Ortho-K for Kids: Managing Myopia in Their Sleep

Ortho-K for Kids: Managing Myopia in Their Sleep

As technology and screen time become integral parts of our children’s lives, cases of myopia, or nearsightedness, are on the rise. Fortunately, there’s a revolutionary way to manage and even slow myopia’s progression while your child sleeps—Orthokeratology, or Ortho-K. This non-surgical vision correction method involves wearing custom-fitted contact lenses overnight, allowing kids to see clearly during the day without glasses or lenses.

What Is Ortho-K?

Ortho-K uses specially designed gas-permeable contact lenses that gently reshape the cornea while your child sleeps. By wearing these lenses at night, your child’s vision can be corrected, allowing them to wake up with clear vision that lasts throughout the day. Ortho-K is particularly beneficial for children with myopia, as it not only improves their vision but also has been shown to slow the progression of myopia.

Exploring How Ortho-K Works

The process of Ortho-K starts with a comprehensive eye exam to ensure that your child is a good candidate for the treatment. If suitable, custom lenses are fitted to gently reshape the surface of the cornea. These lenses are worn only during sleep, and by morning, the corneal reshaping allows for clear, glasses-free vision. The reshaping effect is temporary, so the lenses must be worn nightly for continued benefits.

Benefits of Ortho-K for Kids

•       Non-Invasive and Reversible: Ortho-K lenses offer a non-surgical alternative to vision correction for kids. Since the effect is temporary, if your child stops wearing the lenses, their cornea will return to its original shape.

•       Freedom from Daytime Glasses or Contacts: Kids often find glasses cumbersome, especially during sports or outdoor activities. Ortho-K gives them freedom from daytime corrective lenses, which can boost their confidence and make day-to-day activities easier.

•       Slows Myopia Progression: Studies have shown that Ortho-K can slow the progression of myopia in children, which is crucial as worsening myopia can increase the risk of serious eye conditions later in life, such as retinal detachment and glaucoma.

•       Safe and Effective: Ortho-K has proven to be safe for children when fitted by a trained optometrist. Proper care and regular follow-ups help ensure that your child enjoys both effective vision correction and safety.

Why Early Myopia Management Matters

The earlier myopia is managed, the better. Rapid myopia progression in children can lead to higher prescriptions and, potentially, future eye health risks. By managing myopia with Ortho-K, you’re taking proactive steps to protect your child’s vision and overall eye health.

Get Started with Pupila Family Eye & Ear Care Today

Ortho-K is suitable for many children with mild to moderate myopia. A consultation with our team at Pupila Family Eye & Ear Care can determine if your child is a good candidate. We’ll consider factors such as their prescription, eye health, and whether they’re able to follow lens care instructions. For most children, Ortho-K is an ideal solution, offering clear vision without interfering with school, sports, or other activities.

To learn more about how Ortho-K can benefit your child, contact Pupila Family Eye & Ear Care to schedule an evaluation. Visit our office in Sealy, Texas, or call (281) 404-9191 to book an appointment today.