A Parent’s Guide to Ortho-K Lenses for Kids

As a parent, staying proactive about your child’s eye health is more important than ever - especially with the rising rates of myopia in children. If your child has been diagnosed with nearsightedness, you may be exploring options beyond traditional glasses or daytime contact lenses. Orthokeratology, or Ortho-K, offers a safe, non-surgical way to correct vision overnight and can even help slow the progression of myopia.

What Are Ortho-K Lenses?

Ortho-K, short for orthokeratology, involves the use of specially designed gas-permeable contact lenses that gently reshape the cornea while your child sleeps. By wearing these lenses overnight, your child can wake up with clear vision - no glasses or contacts needed during the day. These lenses are FDA-approved for overnight wear and are ideal for children with mild to moderate myopia (nearsightedness).

How Do Ortho-K Lenses Work?

The cornea is the transparent, dome-shaped surface at the front of the eye that helps focus light. In children with myopia, the eye is often too long, causing light to focus in front of the retina rather than directly on it.

Ortho-K lenses gently reshape the cornea overnight, temporarily correcting this issue. The effect typically lasts throughout the day, allowing your child to see clearly without any eyewear. Regular overnight use maintains the effect.

Why Parents Choose Ortho-K for Their Kids

Myopia Control: One of the most compelling reasons to consider Ortho-K is its ability to slow the progression of myopia. This is particularly important because high myopia increases the risk of eye conditions later in life, such as retinal detachment, glaucoma, and macular degeneration.

Freedom from Glasses and Daytime Contacts: Kids can enjoy sports, play, and school activities without worrying about glasses or contact lenses getting in the way.

Non-Invasive and Reversible: Unlike refractive surgery, Ortho-K is completely non-invasive and reversible. If your child stops wearing the lenses, their eyes will gradually return to their original shape.

Confidence and Comfort: Many children feel more confident without glasses. Ortho-K lenses provide a discreet way to manage vision without changing your child’s appearance.

Is Your Child a Candidate for Ortho-K?

Ideal candidates for Ortho-K lenses are children:

• Between the ages of 6 and 18

• With mild to moderate myopia

• In good overall eye health

• Who can responsibly manage lens care (with parental support)

At Global Vision Optometry, we provide comprehensive evaluations to determine if Ortho-K is a good fit for your child.

Schedule Your Child’s Eye Exam Today

Ortho-K lenses offer a powerful solution for improving your child’s vision and protecting their eye health long-term. At Global Vision Optometry, we’re proud to offer personalized care and advanced solutions to help children thrive - both in the classroom and beyond.

Schedule an Ortho-K consultation at Global Vision Optometry and give your child the gift of clear vision and a brighter future. Visit our office in Huntington Beach, California, or call (714) 780-2008 to book an appointment today.