Can Orthokeratology Prevent Myopia Progression in Children?

Myopia is a common condition affecting millions of children worldwide. This condition involves a refractive error in the eye, causing objects at a distance to appear blurred while those nearby can be seen clearly. Orthokeratology presents a promising option for controlling myopia progression in children.
 

The Importance of Myopia Management in Children

The progression of myopia not only means a worsening of vision, but it also increases the risk for other serious eye conditions such as retinal detachment, glaucoma, and cataracts. These can lead to significant vision loss or even blindness, making it crucial to slow down the progression of myopia in children.
 

Children with worsening myopia may experience frequent changes in their visual needs, requiring constant updates to their prescription glasses or contact lenses. This can be a significant burden for both the child and the parents, both financially and emotionally. The constant struggle with vision can also lead to self-esteem issues among children, affecting their social and academic life.
 

Early intervention in slowing down the progression of myopia can significantly reduce the risk of developing these secondary conditions. Different strategies have been used over the years to slow down myopia progression, including the use of bifocal glasses, atropine eye drops, and more recently, orthokeratology.
 

What is Orthokeratology?

Orthokeratology, or Ortho-K, is a non-surgical method that uses specially designed contact lenses to reshape the cornea temporarily. The aim is to correct refractive errors like myopia, astigmatism, hyperopia, and presbyopia.
 

Ortho-K lenses are typically worn at night while sleeping. They gently reshape the front surface of the eye (cornea) overnight, allowing for clear vision during the day once the lenses are removed. It offers the convenience of being glasses-free or contact lenses-free during the day, which is particularly beneficial for children engaged in sports or other physical activities.
 

How Orthokeratology Prevents Myopia Progression

The principle behind Ortho-K is to flatten the cornea's curvature, which can help reduce the strain on the eye that contributes to myopia worsening. Numerous studies have shown that consistent use of Ortho-K lenses can significantly slow down the progression of myopia, making it an effective preventive strategy for individuals at risk of high myopia. This innovative approach not only enhances daily visual function but also contributes to long-term ocular health by curbing the advancement of myopia.
 

Navigating Myopia Effectively with Ortho-K

Orthokeratology presents a promising option for controlling myopia progression in children. By working to reshape the cornea and alter the way light is focused in the eye, it offers a unique and effective method to slow down the progression of this prevalent condition.
 

For more information on myopia in children and the benefits of orthokeratology, contact Thrive Eye + Optical at our office in Dallas, Texas. Please call 214-730-5502 to schedule an appointment today.