Author: Dr. Sherman Tung

Being nearsighted is common enough that it’s often not viewed as a big deal. After all, it’s manageable. However, always needing to wear eyeglasses or dealing with contact lenses can get tiring–and going without corrective lenses means constantly squinting to see far-away objects. What if there was an alternative option?

That’s where ortho-k lenses come in. Orthokeratology (ortho-k) lenses are a potential alternative to traditional options for vision correction, and are specially designed to gently reshape the cornea while you sleep.

What is Myopia?

Myopia, commonly known as nearsightedness, causes distant objects to appear blurry while close objects can still be seen clearly. Myopia occurs when the eyeball is too long or the cornea, the eye’s outermost layer, is too curved. This causes light entering the eye to focus in front of the retina instead of directly on it, resulting in blurry images being sent to the brain.

Myopia is increasingly common, especially among children and teenagers. According to the World Health Organization, myopia affects about 30% of the world’s population, and this number is expected to rise. Left unchecked, a child’s myopia can progress over time, leading to severe vision problems and increasing the risk of eye conditions like glaucoma and retinal detachment as an adult.

What is Orthokeratology?

Traditionally, myopia is managed with glasses or regular contact lenses, which correct the refractive error that causes myopia by adjusting the focus of light onto the retina. While effective, these methods require constant use of glasses or contact lenses during the day.

Enter orthokeratology, or ortho-k, a non-surgical method of vision correction that uses specially designed gas-permeable contact lenses to temporarily reshape the cornea. These lenses are worn overnight, and can be removed in the morning, providing clear vision throughout the day without the need for glasses or regular contact lenses.

Ortho-k has been around for decades, but has gained significant traction in recent years due to advancements in lens technology and increased awareness of myopia management. The technique was first developed in the 1960s, but with the advent of computer-aided design and manufacturing, today’s ortho-k lenses are more effective and comfortable than ever.

Ortho-k lenses gently reshape the cornea, the clear surface at the front of the eye, to correct refractive errors like myopia. This happens while the wearer is asleep. The reshaping effect is temporary, lasting for about a day or two, which means that the lenses must be worn regularly to maintain clear vision. Think of it as orthodontics for your eyes!

What Do Ortho-K Lenses Do?

• They correct vision by flattening the central cornea, changing how light is focused onto the retina. Our customized ortho-k technology can correct myopia even beyond -6.00 diopters along with higher astigmatism.
• They can slow down myopia progression in children. Several studies have shown that wearing ortho-k lenses can reduce the elongation of the eyeball, which is responsible for worsening myopia. This makes ortho-k an attractive option for parents concerned about their child’s eye health.
• They provide the daytime freedom of clear vision without needing glasses or contact lenses. This makes ortho-k lenses ideal for people with active lifestyles, athletes, or anyone who finds glasses or regular contact lenses inconvenient.

How Do Ortho-K Lenses Differ from Regular Lenses?

The most apparent difference between ortho-k and regular contact lenses is when they’re worn. Ortho-k lenses are designed for overnight wear, while regular lenses are worn during the day. This distinction allows ortho-k lenses to reshape the cornea while you sleep, providing clear vision during waking hours with additional correction.

Ortho-k lenses are customized to fit the unique shape of your cornea, ensuring optimal comfort and effectiveness. A dedicated eye care professional uses advanced diagnostic tools to map the cornea and create lenses tailored to each individual’s needs.

Ortho-k offers temporary vision correction, requiring ongoing use to maintain its reshaping effect. On the other hand, regular contact lenses provide continuous correction, but must be worn daily. While both methods have their advantages, the ortho-k approach offers a non-invasive alternative to laser eye surgery for those seeking temporary yet effective vision correction.

Is Ortho-K Safe?

Ortho-k lenses have a strong safety record when correctly fitted and maintained. Like any contact lens, they carry some risk of infection, but these risks are minimal with good hygiene practices and regular follow-ups with an eye care professional.

Some common concerns include initial discomfort, dry eyes, and potential complications from improper cleaning. However, these issues can be managed with proper care and guidance from an eye care provider.

Are Ortho-K Lenses Worth It?

While the initial cost of Ortho-K lenses can be higher than regular contact lenses or glasses, many users find the investment worthwhile due to the long-term vision benefits and convenience. Additionally, slowing myopia progression can save on future eye care.

For those with active lifestyles or those who find glasses and regular contacts combative, enjoying clear vision without daytime correction can significantly enhance their quality of life.

At Eyelab Doctors of Optometry, we want to be at the forefront of myopia management. Contact us today to see how we can design a custom plan specifically suited to your eye’s needs.

Myopia, or nearsightedness, is a growing concern among parents today. With digital screens becoming an integral part of our lives, many children are experiencing vision problems at a younger age.

But can myopia actually be cured? The short answer is no, myopia cannot be cured. But the risk of it worsening can be prevented.

Starting with a children’s eye examination is your best option for determining if your child is developing myopia.

What is Myopia?

Myopia is a common vision condition where close objects appear clear, but distant objects are blurry. This happens when the eyeball is too long or the cornea is too curved, causing light to focus in front of the retina instead of on it.

Myopia often starts in childhood and can progress as your child grows.

According to the American Optometric Association, myopia affects about 30% of the U.S. population, and it’s on the rise. Researchers believe that both genetic and environmental factors contribute to its development. If one or both parents are nearsighted, their children are more likely to develop myopia.

Understanding the basics of myopia is the first step in addressing this condition. Knowing that it can start early in life highlights the importance of regular eye check-ups for children.

The Importance of Early Detection

Early detection of myopia is crucial for effective management. Children may not always realize they have vision problems, making it essential for parents to be vigilant.

Some signs to look out for include:

• Squinting
• Sitting too close to the TV
• Complaining about headaches

Can Myopia Be Prevented?

While there is no guaranteed way to prevent myopia, certain lifestyle changes can help reduce the risk or slow its progression. Encouraging outdoor play is one effective strategy.

Studies have shown that spending time outdoors can reduce the risk of developing myopia in children. Natural light and focusing on distant objects help relax the eyes and may slow the onset of nearsightedness.

• Limiting screen time and encouraging breaks during close-up activities like reading or using digital devices can also be beneficial. 
• The 20-20-20 rule is a helpful guideline: every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break to look at something 20 feet away. This can help reduce eye strain and potentially slow the progression of myopia.
• Incorporating these habits into your child’s daily routine can make a significant difference in their eye health.

Managing and Preventing Myopia Progression

What are Ortho-K Lenses?

Ortho-k, short for orthokeratology, involves wearing specially designed contact lenses overnight. These lenses gently reshape the cornea while you sleep, providing clear vision throughout the day.

The best part? The effects are entirely reversible, so if you decide to stop using ortho-k lenses, your eyes will naturally return to their original shape.

Ortho-k lenses are ideal for athletic and active individuals who find wearing glasses difficult during physical activities. They are also perfect for people who dislike wearing glasses or have sensitive, dry eyes that make wearing contact lenses uncomfortable. For those looking for a non-surgical, temporary solution to myopia, ortho-k lenses offer a viable option.

Aside from the obvious convenience of not needing glasses or daytime contacts, ortho-k lenses have been shown to slow myopia progression, particularly in children. This makes them an attractive option for parents concerned about their child’s worsening eyesight.

Specialty Multifocal Lenses

Specialty multifocal lenses are designed to correct distance vision. These lenses correct vision while simultaneously training the eye to resist elongation. This dual function helps reduce eye strain and slows down myopia progression during childhood.

Multifocal lenses are suitable for individuals with very high prescriptions who may not be good candidates for ortho-k lenses. They are also a great option for patients who have trouble sleeping for a full 8 hours, as the lenses work continuously during the day.

By wearing multifocal lenses, patients can enjoy clear vision without the hassle of switching between different pairs of glasses for various activities. Additionally, these lenses are designed to provide comfort, making them an excellent choice for individuals with busy, dynamic lifestyles.

Specialty Myopia Glasses

Specialty myopia glasses offer a noninvasive solution for managing myopia, especially in children. These glasses are clinically proven to slow down the progression of myopia, making them a reliable option for long-term management.

Myopia glasses are ideal for patients who have difficulty using contact lenses, either due to discomfort or personal preference. They also provide relief to individuals who spend long periods reading or studying, reducing eye strain and preventing myopia from worsening.

One of the main advantages of myopia glasses is their simplicity. There are no special routines or maintenance requirements, making them easy to incorporate into daily life. For parents seeking a straightforward solution for their child’s myopia, these glasses are an excellent choice.

How Atropine Eye Drops Work

Atropine eye drops are designed to slow down the progression of myopia by relaxing the muscles in the eye. This method is typically recommended as a last resort or in combination with other treatments to achieve optimal results.

Children with worsening eyesight and parents with high prescriptions are often good candidates for atropine eye drops. The treatment regimen is simple, requiring just one drop per day, making it easy to manage.

While atropine eye drops can be effective, they may come with some side effects, such as light sensitivity. It’s important to consult with your eye care professional to determine if this treatment is appropriate and to discuss any potential risks.

Understanding High Myopia and Its Risks

High myopia is a severe form of nearsightedness which increases the risk of serious eye problems, such as:

• Retinal detachment
• Glaucoma
• Cataracts

Early detection and management are crucial to minimize these risks.

Children with high myopia should have regular eye exams and follow their eye care provider’s recommendations. Understanding the risks associated with high myopia can help you take proactive steps to protect your child’s vision.

Exploring Laser Eye Surgery for Adults

Although myopia cannot be cured, it can be effectively managed and, in some cases, corrected in adulthood through laser eye surgery. Even though laser eye surgery does correct the refractive portion, the risk of ocular disease still remain since the eyeball axial length doesn’t change after surgery.

It is important to note that laser eye surgery is not recommended for children, as their eyes are still developing. It’s a viable option for adults with stable prescriptions. Consulting your eye doctor can help determine if laser eye surgery is suitable for you and what the potential outcomes might be.

Practical Tips for Parents

Managing myopia requires a proactive approach. Here are some practical tips to help:

1. Schedule regular eye exams for early detection and management.
2. Encourage outdoor play and limit screen time to reduce eye strain.
3. Teach your child the 20-20-20 rule to promote healthy eye habits.
4. Explore corrective options like glasses or contact lenses based on your child’s needs.
5. Stay informed about new treatments and research in myopia management.

Taking these steps can help you effectively manage your child’s myopia and ensure their eye health.

Visit Us for Myopia Management

If you have concerns about your child’s vision or need personalized advice, consider booking an appointment with Eyelab Doctors of Optometry. Together, we can work towards managing and improving your child’s eye health.