OrthoK for Myopia Management

Question 1

Is ortho-k suitable for children?

Answer

Studies show that orthokeratology can be very effective in slowing myopic progression in children. As with all contact lenses, there is a slight risk factor for infection, so it is essential to maintain all proper procedures for wearing and maintaining contact lenses. As such, they may not be suitable for younger children.

Question 2

How often do you need to wear ortho-k lenses for them to work?

Answer

Ideally, they should be worn nightly for maximum effectiveness. Most people attain good vision for a day or two. Following the initial intervention, retainers are used to maintain the vision.

Question 3

How does the Ortho-K assist in treating nearsightedness, and astigmatism.

Answer

Ortho-Keratology lenses are specialized custom-made hard contact lenses that are worn overnight that gently reshape the front curvature of the eye to temporarily reduce the amount of myopia (nearsightedness) during the day. It actually can take up to 1-2 weeks to get the eye to get to the shape it needs to be in order to see clearly throughout the whole day without any correction. The ortho-K lenses that are worn overnight will mold the cornea in a specific shape such that then when light enters the eye it lands properly on the retina allowing the patient to see clearly, whether they have nearsightedness or astigmatism.

Question 4

Which is better for correcting myopic progression, multifocal glasses or ortho-k therapy?

Answer

That depends on the individual. Depending on individual factors, one form of intervention may be more suitable for your child. Speak with your child's optometrist to determine the best intervention.

Question 5

Is ortho-k expensive?

Answer

As an elective treatment not covered by most insurance plans, the cost can vary between $1500 and as high as $4000.

Question 6

How does my optometrist determine the size of contact lenses?

Answer

One of the measures includes a process of corneal topography to map the ocular surface.

Question 7

What other interventions are used to treat children with myopia?

Answer

Additional options include low-dose atropine therapy, contact lenses, and glasses. Refractive surgery is not considered an option for children.

Question 8

What Ortho-Keratology is and how does it work?

Answer

Ortho-Keratology lenses are specialized custom-made hard contact lenses that are worn overnight and use a reverse geometry lens design. Ortho-K lenses gently reshape the front curvature of the eye to temporarily reduce the amount of myopia (nearsightedness) during the day. It can take up to 1-2 weeks to get the eye to get to the shape it needs to be in order to see clearly throughout the whole day without any glasses or contact lens correction. The ortho-K lenses that are worn overnight will mold the cornea in a specific shape such that then when light enters the eye it focuses properly on the central and peripheral retina allowing the patient to not only see clearly but this helps to slow down the progression of myopia. According to the peripheral defocus theory, the whole issue with progressing myopia is that light does not land properly at the peripheral retina, resulting in a biochemical feedback loop to cause the eyeball to elongate and increase in myopia. But, with this corneal reshaping therapy this ensures that light will then land properly at the peripheral retina, thereby reducing the signal for the eyeball to elongate and essentially slowing down the progression of myopia. Thus, ortho-K lenses don’t just help you see clearly but they also help in slowing down the progression of myopia.

Question 9

How does the Ortho-K slow the progression of childhood myopia.

Answer

Ortho-Keratology lenses are specialized custom-made hard contact lenses that are worn overnight that gently reshape the front curvature of the eye to temporarily reduce the amount of myopia (nearsightedness) during the day. It can take up to 1-2 weeks to get the eye to get to the shape it needs to be in order to see clearly throughout the whole day without any correction. The ortho-K lenses that are worn overnight will mold the cornea in a specific shape such that then when light enters the eye it focuses properly on the central and peripheral retina allowing the patient to not only see clearly but this helps to slow down the progression of myopia. According to the peripheral defocus theory, the whole issue with progressing myopia is that light does not land properly at the peripheral retina, resulting in a biochemical feedback loop to cause the eyeball to elongate and increase in myopia. But, with this corneal reshaping therapy this ensures that light will then land properly at the peripheral retina, thereby reducing the signal for the eyeball to elongate and essentially slowing down the progression of myopia.

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