If your child’s glasses prescription keeps getting stronger every year, you may be wondering if there’s anything you can do. At Vision Salon Eye Care Associates, we offer myopia management in Blue Island to slow myopia progression and protect your child’s future vision.
One proven technique we use for myopia control is ortho-k. These overnight contact lenses gently reshape the eyes while your child sleeps, so they can wake up with clear vision the next day. In addition to providing clear daytime vision, ortho-k lenses also help slow down nearsightedness progression in children.
Keep reading to learn more about ortho-k and how it can protect your child’s future eyesight.
What is ortho-k?
Ortho-k, short for orthokeratology, uses specially designed gas-permeable contact lenses that your child wears overnight. While they sleep, the lenses gently reshape the cornea, the clear front surface of the eye. By morning, light focuses correctly on the retina, allowing your child to see clearly all day without needing glasses or daytime contacts.
These lenses are FDA-approved for overnight wear and are safe for children when used under professional supervision. This treatment is non-surgical, reversible, and often a great option for active kids who want freedom from daytime eyewear. Many families find it especially helpful for children involved in sports or outdoor activities.
How does ortho-k control myopia?
Myopia, also known as nearsightedness, is when distant objects appear blurry because the eye grows too long. This condition often starts in childhood and can progress rapidly. If your child’s eyeglass prescription keeps changing, ortho-k may be a solution.
Ortho-k does more than temporarily correct blurry vision. Studies have shown that orthokeratology reduces myopia progression by 40% to 60% compared with single vision glasses. By reshaping the cornea overnight, ortho-k lenses reduce the stimulus that causes the eye to grow longer. As a result, it provides a proactive approach to managing myopia.
Why myopia management is important
Progressive myopia is a concern because it can lead to more serious eye problems. As a child’s nearsightedness progresses, the eye continues to grow longer, increasing the risk of potentially sight-threatening eye conditions later in life.
If myopia continues to worsen without management, it can raise the risk of:
- Retinal detachment
- Glaucoma
- Myopic macular degeneration
- Cataracts
Managing myopia in childhood can reduce the chances of these complications and prevent vision loss in the future. Treatments like ortho-k keep the eyes from changing too quickly and reduce the risk of high myopia.
Is ortho-k safe for kids?
Yes, ortho-k is safe for children when they follow proper hygiene and lens care instructions. Most kids aged 8 and older can handle the routine of wearing and cleaning their ortho-k lenses with some guidance and support.
At Vision Salon Eye Care Associates, we provide detailed training for both parents and children, so they feel confident managing their lenses at home. Regular follow-up visits allow us to monitor eye health and ensure the lenses fit correctly as your child grows.
Is your child a good candidate for ortho-k?
Ortho-k typically works best for children with mild to moderate myopia who are still in the early stages of eye growth. Children with a history of rapidly changing prescriptions are often good candidates for orthokeratology.
Your child may be a good fit for ortho-k if they:
- Have a history of their prescription getting stronger each year
- Are responsible and can follow a lens care routine
- Play sports or have an active lifestyle where glasses get in the way
- Prefer not to wear glasses or contacts during the day
- Have healthy eyes with no other significant vision issues
We recommend scheduling a comprehensive eye exam to begin the process. This exam allows us to assess your child’s current vision and discuss whether ortho-k fits their needs and lifestyle.
Important note: Ortho-k isn’t just for kids. Adults who don’t want to wear glasses or daytime contacts, and aren’t interested in or suitable for LASIK surgery, can also benefit from ortho-k. It offers a non-surgical way to enjoy clear vision during the day.
Alternatives to ortho-k
While ortho-k is one of the most effective non-surgical treatments for myopia control, it’s not the only option. Other myopia management strategies include:
- MiSight 1 day contact lenses
- Low-dose atropine eye drops
- Multifocal contact lenses
Each option has its own set of benefits. Our experienced optometrists can help you compare treatments based on your child’s age, prescription, and daily routine.
Protect your child’s future vision
If you’ve noticed your child’s glasses prescription keeps changing or they struggle to see the board at school, now is the time to act. The sooner you start myopia management, the better the potential outcomes will be.
Visit us today to find out if ortho-k is right for your child. To schedule an appointment, call our office at 708-385-0013 or fill out our online appointment request form.
