Managing Myopia: Is Ortho-K a Good Option for All Age Groups?

Myopia, or nearsightedness, is becoming increasingly common, especially among children and young adults. As this condition progresses, it not only affects daily life but also increases the risk of long-term eye health issues. While glasses and contact lenses are traditional solutions, Orthokeratology (Ortho-K) offers a unique, non-surgical approach to vision correction and myopia management. But is Ortho-K suitable for everyone - regardless of age?
 

Understanding Myopia

Myopia is a refractive error that occurs when the eye grows too long or the cornea is too curved. This causes light to focus in front of the retina instead of directly on it, making distant objects appear blurry. It often begins in childhood and can progress with age, increasing the risk of eye conditions such as retinal detachment, glaucoma, and macular degeneration.
 

What Is Orthokeratology and How Does It Work?

Orthokeratology, commonly referred to as Ortho-K, is a non-surgical method of correcting myopia using specially designed gas-permeable contact lenses. These lenses are worn overnight and gently reshape the cornea while you sleep. In the morning, the lenses are removed, and most patients experience clear vision throughout the day without the need for glasses or daytime contacts.

Ortho-K works by temporarily flattening the center of the cornea, which changes how light is refracted onto the retina. This reshaping effect is reversible, making it a safe and flexible option for managing myopia.
 

Managing Myopia with Ortho-K for Kids

Ortho-K is especially beneficial for children. Not only does it offer freedom from glasses during the day, but studies have also shown that Ortho-K lenses can slow the progression of myopia in children. Since myopia often worsens during the school-age years, early intervention with Ortho-K can reduce the risk of high myopia later in life, helping to protect long-term vision.

Benefits for children include:

• Clear vision without daytime correction

• Improved self-esteem and comfort in school and sports

• A non-invasive method to slow myopia progression
 

Benefits of Ortho-K for Adults

While Ortho-K is widely used in pediatric care, it also offers a range of benefits for adults with mild to moderate myopia. Many adults choose Ortho-K for its convenience and non-surgical nature, especially those who are not good candidates for LASIK or prefer to avoid surgery altogether.

Advantages for adults include:

• Freedom from daytime glasses or contacts

• Ideal for athletes or those in dusty or dry environments

• A reversible alternative to refractive surgery

Your eye health, corneal shape, and degree of myopia will all factor into whether this treatment is right for you.
 

Take the First Step Toward Clearer Vision at Focal Optometry

Orthokeratology is a powerful tool in managing myopia for both children and adults. It offers a non-invasive, reversible solution that not only corrects vision but also helps slow myopia progression in young patients. Our experienced team is here to guide you through the process and help protect your vision at every stage of life.

Schedule an eye exam with Focal Optometry to see if Orthokeratology is the right fit for you or your child. Contact our office in San Diego, California, by calling (858) 330-4200 to book an appointment today.