Debunking Common Ortho-k Myths

The American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus recommends ortho-k lenses for myopia management in children. These lenses are stress-free to use because your child does not need to wear them during the day. They work while your child wears them during nighttime sleep. Getting them can change your child’s life. Debunking common ortho-k myths can motivate you to get these lenses for your child. Here are the details. 

Myth 1: It Is Time-consuming and Difficult to Fit Ortho-k Lenses

Fact: Traditional ortho-k lens fittings use refractive and keratometric parameters. These methods overlooked data on corneal topography. The fittings and successes were unreliable. They were also varied in patients. 
 

The advances in ortho-k technology have led to the analysis of corneal topography. Corneal topography is valuable in helping eye doctors analyze your corneal curvature. This can then lead to a custom-lens design for your child. Corneal topography can speed up your child’s time in the treatment chair and make the ortho-k fitting more pleasant. 

Myth 2: It Is Not Safe to Use Ortho-k Lenses

Fact:  Myopia happens because the cornea elongates. Research shows that this affects the entrance of light into your retina. Your cornea is flexible. Ortho-k lenses can reshape it back to its correct curvature. The reshaping process is gentle. It happens while your child sleeps. 

Myth 3: These Lenses Do Not Work Well

Fact: Research reveals that ortho-k lenses are noninvasive and effective in managing myopia. Scientists say that it came from the theory of hyperopic defocus. The refined lens design reshapes the cornea. This gives way to proper lens fitting. 

Myth 4: Ortho-k Lenses Are Not Worth It

Fact: Patients who want to get ortho-k lenses know that this myopia management is not permanent. The cornea will go back to its original shape after taking them off for a day. For them, wearing ortho-k lenses is worth it because of the clear vision they get the next day. They also find it convenient to do the things they need to do without worrying about their contacts or eyeglasses. 

Ortho-k lenses are effective and nonsurgical. Your child does not need to go under the knife to have a clear vision for their studies or games. It only takes a night of sleeping with these lenses on for them to get good eyesight the next day. Any parent or patient can say that these lenses are worth their time and effort. 

Myth 5: These Lenses Apply Pressure on the Cornea

Fact: Modern ortho-k lenses do not do this anymore. The lenses themselves are equipped with hydraulic forces underneath them. These forces reshape the cornea. The hydraulic forces are composed of natural fluids that are already found in the eyes. The reshaping is slow and gentle. It provides temporary clear vision. Your child’s cornea will start to go back to its original shape the moment your child removes them for the day. 

Understanding the truth behind each ortho-k myth can help you choose these lenses for your child’s myopia management. At NVision^® Eye Care, we cater to the vision needs of our patients at any age. Feel free to drop by our clinic in Rosedale, Auckland, for an in-person consultation. Please call 09-884-0034 to set an appointment or inquire about our ortho-k myopia management packages.