Myopia, or nearsightedness, is becoming increasingly common among children. If your child is squinting to see the board at school or holding books and devices very close to their face, they may be developing myopia. While glasses and daytime contact lenses can correct blurry distance vision, they do not slow the progression of the condition.

At Ishigo Optometry, we offer Orthokeratology (Ortho-K) as a safe, effective, and non-surgical option to both correct vision and help manage the progression of myopia in children.

What Is Myopia?

Myopia occurs when the eye grows too long from front to back or when the cornea is too curved. This causes light to focus in front of the retina instead of directly on it, making distant objects appear blurry while near objects remain clear.

Childhood myopia often progresses as a child grows. Higher levels of myopia are associated with increased risks of eye health complications later in life, including retinal detachment, glaucoma, and macular degeneration. That’s why early intervention is so important.

What Are Ortho-K Lenses?

Orthokeratology, commonly known as Ortho-K, involves specially designed, gas-permeable contact lenses that are worn overnight. While your child sleeps, the lenses gently and temporarily reshape the surface of the cornea.

In the morning, the lenses are removed, and your child can see clearly throughout the day without the need for glasses or daytime contact lenses. The effects are reversible and maintained with consistent nightly wear.

How Ortho-K Helps Control Myopia

Ortho-K does more than just provide clear vision during the day. Research shows that it can significantly slow the progression of myopia in children.

By reshaping the cornea, Ortho-K lenses change how light focuses on the retina, which can help reduce the stimulus that encourages the eye to continue elongating. Slowing eye growth during childhood can lower the risk of serious eye health issues later in life.

Myopia management is most effective when started early, ideally while the child’s prescription is still changing.

Benefits of Ortho-K for Children

Many parents choose Ortho-K for its convenience and long-term benefits.

Freedom from daytime glasses or contacts
Children can participate in sports, dance, swimming, and other activities without worrying about glasses slipping or contact lenses drying out.

Non-surgical and reversible
Unlike refractive surgery, Ortho-K does not permanently alter the eye. If your child stops wearing the lenses, the cornea gradually returns to its original shape.

Safe for pediatric use
When properly fitted and monitored by an experienced optometrist, Ortho-K is a safe option for children. Good hygiene and regular follow-up visits are essential for maintaining eye health.

Proven myopia control
Slowing myopia progression helps protect your child’s long-term vision and eye health.

Is Your Child a Candidate for Ortho-K?

Ortho-K is ideal for children with mild to moderate myopia, especially those whose prescriptions are steadily increasing. During a comprehensive eye exam at Ishigo Optometry, we will evaluate your child’s vision, corneal shape, and overall eye health to determine if Ortho-K is the right fit.

We also take time to educate both parents and children on proper lens care and handling to ensure a smooth and successful experience.

Take Control of Your Child’s Vision Today

Myopia is more than just needing stronger glasses each year. Left unmanaged, it can increase the risk of serious eye conditions later in life. Ortho-K offers a proactive approach - correcting your child’s vision while actively slowing the progression of myopia.

If your child’s prescription is increasing or you are looking for alternatives to glasses, contact Ishigo Optometry today to schedule a comprehensive eye exam.  Visit our office in Gardena, California, or call (888) 564-0016 to book an appointment today.