Ortho K vs MiSight Contact Lenses
Have you ever wondered why your child’s vision seems to worsen every year despite regular check-ups? They could be experiencing myopia, a progressive condition where the child’s eyeball becomes elongated, resulting in blurred vision and potentially serious problems later in life.
Fortunately there are solutions available that will dramatically slow down this progression, painlessly and potentially without needing glasses. I’m talking about orthokeratology (Ortho-K) and myopia control contact lenses. In this article we are going to compare the popular daily disposable contact lens brand; MiSight vs Ortho-K lenses, as myopia control options.
My name is Dr Jotinder Khosla, optometrist at Optometrist Parramatta. With years of experience in providing personalized eye care, I am passionate about managing childhood myopia using innovative treatments.
Keep reading to learn more about how to manage your child’s vision. And if you need more personalized advice, feel free to book an appointment with us today.
Understanding Myopia in Children
Several factors contribute to the development of myopia in children. Genetics play a significant role; children with one or both parents who are myopic are more likely to develop the condition. Environmental factors also have a substantial impact. Increased screen time, reduced outdoor activities, and intense near work like reading and writing can all elevate the risk of developing myopia.
The impact of myopia on a child’s life can be profound. It affects their ability to see clearly at a distance, which can hinder performance in school and sports. Children may struggle with seeing the whiteboard in class or recognising faces from afar. This can lead to frustration, reduced participation in activities, and even social isolation.
Early detection and management are essential to prevent the progression of myopia, which can lead to more severe eye problems later in life, such as retinal detachment or glaucoma.
What is Orthokeratology (Ortho-K)?
How does Orthokeratology, commonly known as Ortho-K, help in managing myopia in children? Ortho-K involves the use of specially designed gas-permeable contact lenses that are worn overnight. These lenses temporarily reshape the cornea, allowing light entering the eye to be properly focused on the retina.
When the lenses are removed in the morning, the child can experience clear vision throughout the day without needing glasses or daytime contact lenses. This can be especially advantageous for children who are active in sports or other physical activities where glasses might be cumbersome or at risk of damage.
Due to their custom fit, Ortho-K lenses may offer superior vision correction compared to MiSight lenses, addressing even moderate to high levels of myopia and astigmatism.
Ortho-K is an effective myopia control solution for kids but it does come with a one or two drawbacks. Adapting to Ortho-K lenses can take a few days and may cause initial lens awareness. Regular disinfection is necessary to maintain lens hygiene and avoid eye infections. Additionally, if a lens is lost or broken, a replacement must be ordered, which could be expensive.
What is MiSight?
MiSight lenses are daily disposable contact lenses specifically designed for myopia control. They are soft, comfortable, and easy to use, making them an excellent choice for children. These lenses feature a unique design that helps to slow the progression of myopia by creating a special optical zone that focuses light in a way that reduces the stimulus for the eye to elongate.
The daily disposable nature of MiSight lenses ensures that children start each day with a fresh pair of lenses, reducing the risk of eye infections and eliminating the need for cleaning solutions and lens cases. This ease of use makes MiSight lenses particularly appealing to parents and children alike.
Clinical studies have shown that MiSight lenses can significantly slow the progression of myopia in children. Over a period of three years, children wearing MiSight lenses exhibited less progression of myopia compared to those wearing standard single-vision lenses. This makes MiSight a compelling option for parents looking to manage their child’s myopia with a proven and effective solution.
Benefits of MiSight lenses:
MiSight lenses are simple to insert, remove, and replace – lost lenses can be quickly replaced from your child’s supply.
No need for cleaning or disinfecting, as MiSight lenses are discarded and replaced daily, although maintaining good hygiene practices is still essential.
Drawbacks of MiSight lenses:
MiSight contact lenses are effective for treating low levels of myopia, but their vision correction is more limited compared to Ortho-K lenses.
They come in one standard size and shape, which may not provide an ideal fit for everyone.
While MiSight lenses can restore far vision, but unlike Ortho-K, they cannot correct astigmatism
Choosing between Ortho-K vs MiSight
How do you decide the Ortho-K vs MiSight question about which is best for your child? Both options have unique advantages, but the choice largely depends on several factors, including prescription needs, lifestyle, and the child’s level of responsibility. Here are key considerations to help guide your decision:
Prescription Needs:
Ortho-K: Ideal for children with moderate to high levels of myopia and those with astigmatism, as these lenses can correct a wider range of prescriptions
MiSight: Best suited for children with mild to moderate myopia. They are effective but may not cover as broad a range of prescriptions as Ortho-K lenses
Lifestyle and Activity Level:
Ortho-K: Beneficial for children who participate in sports or activities where glasses or daytime contact lenses might be inconvenient. These lenses provide clear vision during the day without the need for corrective lenses
MiSight: Convenient for children who prefer a simple, daily routine. These lenses are worn during the day and discarded at night, making them easy to incorporate into daily activities.
Child’s Level of Responsibility:
Ortho-K: Requires a child who is responsible enough to manage the nightly routine of inserting, removing, and caring for the lenses. Proper lens hygiene and handling are crucial to prevent complications.
MiSight: Easier for younger or less responsible children to manage since they are daily disposables. There is no need for cleaning or storing the lenses, reducing the risk of hygiene-related issues
CONCLUSION
Managing your child’s myopia effectively is crucial for their long-term vision health and overall quality of life. Both Ortho-K and MiSight lenses offer innovative options to control the progression of myopia, each with unique benefits tailored to different needs and lifestyles. Early detection and intervention are key, and with the right approach, you can significantly reduce the risks associated with this condition.
At Optometrist Parramatta, we are dedicated to providing personalized care and expert guidance to help you make the best decision for your child’s eye health. I invite you to book an appointment with us to discuss the most suitable eye care strategies.
To make an appointment, give us a call at 02 9891 2020 or click the “Book Online” button on our website.
Dr Jotinder Khosla – Optometrist
B.Optom (UNSW), CertOcTher (UNSW) Therapeutically Endorsed Optometrist
Member of the Orthokeratology Society of Oceania