Ortho-K lens is a myopia management option that corrects vision temporarily through overnight wear. But is it suitable for kids? We’ve got the full lowdown here.
Ortho-K, or orthokeratology, is recognised as one of the most effective non-invasive methods to control and manage myopia progression. As such, the usage and demand for Ortho-K lens is growing in popularity in recent years.
If you’re a parent to a kid with myopia, and have heard of Ortho-K lens; you might be wondering if this myopia management method is kid-friendly. We’ve got you covered with a simple 101 on Ortho-K, including all the must-knows, its benefits, and whether it’s suitable for your kid.
First up, how does Ortho-K work?
Ortho-K is a method that uses customised contact lenses to temporarily reshape your cornea (the clear outer part of the eye that covers the front) to improve vision. The American Academy of Ophthalmology describes it like “dental braces”, but for eyes.
Ortho-K lens works its magic during bedtime, reshaping your cornea while you sleep. Yes, these are contact lenses you’re supposed to wear to sleep and remove in the morning! The lens gently presses and flattens your cornea to mould it into the correct shape. This helps to ensure light is focused on the retina. So you’ll enjoy clear vision in the morning after removing your Ortho-K lens!
Won’t the cornea return to its original shape once you remove the lens?
Your cornea will stay in the correct shape for most part of the day. However, it’s important to remember that it’s a temporary effect. But, research shows that consistent and continuous nightly wear is able to slow myopia progression and help you achieve spectacle-free vision in the long run.
Wow! Is the effect immediate?
You can definitely notice improvements in your vision once you start wearing Ortho-K lens. However, the timeline needed to achieve optimal vision varies according to your myopia level. Your optometrist would be the best person to advise you on that.
In general, it takes approximately 10 to 14 days to achieve optimal vision with consistent daily overnight wear. However, results will also depend on individual eye condition.
As Ortho-K allows for spectacle-free vision without the use of soft contact lenses, it’s perfect for people who are active in sports. It’s also recommended for people whose nature of work requires unaided clear vision; or people who are apprehensive about refractive surgery.
How safe is Ortho-K?
As it’s not a permanent and invasive treatment, Ortho-K is pretty safe. However, possible complications may arise if there’s no proper lens care or hygiene.
What is the minimum age limit for kids to try Ortho-K?
Here’s the good news: there’s actually no minimum age requirement to start Ortho-K. Having said so, as Ortho-K lens requires consistent wear to be effective, you may want to consider the following factors:
- Your kid’s comfort level with putting on and wearing Ortho-K lenses on a nightly basis; and
- Their ability and willingness to maintain lens care and personal hygiene by themselves.
OWNDAYS, a Japanese eyewear brand known for its price-worthy spectacles that can be collected in just 20 minutes, has expanded its product offering to include Ortho-K lenses since December 2022. The brand recommends parents to wait until their child is at least six years old to try this treatment.
Are there any other factors that may affect my kid’s suitability to try Ortho-K?
A healthy cornea is a must for Ortho-K to be effective. Your optometrist will be able to assess your kid’s suitability for this treatment.
I’m interested to let my kid try Ortho-K – how can we go about it and what should we expect?
That’s great! The first step would be to arrange for a consultation and assessment with your optometrist. You can expect this to be a thorough eye examination at OWNDAYS, with tests and measurements taken for your kid’s eyes. Your optometrist will also walk you and your kid through the treatment process, the do’s and don’ts, as well as what to expect. Use this opportunity to ask questions and seek clarification.
As it’s customised, your kid’s Ortho-K lens will take a while to be made (about two weeks). Once it’s ready for collection, your optometrist will arrange for a simple tutorial on wearing and caring for the lens. This is especially useful if your kid has never worn contact lenses before.
You and your kid can expect regular checkups, usually after the first overnight wear, first week, first month, and third month. This is to ensure the lens is fitted properly and to check on your kid’s myopia progression. Depending on their condition, you’ll just need to visit your optometrist every six months for monitoring and general lens cleaning.
Is it very tedious to clean and maintain Ortho-K lens at home?
Not at all. You clean and maintain it just as you would with soft contact lenses. OWNDAYS recommends using a multipurpose solution to rinse, rub, and soak the lens for at least six hours before the next wear. It’s also advisable to soak Ortho-K lens in a protein remover for 20-30 minutes once a week, followed by the usual cleaning and soaking with multipurpose solution.
How much do Ortho-K lenses cost?
The price varies according to each person’s eye condition and needs. As a point of reference, a pair of Ortho-K lenses from OWNDAYS starts from $1,688 (inclusive of a set of solution and a pair of spectacles). These lenses can last up to one-and-a-half years on average.
I don’t have an optometrist… where can I bring my kid for an Ortho-K consultation and assessment?
OWNDAYS provides Ortho-K consultation and assessment at its premium concept stores located in Marina Bay Sands and Takashimaya S.C. You can book an appointment online for a pre-assessment right now. If you and your kid aren’t ready to start on Ortho-K just yet, you’re still welcome to book an appointment to find out more about the treatment from OWNDAYS’ experts.
This post is in partnership with OWNDAYS.