assessing suitability. As part of the process of Isolani Advanced Contact Lens Practice We provide technical support covering testing, implementation, user training and after-sales support, in accordance with the instructions received.

Scientific insight: A randomised study on DISC contact lenses and their relationship with wearing time.

A good lens needs the right frames

An advanced lens does not work on its own. It needs a frame that fits the child’s face and measurements taken with precision; above all, it must maintain the position for which it was designed, even when in motion.

If the glasses slip, tilt or constantly shift position, the relationship between the eyes and the optical zones of the lens also changes. That is why we choose frames that are lightweight and durable, but above all stable: the fit, the bridge, the temples and the adjustability are all part of the visual design, not merely aesthetic details.

Once we have received the prescription from the optometrist, we take care of every technical step: choosing the frames, taking measurements, centring the lenses, making the glasses, carrying out any adjustments and providing aftercare. It is a job that requires precision, but also the ability to listen and observe.

Discover the route dedicated to children's glasses.

To put these principles into practice before lessons resume, read our Back to School 2026: Eyewear, School and Children’s Eyesight: a guide to frames, fitting, digital devices and a free fit check.

Behavioural Centring: the heart of the Isolani method

This method is not limited to lenses designed for progressive myopia. We use it when designing all children’s glasses, because every lens — even the simplest one — must take into account the way a child looks, moves and actually wears their frames.

This is where the Isolani method really stands out. In theIsolani Experience, the Behavioural Alignment He doesn’t just take a photo of the child standing still in front of an instrument: he observes how the child looks at it and how they actually wear the glasses.

Posture, head tilt, the natural position of the frame, stability during movement and visual habits all form part of the design process. This is our secret weapon: the step that allows us to translate the prescription and lens design with greater precision into the pair of glasses that will truly support the child.

Centring is therefore key to correct technical application and to natural, continuous use. It does not replace the optometrist’s prescription or monitoring: from an optical perspective, it complements a process in which each professional fulfils their own role.

Where relevant, in the Simulation Room We can help you understand and compare the options before the glasses are made. And after delivery, we’re still here to help: a child grows, a frame changes over time, the temples may become loose and the fit may change. Adjustments and technical checks serve to restore the glasses to their correct position, whilst eye tests are always carried out in accordance with the schedule set by the optometrist.

Experience gained in the field

Our experience with lenses designed for progressive myopia does not stem from a marketing campaign or a single product. It has developed, one fitting at a time, through dialogue with families and the medical profession, refining Behavioural Centring, the choice of frames and long-term support.

This day-to-day work is complemented by professional study and knowledge-sharing. Between 2023 and 2025, we organised three events focusing on the progression of myopia and vision at different stages of life, attracting a total of over 300 participants, including ophthalmologists, orthoptists and eye care professionals.

For us, this means continuing to do what Isolani has been doing since 1929: combining expertise, technology and personal relationships, without ever reducing a person — let alone a child — to a mere technical statistic.

Find out more Focus on Short-Sightedness 2023, Focus on Myopia and Presbyopia 2024 e Evolving Vision 2025.