How Ortho-K Slows Down Myopia Progression in Children
Childhood myopia (nearsightedness) is increasing rapidly across the United States. Many parents notice their child’s prescription getting stronger every year, raising concerns about long-term eye health.
One of the most effective, non-surgical solutions available today is Orthokeratology (Ortho-K)—a proven method that not only corrects vision but also slows myopia progression.
At the Charlotte Contact Lens Institute, we use advanced diagnostic technology and customized lens designs to help protect children’s vision as they grow.
- What Is Myopia and Why Does It Progress in Children?
Myopia occurs when the eye grows too long from front to back, causing distant objects to appear blurry.
In children, the eye is still developing, which means myopia can worsen quickly—especially with increased screen time and reduced outdoor activity.
If left unmanaged, higher myopia levels increase the risk of:
- Retinal detachment
- Glaucoma
- Myopic macular degeneration
- Early cataracts
That’s why early intervention is critical.
- What Is Ortho-K?
Ortho-K involves specially designed rigid gas-permeable lenses worn overnight.
While your child sleeps, the lenses gently reshape the cornea. In the morning, the lenses are removed, allowing clear vision throughout the day—without glasses or daytime contacts.
More importantly, Ortho-K plays a key role in slowing the progression of myopia, not just correcting it.
- How Ortho-K Slows Down Myopia Progression
Ortho-K works by changing how light focuses on the retina.
Instead of stimulating eye elongation, Ortho-K creates a peripheral defocus pattern that signals the eye to slow its growth.
- Key Benefits for Children
- Slows myopia progression by up to 40–60% in many children
- Provides clear daytime vision without lenses
- Non-surgical and reversible
- Safe for long-term pediatric use
This makes Ortho-K one of the most effective myopia control lenses options available today.
- Why Ortho-K Is Often Preferred for Childhood Myopia Management
Different approaches are available to help manage childhood myopia, including glasses, soft contact lenses, and advanced specialty designs. While each option plays a role in vision correction, not all of them actively influence how the eye grows over time.
Ortho-K is unique because it works while a child sleeps, gently reshaping the cornea to provide clear vision during the day—without the need for glasses or daytime contact lenses. This overnight correction also helps guide eye growth in a healthier pattern, which is why Ortho-K is widely used as part of modern myopia control lenses strategies.
For active children who participate in sports or outdoor activities, Ortho-K offers added convenience and freedom. Parents also appreciate that the treatment is non-surgical, reversible, and supported by long-term clinical research focused on slowing myopia progression rather than simply correcting eyesight.
- Who Is a Good Candidate for Ortho-K?
Ortho-K is ideal for children who:
- Are between ages 6–18
- Have progressing myopia
- Participate in sports or swimming
- Struggle with glasses or daytime contacts
- Have healthy corneas
A comprehensive evaluation is essential to determine candidacy.
- Why Parents Choose the Charlotte Contact Lens Institute
Our practice is dedicated to specialty contact lenses and pediatric myopia management.
We use advanced tools such as:
- Corneal topography
- Axial length measurement
- Customized Ortho-K lens designs
Each treatment plan is tailored to your child’s eye growth and lifestyle—not a one-size-fits-all approach.
- Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ortho-K safe for children?
Yes. When properly fitted and monitored, Ortho-K is safe and FDA-approved for overnight wear.
Can Ortho-K permanently cure myopia?
No. Ortho-K does not cure myopia, but it effectively slows progression while lenses are worn.
How soon do results appear?
Most children notice clear daytime vision within the first week of treatment.
What happens if we stop Ortho-K?
The cornea gradually returns to its original shape, and myopia correction reverses.