Looking to Manage Myopia with Non-Surgical Solutions?
Myopia, or nearsightedness, is a common vision problem affecting many children. It can blur distant objects and hinder their ability to participate fully in activities like sports or reading. While glasses and traditional contact lenses can correct the vision loss caused by Myopia, they may not be ideal for active children.
If your child has been diagnosed with myopia, you’re likely concerned about their vision getting progressively worse over time. Myopia typically begins in childhood and continually increases until the eyes stop growing in the late teens or early twenties. However, recent advances in myopia management treatments can now help slow a child’s increasing myopia prescription.
What is Orthokeratology?
One proven, non-surgical option for controlling myopia progression in children is orthokeratology (ortho-k). This treatment uses specialized rigid gas-permeable contact lenses worn overnight to gently reshape your child’s corneas while they sleep. In the morning, the lenses are removed, and your child will be able to see clearly all day without glasses or contact lenses.
The gentle corneal reshaping provided by the ortho-k lenses has been clinically shown to slow the progression of childhood myopia by 30-60% over 2 years compared to children not treated. By controlling myopic progression early, ortho-k can help reduce your child’s risk of developing potentially sight-threatening conditions associated with myopia later in life, such as retinal detachment, macular degeneration, cataracts, and glaucoma.
Are Orthokeratology Lenses Safe?
Ortho-k is FDA-approved for overnight wear to temporarily reshape the cornea and correct refractive errors like myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism. The rigid gas-permeable lenses are made of highly breathable materials and are considered safe when correctly fitted and monitored by an experienced eyecare practitioner.
Over the past 15 years, over 60 clinical studies worldwide have demonstrated the ability of ortho-k to slow childhood myopia progression. Peer-reviewed research shows the treatment reduces the mean axial elongation by 30-60% compared to myopic children wearing conventional glasses or contact lenses.
Are the Effects of Orthokeratology Lenses Reversible?
Unlike surgical procedures like LASIK, the effects of orthokeratology are entirely reversible. The treatment simply shapes the front surface of the eyes (corneas) into the correct shape using custom-made rigid contact lenses worn overnight. No surgery, injections or permanent modifications to the eyes are required.
If ortho-k treatment is stopped, the corneas will gradually return to their original shape within 1-4 weeks, causing the corrective effects to gradually dissipate. The reversibility provides parents flexibility in managing their child’s treatment plan as needed over time.
Are Orthokeratology Lenses More Convenient?
One of the most significant advantages of ortho-k for children is improved vision and convenience after removing the lenses each morning. Kids can see clearly all day – very often with 20/20 vision – without glasses or daytime contact lenses getting in the way of activities.
Not having to worry about glasses getting broken, lost, or fogged up can provide a confidence boost for young children. It also allows for better engagement in sports, playtime, and other activities that glasses can interfere with. Daily disposable contacts may be an option, but they require meticulous handwashing and lens insertion routines that are may challenging for younger kids.
Is Orthokeratology Treatment Customizable?
Ortho-k isn’t a one-size-fits-all treatment. Your eyecare practitioner can customize the rigid lens designs, materials, and overnight wear schedules to control the degree of myopia correction based on your child’s specific prescription, age, and rate of increasing elongation over time.
Related post: Myopia in Kids: Treatment and Prevention
Is Orthokeratology Right for Your Child?
Ortho-K may be an excellent option if your child experiences nearsightedness and you’re looking for a long-term solution beyond glasses or traditional contact lenses. Here are some signs it could be a good fit for your child.
- Early Onset Myopia: Children who develop myopia at a young age are more likely to experience rapid progression. Early intervention with Ortho-K can make a significant difference.
- Active Lifestyle: Ortho-K offers a glasses-free solution for children involved in sports or other activities where glasses or contacts might be inconvenient or pose a risk.
- Parental Concerns: If you’re concerned about the drawbacks of traditional vision correction methods for your child, Orthokeratology provides a different approach.
An Investment in Your Child’s Future
If you’re looking for a safe, effective way to control your child’s myopia without surgery, orthokeratology could be an excellent option to explore. With consistent overnight lens wear and professional supervision, this innovative treatment can have a significant impact on preventing the progression of myopia, protecting your child’s vision and eye health for years to come.
If you want to learn more about Orthokeratology, schedule a consultation with our specialists. They will assess your child’s eyes, discuss whether your child is a good candidate, and create a personalized treatment plan, helping you to be proactive about your child’s myopia.