How Ortho-K Is Used for Myopia Control

Myopia is one of the most common vision conditions worldwide, especially among children and young adults. It occurs when the eye grows too long from front to back, causing light to focus in front of the retina instead of directly on it. This results in blurred distance vision. More than just an inconvenience, myopia tends to worsen over time, increasing the risk of serious eye diseases such as retinal detachment, glaucoma, and macular degeneration.

What Is Ortho-K?

Orthokeratology, commonly known as Ortho-K, is a non-surgical, specialized contact lens treatment designed to gently reshape the cornea while you sleep. These custom-fit, gas-permeable lenses are worn overnight and removed in the morning, allowing you to enjoy clear vision throughout the day without glasses or daytime contacts.

How Ortho-K Helps Control Myopia

While Ortho-K lenses provide the convenience of daytime freedom from glasses, their greatest benefit lies in myopia management. Studies have shown that Ortho-K can slow the progression of myopia in children by up to 50% or more.

Here’s how it works:

•           Corneal reshaping: The lenses flatten the central part of the cornea slightly, which corrects vision and changes how light focuses on the retina.

•           Peripheral defocus: This change in light focus helps slow the eye’s elongation - a key factor in myopia progression.

•           Nighttime wear, daytime clarity: Because the lenses are worn only while sleeping, children and teens can enjoy clear vision all day without glasses or contact lenses.

Is Ortho-K Safe for Children?

Ortho-K is a safe, reversible, and effective treatment when prescribed and monitored by an experienced optometrist. It’s particularly well-suited for children and teens, whose myopia tends to progress more rapidly. Regular follow-up visits are essential to ensure a proper fit, healthy corneal response, and maximum effectiveness in controlling myopia.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Ortho-K?

Ortho-K may be ideal if your child:

•           Has mild to moderate myopia

•           Is experiencing a steady increase in prescription each year

•           Prefers not to wear glasses or daytime contact lenses

•           Is too young or not ready for LASIK surgery

Adults with stable prescriptions can also benefit from Ortho-K if they want a glasses-free lifestyle.

The Myopia Management Process at Esther Ahn Optometry

At Esther Ahn Optometry, we begin with a comprehensive eye exam and corneal topography to determine candidacy and customize Ortho-K lenses specifically for your eyes. We provide detailed instructions for lens care, follow-up visits to monitor your eye health, and continuous evaluation of your vision to ensure safe and effective results.

Schedule Your Child’s Eye Exam Today

Myopia progression can have lasting effects on vision health, but it doesn’t have to be inevitable. With Ortho-K therapy, children can experience clear, natural vision during the day while slowing the advancement of nearsightedness over time. It’s a proactive, non-invasive way to safeguard long-term eye health and maintain visual freedom.

Schedule a myopia management consultation with Esther Ahn Optometry to find out if Ortho-K is right for you or your child. Visit our office in Cerritos, California, call (562) 809-4041, or use this link to book an appointment today.