Ortho-K Explained: How Overnight Lenses Help Manage Myopia

Myopia is one of the most common vision problems affecting children today and its rates continue to rise worldwide. For parents, this often means more frequent trips to the eye doctor and stronger prescriptions as their child’s vision worsens. Fortunately, a treatment called Orthokeratology (Ortho-K) offers a solution that not only provides clear vision during the day but also helps slow the progression of myopia as children grow.
 

What Is Ortho-K?

Ortho-K involves custom-fitted, gas-permeable contact lenses that your child wears while sleeping. These specially designed lenses gently reshape the cornea overnight. When removed in the morning, your child can enjoy clear vision all day long without needing glasses or daytime contact lenses.
 

How Ortho-K Helps Manage Myopia

While Ortho-K provides the immediate benefit of daytime freedom from glasses, its biggest advantage lies in myopia control. Studies show that children who use Ortho-K lenses often experience slower progression of their nearsightedness compared to those who rely on glasses or regular contact lenses. This is important because higher levels of myopia can increase the risk of serious eye conditions later in life, such as retinal detachment, glaucoma, or macular degeneration.
 

Why Parents Choose Ortho-K for Their Children

• Daytime freedom: Children can participate in sports, swimming, or outdoor play without worrying about glasses or contacts.

• Confidence boost: Many kids feel more comfortable and confident without glasses in school or social settings.

• Long-term eye health: By slowing myopia progression, Ortho-K provides lasting benefits beyond clear vision.

• Non-invasive approach: Unlike surgical procedures, Ortho-K is safe, reversible, and tailored to a child’s unique eye shape.

• Parental guidance: Parents can supervise the child’s lens-wearing time at bedtime in the comforts of the child’s home. Ortho-K provides freedom from worrying about the child’s daytime vision correction (for example, glasses breakage or loss, irritation from daytime contact lens wear)
 

Is Ortho-K Right for Your Child?

Ortho-K can be a great option for children with mild to moderate myopia who are responsible enough to follow lens care routines. During an exam at East Bay Vision Center, our optometrists will carefully evaluate your child’s eyes, discuss your family’s needs, and determine whether Ortho-K is the best fit.
 

Take the First Step Toward Myopia Control

As myopia becomes more prevalent in children, parents are seeking safe, effective ways to protect their child’s vision. Ortho-K offers not only clear sight during the day but also long-term benefits by slowing myopia progression.

At East Bay Vision Center, we specialize in fitting Ortho-K lenses for children and providing the guidance families need to make informed decisions. Schedule a comprehensive eye exam to find out if Ortho-K is the right choice for your child. Visit our office in Oakland, Fremont, or Pleasanton, California. Please call (510) 268-9600, (510) 796-9600, or (925) 462-1100 to book an appointment today.