Myopia (nearsightedness) begins in childhood and progresses into early adulthood. The more severe the myopia, the greater the chance of developing sight-threatening eye diseases like glaucoma and macular degeneration later in life. Ortho-K lenses have been shown to slow the progression of myopia.
What is Orthokeratology/Ortho-K?
Myopia (nearsightedness) occurs when the length of the eye elongates, causing light rays to fall in front of the retina and not directly on the retina, resulting in blurred vision. The condition affects nearly 1 in 10 American children aged 5-17.
Orthokeratology, also called Ortho-K, slows myopia progression by gently reshaping the cornea so the light entering the eye now focuses on the retina and not in front of it. Worn every night, Ortho-K lenses temporarily provide your child with excellent vision without the need to wear glasses or contact lenses the next day.
Slowing the progression of myopia is very important because if left untreated, it can continue to worsen and eventually lead to severe eye diseases like glaucoma, early onset cataracts, macular degeneration, and retinal detachment later in life. So the sooner you address your child’s myopia, the better the outcome.
Why Ortho-K
Here are 6 reasons why Ortho-K lenses can be beneficial for your child’s eyes.
- Ortho-K lenses can slow down the progression of myopia
Ortho-K is a comfortable way to slow and potentially stop the progression of myopia in children. Ortho-K is safe for children 8 years old and older, as the child needs to be comfortable with wearing lenses at night.
- With Ortho-K, children don’t need to wear glasses or contacts during the day
Children who begin wearing Ortho-K lenses rarely need any other daytime prescription, such as glasses or regular lenses. Ortho-K gives your child the freedom to enjoy activities without worrying about their glasses falling off, breaking, or being left behind. Also, regular contact lenses are often not the optimum option for kids who spend a lot of time playing outdoors, where the environment can be dusty and unhygienic.
- Ortho-K is non-surgical and non-invasive
Eye surgery is not usually recommended for children because their eyes are still changing. LASIK, which many adults undergo to improve their vision, isn’t recommended for children under 18.
- Ortho-K is reversible
Ortho-K gently reshapes the cornea but this reshaping is temporary. This allows other vision corrections, such as LASIK, to be performed when the child reaches the appropriate age. Ortho-K is a good option to correct your child’s vision without the concerns of permanent changes to their eyes.
- Ortho-K may cost less in the long run
When looking into Ortho-K, cost could be a factor. Ortho-K lenses cost about $1000-$2000 (for both eyes). There are additional costs involving len care solutions, follow-up exams, and replacement lenses, which can total about $300-$500 per year. This may be less expensive than buying one or more new pairs of glasses or contact lenses every year, with the added benefit of slowing myopia progression and reducing the risk of your child developing eye diseases later on.
- Ortho-K also helps people with astigmatism
Ortho-K is an effective option for people with astigmatism. Ortho-K only involves wearing contact lenses at night to reshape the cornea. This can provide clear vision in those with a low to moderate degree of astigmatism.
We Can Help
No two eyes are exactly alike. That’s why an examination from an trained eye doctor with experience in using Ortho-K lenses for myopia management is so important. We at Mississauga Vision Centre and Brampton Vision Centre can examine your child’s eyes with specific equipment, and then recommend the best way to treat and manage their myopia.
By giving your child the gift of Ortho-K lenses, you will improve your child’s daytime vision while significantly reducing their risk of developing serious eye diseases later in life. We can explain the risks and benefits of Ortho-K lenses to help you make the best decision for your child. Call Mississauga Vision Centre and Brampton Vision Centre to make an appointment and get your child a gift that keeps on giving!
SCRIPT
Does your child have myopia? Ortho-K can help.
Ortho-K lenses slow myopia progression by gently molding the cornea, reducing their risks of serious eye diseases later in life.
Ortho-K can also give your child the freedom to enjoy clear vision without worrying about their glasses falling off, breaking, or getting lost.
Give your child the gift of Ortho-K lenses for a life-time of healthy eyes and clear vision
Make an appointment and get your child a gift that keeps on giving!