How Do Ortho-K Lenses Slow the Progression of Myopia?

Myopia is becoming increasingly common in children and teenagers. As myopia progresses, it can lead to stronger prescriptions over time and increase the risk of future eye health complications. One effective, non-surgical option for managing myopia progression is Orthokeratology, often called Ortho-K.

Understanding Myopia Progression

In children with myopia, the eye tends to grow longer than normal from front to back. This elongation causes light to focus in front of the retina rather than directly on it, resulting in blurry distance vision. As the eye continues to grow, myopia often worsens year after year, leading to stronger prescriptions.

What Are Ortho-K Lenses?

Ortho-K lenses are specially designed rigid gas-permeable contact lenses worn overnight while sleeping. These lenses gently reshape the surface of the cornea so that light focuses correctly on the retina during the day. In the morning, the lenses are removed, allowing clear vision throughout the day without the need for glasses or daytime contact lenses. Unlike standard corrective lenses that only improve vision temporarily, Ortho-K lenses play an active role in managing how the eye grows and develops.

Peripheral Defocus Control

One of the main ways Ortho-K lenses slow myopia progression is by changing how light focuses on the peripheral retina. Traditional glasses and contact lenses correct central vision but can cause light in the peripheral areas of the retina to focus behind it. This peripheral defocus is believed to signal the eye to continue growing longer.

Ortho-K lenses reshape the cornea in a way that allows peripheral light to focus in front of the retina instead. This sends a signal to the eye that it does not need to keep elongating, helping to slow myopia progression.

Regulating Eye Growth

By addressing both central and peripheral focusing patterns, Ortho-K lenses help guide more normal eye growth. Numerous studies have shown that children wearing Ortho-K lenses experience significantly slower increases in prescription compared to children wearing traditional glasses or contact lenses.

Consistent, All-Day Vision Correction

Because Ortho-K lenses correct vision overnight, children enjoy clear vision all day without needing corrective eyewear. This consistency helps ensure proper optical correction throughout the day, supporting stable visual development while still actively managing myopia.

Benefits of Ortho-K for Children

Ortho-K lenses offer several advantages beyond myopia control:

• Clear daytime vision without glasses or contacts

• Non-surgical and fully reversible treatment

• Ideal for active children involved in sports or outdoor activities

• Reduced dependence on daytime eyewear

• Potential long-term protection against high myopia-related eye health risks

Schedule Your Child’s Eye Exam Today

Ortho-K lenses do more than correct vision - they actively slow the progression of myopia by controlling how light focuses on the retina and guiding healthier eye growth. For children with worsening nearsightedness, Ortho-K offers a safe, effective, and non-invasive solution that can make a meaningful difference in their long-term eye health.

If your child has myopia, schedule a comprehensive eye exam with Nuwave Vision to learn if Ortho-K lenses are the right solution. Visit our office in Westlake, Ohio, or call (440) 881-0002 to book an appointment today.