Ortho-K For Myopia in Seaford
At South Coast Optometrists, we offer Ortho-K (orthokeraology) as an evidence-based option for managing childhood myopia. Ortho-K involves wearing specially designed contact lenses overnight to gently reshape the front surface of the eye.
This temporary reshaping allows clear vision during the day without glasses or daytime contact lenses. In addition to correcting vision, Ortho-K may also help slow the progression of short-sightedness in children.
Following a detailed paediatric eye exam, we determine whether Ortho-K is suitable for your child. Our focus is on providing clear vision today while supporting healthier eyes for the future.
Understanding Myopia in Children
Myopia, or short-sightedness, occurs when the eye grows too long from front to back. When this happens, light entering the eye focuses in front of the retina instead of directly on it. As a result, distant objects appear blurry while near objects remain clear.
Myopia often develops during the primary school years and may continue progressing throughout adolescence. Many parents notice that their child’s prescription increases each year.
While glasses correct blurred vision, they do not slow the growth of the eye. Myopia management aims to reduce how quickly the prescription increases. Slowing progression is important because higher levels of myopia are associated with an increased lifetime risk of certain eye conditions, including:
- Retinal detachment
- Myopic macular degeneration
- Glaucoma
- Cataract
By managing progression early, we aim to reduce these long-term risks.
What is Ortho-K?
Ortho-K uses rigid gas permeable contact lenses that are worn overnight while your child sleeps. These lenses gently and temporarily reshape the cornea, which is the clear front surface of the eye.
The reshaping changes how light enters the eye. When the lenses are removed in the morning, your child can see clearly during the day without wearing glasses or contact lenses.
The effect is temporary. To maintain clear vision, the lenses must be worn consistently each night.
In addition to providing daytime freedom from glasses, Ortho-K may also help slow the progression of myopia by influencing how light focuses across the retina.
How Does Ortho-K Help Slow Myopia?
Research suggests that Ortho-K changes the way light is distributed across the retina. This altered focus pattern is believed to send signals that help regulate eye growth.
By influencing this process, Ortho-K may reduce the rate at which the eye lengthens. Slowing excessive eye growth may reduce the degree of myopia that develops over time.
Clinical studies have shown that many children using Ortho-K experience slower progression compared with those wearing standard glasses alone.
It is important to understand that results vary. Regular monitoring allows us to assess how well the treatment is working for your child.
Who May Be Suitable for Ortho-K?
Suitability for Ortho-K is determined following a comprehensive eye examination at South Coast Optometrists.
During the appointment, we will:
- Measure your child’s prescription
- Assess corneal shape using detailed mapping technology
- Evaluate overall eye health
- Review family history of myopia
- Compare previous prescriptions to monitor progression
A thorough paediatric eye exam allows us to assess whether Ortho-K is appropriate and safe.
Ortho-K may be suitable for children who:
- Have progressing myopia
- Prefer freedom from glasses during the day
- Participate in sport or outdoor activities
- Are motivated and able to follow lens care instructions
Because the lenses are worn overnight, responsibility and hygiene are important. We assess each child’s readiness carefully.
The Ortho-K Fitting Process
Ortho-K lenses are custom-designed based on detailed measurements of your child’s eyes. We use advanced corneal mapping to create lenses tailored to their individual eye shape.
The fitting process includes:
- Comprehensive eye measurements
- Trial lens assessment
- Evaluation of lens position and movement
- Education on insertion and removal
- Training on cleaning and storage
- Scheduled follow-up visits
Most children adapt well to wearing the lenses overnight. Some may notice mild awareness of the lenses initially, but this usually settles quickly.
Because the reshaping effect develops gradually, vision improvement may occur over several days to weeks.
Is Ortho-K Safe?
When prescribed appropriately and monitored regularly, Ortho-K is considered safe. However, as with all contact lenses, proper hygiene and correct handling are essential.
Because Ortho-K lenses are worn overnight, there is a small risk of infection if care instructions are not followed carefully. We provide detailed training for both parents and children to ensure safe use.
Regular follow-up appointments at South Coast Optometrists allow us to monitor eye health and ensure the lenses continue to fit correctly.
Ongoing supervision and communication are important parts of successful treatment.
What Are the Benefits of Ortho-K?
Ortho-K offers several potential benefits:
- Clear daytime vision without glasses
- Freedom during sport and outdoor activities
- Reduced reliance on daytime contact lenses
- Potential slowing of myopia progression
For active children, daytime freedom from glasses can improve comfort and confidence during physical activities.
However, consistency is essential. Skipping nights may reduce clarity the following day.
Monitoring and Long-Term Care
Myopia management requires regular review. We schedule follow-up visits to:
- Monitor changes in prescription
- Assess corneal health
- Evaluate treatment effectiveness
- Make adjustments if needed
As your child grows, their eyes continue to develop. Ongoing monitoring allows us to adapt the treatment plan appropriately.
If Ortho-K is no longer suitable, we will discuss alternative management options.
Supporting Healthy Visual Habits
While Ortho-K may help slow progression, healthy lifestyle habits remain important.
We may recommend:
- Increasing outdoor time
- Limiting prolonged screen use
- Encouraging regular breaks during near tasks
Balanced visual habits support overall eye development and complement structured myopia management.
Why Choose South Coast Optometrists?
Ortho-K requires detailed assessment, precise lens design and structured follow-up. At South Coast Optometrists, we provide personalised care tailored to your child’s needs.
From the initial comprehensive eye examination and paediatric eye exam through to regular review appointments, our focus is on long-term eye health.
We take time to explain how Ortho-K works, what to expect and how treatment will be monitored. Families are supported at every stage.
Book Your Child’s Myopia Consultation
If your child’s prescription continues to increase or they would benefit from clear daytime vision without glasses, Ortho-K may be an appropriate option.
Contact South Coast Optometrists to book a comprehensive eye examination or paediatric eye exam. We will assess whether Ortho-K is suitable and discuss the most appropriate myopia management plan for your child.
- Phone: 08-85566800
- Email: aldinga@southcoastoptometrists.com.au
(Do not send personal health information by email.)
- Monday: 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM
- Tuesday: 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM
- Wednesday: 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM
- Thursday: 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
- Friday: 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM
- Saturday: 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM
- Sunday: Closed
- Phone: 08-83863322
- Email: seaford@southcoastoptometrists.com.au
(Do not send personal health information by email.)
- Monday: 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM
- Tuesday: 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM
- Wednesday: 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM
- Thursday: 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
- Friday: 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM
- Saturday: 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM
- Sunday: Closed