Orthokeratology is a process that uses overnight therapeutic lenses to correct myopia, also known as nearsightedness. It has been around for over 50 years, and these contact lenses work in 2 ways.
Also known as “ortho-k,” these lenses gently reshape the cornea overnight (while the patient sleeps) and are removed in the morning, leaving the patient with clear vision all day without any contact lenses or glasses needed.
Ortho-k lenses have also been proven to slow myopia progression by about half, similar to the new Stellest peripheral defocus myopia controlling spectacle lenses or MiSight daily disposable soft contact lenses.
Should Myopia Be Controlled?
At Pierce Family Vision, we recommend some form of myopia control for ALL myopic children and teens, because the lower the amount of myopia, the greater the chance of avoiding vision impairment in later life.
Our recommendations for myopia management are:
- Stellest or Miyosmart peripheral defocus spectacle lenses for glasses
- MiSight peripheral defocus daily disposable soft contact lenses
- Abiliti overnight ortho-k contact lenses
- 0.05% atropine prescription eye drops (sometimes used in combination with one of the above)
How Do I Know Which Myopia Management Is Best for My Child?
Determining the best myopia management and vision correction for your child is where our optometrists at Pierce Family Vision can help.
The main advantage of ortho-k over the other methods is that the child is free of glasses and contact lenses during the day. For very active children involved in sports, this can be a big plus. Also, there is no chance of loss or damage of contact lenses or glasses worn at school.
How Much Does Ortho-K Cost?
The main disadvantage of ortho-k is the larger investment of time and money in the first year than other methods of myopia management. The total cost for ortho-k lenses and appointments in the first year is about $2,000–$2,500, depending on the prescription.
More eye appointments are required at first to properly fit the patient and educate them about care and wearing, and to monitor them closely to ensure no changes are required. After the first year, the investment is significantly reduced, and we find that older teens and young adults often continue wearing their ortho-k lenses, as they love the convenience.
What Brands of Ortho-K Are There?
We prescribe Acuvue Abiliti overnight contact lenses for ortho-k, as they are the first and only ortho-k lenses approved for myopia control in Canada. They are highly oxygen permeable, and each lens is specifically designed for the child’s unique eye shape and prescription.
What Helps Slow Myopia Progression?
Providing 2 hours of daily outdoor time, limiting screen time in older children, avoiding screens entirely in younger children, along with taking frequent breaks from any near work is always advisable to delay and slow myopia.
How Can I Get Ortho-K for My Child?
If you are considering ortho-k lenses for your child, please book a half-hour myopia consultation with one of our optometrists after a full eye examination. This will allow plenty of time for questions and an explanation of options for myopia management.
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