Can Ortho-K Slow Down the Progression of Myopia in Children?

Myopia is a common vision condition that affects millions of children worldwide. It occurs when the eye grows too long or the cornea becomes too curved, causing light to focus in front of the retina instead of directly on it. This results in blurred distance vision, making it difficult for children to see clearly at a distance.
 

Myopia typically develops in childhood and often progresses rapidly during the school-age years. As children's eyes continue to grow and develop, the condition can worsen, leading to higher levels of nearsightedness and an increased risk of eye health complications later in life.
 

Causes and Symptoms of Myopia

The exact causes of myopia are not fully understood, but research suggests that a combination of genetic and environmental factors play a role. Children with a family history of myopia are more likely to develop the condition, and factors such as excessive time spent on near-work activities, like reading or using digital devices, can also contribute to the development and progression of myopia.
 

Symptoms of myopia in children may include:

• Difficulty seeing clearly at a distance, such as when looking at the board in the classroom or watching a movie
• Frequent squinting or eye strain when trying to focus on distant objects
• Headaches or eye fatigue after prolonged near-work activities
• Difficulty participating in sports or activities that require good distance vision

The Importance of Regular Eye Exams for Children

Regular eye exams are crucial for the early detection and management of myopia in children. Optometrists can measure the child's refractive error, monitor the progression of myopia, and recommend appropriate treatment options. Early intervention is essential, as uncorrected or untreated myopia can lead to more severe vision problems and eye health complications later in life.
 

What is Ortho-K?

Orthokeratology, or Ortho-K, is a non-surgical, reversible vision correction technique that uses specially designed rigid gas-permeable contact lenses to temporarily reshape the curvature of the cornea. These lenses are worn overnight, and during the day, they provide clear, sharp vision without the need for traditional eyeglasses or daytime contact lenses.
 

Ortho-K lenses work by gently and temporarily flattening the central part of the cornea, which helps to focus light correctly onto the retina, reducing or eliminating the need for corrective lenses during the day. This process is known as corneal reshaping or corneal molding.
 

How Ortho-K Slows Down the Progression of Myopia

Ortho-K has been shown to be an effective method for slowing down the progression of myopia in children. By temporarily reshaping the cornea, Ortho-K lenses can reduce the eye's axial length growth, which is a primary driver of myopia progression.
 

The mechanism behind Ortho-K's ability to slow myopia progression is not fully understood, but researchers believe it may be due to several factors:

• Corneal Reshaping: The flattening of the central cornea caused by Ortho-K lenses reduces the eye's refractive power, which can slow the elongation of the eyeball and the progression of myopia.
• Peripheral Defocus Correction: Ortho-K lenses also create a specific optical profile that can correct the peripheral defocus, which is thought to be a contributing factor in myopia progression.
• Reduced Accommodative Stress: By providing clear vision without the need for constant accommodation (focusing), Ortho-K lenses may reduce the strain on the eye's focusing system, which can also contribute to slower myopia progression.

Schedule Your Child’s Eye Exam with Drs. Dobbins & Letourneau Eye Care Today

As a parent, the decision to pursue Ortho-K treatment for your child's myopia can be a significant one. It's important to weigh the potential benefits against any potential risks or concerns, and to work closely with a qualified eye care professional to determine if Ortho-K is the right choice for your child.
 

If you're interested in learning more about Ortho-K and how it can help slow the progression of myopia in your child, schedule a consultation with Drs. Dobbins & Letourneau Eye Care. We can provide a comprehensive eye examination, discuss the treatment options, and help you make an informed decision that prioritizes your child's long-term eye health and visual well-being. Visit our office in Lawrence, Kansas, or call (785) 843-5665 to book an appointment today.