Act Now to Slow Down Your Child’s Worsening Myopia

Orthokeratology (Ortho-K) offers a safe, non-surgical way to manage myopia (nearsightedness) in children. By wearing specially designed gas-permeable contact lenses overnight, children can temporarily reshape their corneas. This innovative treatment provides clear daytime vision without glasses or contact lenses. More importantly, it slows myopia progression, helping lower the risk of serious eye health issues later in life.

How Ortho-K Works

Children wear Ortho-K lenses each night while they sleep. These lenses gently reshape the cornea—the eye’s front surface—so that, upon waking and removing the lenses, light focuses correctly on the retina. As a result, they enjoy clear distance vision throughout the day without needing glasses or contacts. Since the effect is temporary, they must wear the lenses every night to maintain sharp vision.₁₂₃

Myopia Control Through Peripheral Defocus

Ortho-K controls myopia by changing how the eye focuses light. While it directs central light rays onto the retina for clear vision, it also reshapes the cornea to focus peripheral light rays in front of the retina. This peripheral defocus likely sends a “stop signal” to the eye, which helps slow down the eyeball’s elongation—the main cause of worsening myopia.₁₄₅

Proven Effectiveness in Slowing Myopia Progression

Clinical studies have demonstrated that Ortho-K can slow myopia progression by approximately 30% to 60% compared to children using regular glasses or traditional contact lenses. Notable research includes:

• The LORIC study showing a 43% reduction in myopia progression.
• The ROMIO study reporting a 63% reduction.
• Other studies worldwide confirming significant slowing of eye growth in children using Ortho-K lenses.₆

Benefits of Ortho-K for Children

• Non-Surgical and Reversible: Unlike laser surgery, Ortho-K is non-invasive and reversible, making it ideal for children whose eyes are still developing.₂₃
• Glasses-Free Daytime Vision: Children can enjoy activities like sports and outdoor play without glasses or daytime contact lenses.
• Reduced Risk of High Myopia Complications: By slowing myopia progression, Ortho-K helps lower the risk of serious eye conditions such as retinal detachment, glaucoma, cataracts, and macular degeneration later in life.₇₆

Considerations and Safety

As with any contact lens, there is a risk of eye infection if lenses are not properly cleaned and handled. It is essential that children and parents adhere to strict hygiene and follow the eye care professional’s instructions carefully.₁

Learn More and Get Started at Eye Philosophy

Eye Philosophy offers expert guidance and personalised Ortho-K fitting for children, combining advanced technology and comprehensive myopia management strategies to protect your child’s vision. To explore Ortho-K and other myopia control options, visit Eye Philosophy’s children’s myopia control services: Children’s Myopia Control.

References:

1 American Academy of Ophthalmology – Myopia Control in Children
7 Weston Contact Lens Institute – Orthokeratology: A Non-Surgical Myopia Management Solution
2 Optometry Practice – Exploring the Benefits of Ortho-K for Myopia Control
6 Miami Contact Lens – The Long-Term Effects of Orthokeratology on Myopia Progression in Children
4 My Kids Vision – Ortho-K for Myopia Control
3 Contact Lens Delaware – The Benefits of Ortho-K for Myopia Control in Children
5 My Kids Vision – What is Ortho-K? Parents’ Guide