Worried that your child’s short-sightedness keeps getting worse and looking for better ways to control it? What if there was a way for them to have clear vision during the day without wearing anything—and at the same time, significantly slow down myopia progression?
Orthokeratology (Ortho-K) lenses are specially designed rigid contact lenses that gently reshape the cornea overnight to temporarily correct vision. They not only provide clear daytime vision without the need for glasses or contact lenses but also help slow the progression of myopia (short-sightedness) in children.
At The Eye Collective, all our optometrists have undergone extensive training and have years of experience fitting Ortho-K. We take great care in pre-fitting screening to ensure the most suitable management for your child.
1. How Does Ortho-K Work for Myopia Control?
Myopia occurs when the eye grows too long, causing blurred distance vision. Ortho-K lenses flatten the central cornea overnight, temporarily correcting vision. More importantly, they create a specific optical profile on the cornea, which helps slow down eye elongation and myopia progression by altering how light focuses on the peripheral retina.
2. Is Ortho-K Safe for Kids?
Yes, Ortho-K is safe for children when used properly. At The Eye Collective, we prioritize safety and ensure that each child undergoes a thorough assessment before fitting. With good hygiene and regular follow-ups with our experienced optometrists, the risk of infections is minimal. Since children only wear the lenses while sleeping and remove them in the morning, there’s no risk of them losing or damaging lenses during the day.
3. Who is a Good Candidate for Ortho-K?
Ortho-K is ideal for children and teenagers with mild to moderate myopia (-1.00D to -6.00D) and little to no astigmatism. At The Eye Collective, we carefully evaluate each child’s eye health, lifestyle, and visual needs to determine if Ortho-K is the best option for them. It is particularly beneficial for kids whose myopia is rapidly progressing or for those who are active in sports and dislike wearing glasses.
However, suitability also depends on the child’s anterior eye health. Children with significant dry eye or allergic conjunctivitis may need to have these conditions addressed before starting Ortho-K. Additionally, some neurodivergent children may find it challenging to adjust to the sensation and vision with Ortho-K lenses. While this doesn’t mean they cannot wear them, it may be beneficial to try daytime myopia control contact lenses first to help predict whether they will be able to adapt to Ortho-K.
Sleeping habits also play a key role in Ortho-K success. Since the lenses work while the child sleeps, a consistent 6-8 hours of sleep per night is recommended. The best sleeping position is face-up, as sleeping face-down or on the side can affect lens positioning and treatment effectiveness. Ortho-K lenses should be inserted no more than 5 minutes before sleep and should not be worn with eyes open for an extended period. For children who like to use an iPad or read before bed, it’s important that they get up and put the lenses in right before sleep to ensure optimal results.
4. How Does Ortho-K Affect Binocular Vision?
While Ortho-K provides clear vision, it also alters the eye’s focusing system. For children with mild binocular vision challenges, such as difficulty focusing up close (accommodation insufficiency) or a tendency for the eyes to turn inward more than needed (convergence excess), Ortho-K may offer some additional support. However, for children with more significant binocular vision dysfunctions, Ortho-K alone is not sufficient, and they may still require additional vision therapy or reading glasses to reduce eye strain and maintain comfortable near vision.
5. What Are the Benefits of Ortho-K for Kids?
✅ Slows Myopia Progression: Ortho-K has been used for myopia control for over 20 years and has been shown to slow myopia progression by approximately 40-60%. It helps reduce the risk of severe short-sightedness and its associated eye health risks.
✅ Glasses-Free Daytime Vision: No need for glasses or daytime contact lenses.
✅ Great for Active Lifestyles: Ideal for children involved in sports or outdoor activities, especially water sports, as they can enjoy clear vision without the risk of losing glasses or daytime contact lenses in the water.
✅ Non-Surgical and Reversible: Unlike LASIK, Ortho-K is a non-invasive option that can be stopped anytime.
What to Expect When Starting Ortho-K?
The initial adaptation period usually takes a few days to a couple of weeks. Parents should ensure their child follows proper lens care and attends regular follow-ups to monitor eye health and effectiveness. With the right guidance, Ortho-K can be an excellent tool in managing myopia progression and improving vision quality for children.
Considering Ortho-K for your child? You can trust the team at The Eye Collective to provide expert care and guidance. Book an appointment with one of our experienced optometrists today to ensure the best myopia management plan for your child.