According to the World Health Organization (WHO), myopia is one of the five leading causes of visual impairments and blindness. However, there are a few options that can help slow down its progression. One of them is orthokeratology or ortho-k.

 

What Are Ortho-k Contact Lenses?

If you are wondering whether your child can wear ortho-k contact lenses, the short answer is yes. Ortho-k is a simple yet innovative procedure that corrects your child’s vision. This makes them less dependent on eyeglasses or having to undergo corrective eye surgery. Additionally, it is very comfortable for your little one.

 

How Ortho-k Works

What makes ortho-k appealing is that it works while your little one sleeps at night. These custom-made gas permeable contacts reshape your child’s front corneal surface overnight. The whole process is painless and very gentle.

 

When your child wakes up in the morning, he or she simply takes out the ortho-k contact lenses. They will then be able to enjoy clear vision all through the day without wearing eyeglasses or conventional contact lenses.

 

How Does Ortho-k Help?

As mentioned above, one option for controlling myopia's progression is the use of ortho-k contact lenses. Published research shows that orthokeratology slows down the progression of shortsightedness in children. While this solution is ideal for children with myopia, it can also work for those with farsightedness (hyperopia) and astigmatism.

 

Good Candidates for Ortho-k

If your child is not able or does not want to wear eyeglasses or conventional contact lenses, ortho-k is a perfect solution. This, of course, is if they do not mind wearing them while they sleep. This is especially true if your kid is a teenager who enjoys the freedom to wear fashionable frames or play sports.

 

Additionally, you will not have to worry about lost eyeglasses or contact lenses. If your child has youth-onset myopia, he or she is also a good candidate for ortho-k. This is because orthokeratology can slow down its effects or even stop the progression altogether.

 

Frequently Asked Questions about Ortho-k

Here are a few FAQs and some answers concerning ortho-k:

 

Are They Worn Every Night?

Not necessarily. After your little one wears them overnight, their vision should be good for a couple of days or even longer. However, experts recommend wearing them every night for the best long-term results.

 

What are the Risks of Using Ortho-k?

The risks are just like those of wearing conventional contact lenses. There is a slight risk of infection, especially if your child’s eyes are painful, irritated, or red, or if they don't have proper hygiene when inserting or taking out the lenses.

 

What Age is Optimal for Using Ortho-k?

According to experts, there is no age limit for orthokeratology. This procedure has safely treated children of all ages. It is one of the most effective methods of treating vision issues in pre-teens and teenagers.


 

To find out if your little one is a candidate for ortho-k lenses, contact Federal Hill Eye Care at our office in Baltimore, Maryland. You can call (410) 752-8208 to book an appointment today.