{"id":11099,"date":"2024-03-25T12:02:13","date_gmt":"2024-03-25T01:02:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/optometristparramatta.com.au\/?p=11099"},"modified":"2024-04-12T20:33:18","modified_gmt":"2024-04-12T10:33:18","slug":"ortho-k-fitting-for-myopia-control","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/optometristparramatta.com.au\/ortho-k-fitting-for-myopia-control\/","title":{"rendered":"Ortho-K Fitting: Is Your Child Suitable for Myopia Control?"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
Have you ever wondered if there’s a way to deal with your child’s myopia that goes beyond the usual prescription glasses?<\/p>
Ortho-K contact lens fitting<\/em> might just be the answer you’re looking for. But does Ortho-K really work, or is it just hype?<\/p> Before we get in too deep, let me introduce myself. My name is Dr Jotinder Khosla. Together with Dr Papadopoulos, we and the team at Optometrist Parramatta strive hard to make sure our patients enjoy better vision and healthier eyes. Orthokeratology (Ortho-K) and myopia control are two areas of optometry that I am particularly passionate about.<\/p> As an experienced optometrist, I’ve seen firsthand the positive impact that Ortho K<\/a> (orthokeratology) can have on a child’s vision. Unlike conventional methods, Ortho-K involves the use of specially designed hard contact lenses that are worn overnight. These lenses gently reshape the cornea, correcting myopia so that during the day, your child can see clearly without needing any eyewear.<\/p> Now, you might be thinking, “Can’t my child just wear glasses?”<\/em> It’s a valid question. Glasses have, for a long time, been the go-to solution for myopia. However, we understand now that advanced myopia significantly increases the risk of developing vision-threatening conditions later in life, such as glaucoma, cataracts, and retinal detachment. This is where Ortho-K offers a compelling opportunity. By controlling the childhood progression of myopia, Ortho-K can reduce the long-term eye health risks.<\/p> So if you’re considering Ortho-K for your child, the first step is to make an appointment with a professional optometrist to discuss Ortho-K fitting. To find out if your child is a suitable candidate for this treatment requires a comprehensive eye examination and a discussion of your child’s vision needs.<\/p> And if you’re still on the fence and looking to learn more about this innovative approach to myopia control, keep reading.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t What exactly is myopia, and what causes it to progress?<\/p> Myopia occurs when the eyeball is too long relative to the focusing power of the cornea and lens, causing light rays to focus at a point in front of the retina rather than directly on its surface. This results in blurred vision when looking at distant objects. The progression of myopia is influenced by a combination of genetic and environmental factors, including excessive close work (e.g. focussing on digital devices), and a lack of time spent outdoors.<\/p> This is where Ortho-K comes into the picture. Ortho-K lenses are specially designed contact lenses that you wear overnight. While you sleep, these lenses gently reshape the surface of your eye, correcting myopia so that you can see clearly the following day without the need for glasses or contact lenses.<\/p> It’s the same principle as wearing an orthodontic dental retainer on your teeth overnight. The lenses work by coaxing the cornea (the front surface of the eye) into the optimal refraction for sharp vision the next day.<\/p> But the real magic of Ortho-K lies in its ability to reduce the stimulus for eyeball elongation, which is a key factor in myopia. By controlling this elongation, Ortho-K lenses play a crucial role in myopia control, potentially slowing down or even stopping the progression of myopia in children.<\/p> Now, you might be asking, “Is Ortho-K evidence-based?”<\/em> Absolutely. A wealth of scientific research supports the effectiveness of Ortho-K. Numerous studies have shown that Ortho-K can significantly slow down the progression of myopia in children, making it a powerful tool in our fight against this widespread vision issue.<\/p> Understanding the mechanics and science behind Ortho-K is crucial for any parent considering this treatment for their child. It’s not just about correcting vision temporarily; it’s about ensuring a healthier visual future for your child. That’s why it’s important to consult with an experienced optometrist who can evaluate your child’s eyes and determine if Ortho-K is the right choice for their specific needs.<\/p> Study Name (Year)<\/strong><\/p><\/th> What it Found<\/strong><\/p><\/th><\/tr> Retardation of Myopia in Orthokeratology (ROMIO) Study (2012)<\/p><\/td> This study looked at kids aged 6 to 10 who were getting more nearsighted each year. They found that wearing Ortho-K lenses at night made their nearsightedness get worse much more slowly compared to kids who just wore regular glasses.<\/p><\/td><\/tr> Corneal Reshaping and Myopia Progression (2009)<\/p><\/td> Researchers discovered that reshaping the cornea with Ortho-K lenses can help control how fast nearsightedness progresses in kids. This means their vision doesn’t get as bad as quickly as it might without these lenses.<\/p><\/td><\/tr> Myopia Control with Orthokeratology Contact Lenses in Spain (2012)<\/p><\/td> This study showed that Ortho-K lenses were effective in slowing down the worsening of nearsightedness. The children wore the lenses overnight, and it helped control the increase in their myopia.<\/p><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table> Source: Cho P, Cheung SW.<\/strong> – “Retardation of myopia in Orthokeratology (ROMIO) study: a 2-year randomized clinical trial.<\/a>” Published in “Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science” in October 2012.<\/p> Source: Walline JJ, Jones LA, Sinnott LT.<\/strong> – “Corneal Reshaping and Myopia Progression.” Published in “British Journal of Ophthalmology<\/a>” in September 2009.<\/p> \u00a0<\/p>Myopia Control Effectiveness of Ortho-K Lenses<\/h2>