If your child’s nearsightedness is progressing, you may be looking for more than stronger glasses each year. Orthokeratology, commonly called Ortho-K, is a myopia management option that uses specially designed rigid contact lenses worn overnight. The lenses temporarily reshape the cornea so your child can see clearly during the day without glasses or daytime contacts. Ortho-K may also help slow myopia progression in appropriately selected children. At Optikos Optometry, we evaluate each child individually to determine which treatment is a suitable option for their vision, eye health, and daily routine.

What Makes a Child a Potential Ortho-K Candidate?

There is no single age or prescription that automatically determines whether a child is a good candidate. A comprehensive eye examination and specialized measurements are needed before recommending treatment.

Your child may be a potential candidate for Ortho-K if they:

•          Have myopia that is increasing over time

•          Have healthy eyes and corneas

•          Are comfortable with the idea of wearing contact lenses overnight

•          Can follow proper lens cleaning and hygiene instructions with parental support

•          Would benefit from being free from glasses or daytime contacts during school, sports, and other activities

The degree of myopia and astigmatism also matters. Different Ortho-K lens designs have specific prescription ranges, so we evaluate whether your child’s prescription can be appropriately treated with the available lens design.

Why Consider Ortho-K for Myopia Management?

Myopia often begins during childhood and can continue progressing while the eyes are growing. Myopia management focuses on slowing that progression rather than simply updating a child’s glasses prescription whenever their distance vision becomes blurrier.

Ortho-K lenses are worn while your child sleeps and removed in the morning. The corneal reshaping effect is temporary, which means the lenses need to be worn according to the prescribed schedule to maintain clearer daytime vision. For active children in Los Angeles, daytime freedom from glasses and contact lenses can also be convenient for sports and other activities.

Responsibility and Lens Hygiene Matter

Because Ortho-K involves overnight contact lens wear, proper hygiene and follow-up care are especially important. Contact lenses are medical devices, and improper use can increase the risk of complications such as corneal infection.

We consider whether a child and parent are prepared to consistently clean, disinfect, insert, and remove the lenses as instructed. Regular follow-up appointments are also important so we can monitor vision, lens fit, and eye health.

What If Ortho-K Is Not the Best Choice?

Ortho-K is only one approach to childhood myopia management. Optikos Optometry also provides other options, including prescription eye drops, MiSight® 1 day myopia control contact lenses, and specially designed glasses such as Essilor Stellest™ lenses. The best approach depends on your child’s prescription, age, eye health, lifestyle, and rate of myopia progression. In some cases, another treatment may be a better fit.

If you are wondering whether your child is a good candidate for Ortho-K myopia management, schedule an evaluation with Optikos Optometry to discuss your child’s options. Contact our office in Los Angeles, CA, by calling (213) 642-3200 to book an appointment today.