Orthokeratology for Kids: A Simple Guide to Better Vision and Myopia Control

Orthokeratology (ortho-k) is an effective treatment option for correcting and managing myopia, more commonly known as nearsightedness. In this blog post, I'll help you understand the benefits of ortho-k for both myopia correction and myopia control in a simple, professional manner.

What is Orthokeratology?

Orthokeratology is a non-surgical treatment that uses specially designed and fitted contact lenses to temporarily reshape the cornea (the front surface of the eye) to improve vision. Much like dental braces, ortho-k lenses work to correct the shape of the eye, but instead of being worn during the day, they're typically worn overnight.

Benefits of Orthokeratology for Myopia Correction

Ortho-k lenses are prescribed by optometrists to correct refractive errors such as nearsightedness, astigmatism, and farsightedness. They work by gently reshaping the cornea while you sleep, providing clearer vision during the day without the need for glasses or daytime contact lenses. This treatment can be particularly helpful for children with myopia, as it reduces the risk of them advancing to high myopia.

Benefits of Orthokeratology for Myopia Control

Myopia control is essential because myopia progression in children can lead to more serious eye issues later in life. There's good evidence that ortho-k can help slow the progression of myopia in children. By managing the progression of myopia, ortho-k lenses can reduce the likelihood of children developing high myopia and its associated complications.

Combining Orthokeratology with Other Treatments

In some cases, ortho-k can be combined with low-dose atropine eye drops for enhanced myopia control. Studies have shown that the combination of ortho-k and atropine can slow down axial elongation, a key factor in myopia progression, more effectively than ortho-k alone.

In conclusion, orthokeratology is a beneficial treatment option for children with myopia. By providing both myopia correction and control, ortho-k lenses can improve vision and reduce the risk of future eye complications. If you believe orthokeratology might be right for your child, give us a call and we can explain more in details.