Overnight Ortho-K Lenses and Myopia Management for Children
Improving your child’s vision and eye health is so easy, they can do it in their sleep — literally. With ortho-k lenses, your child benefits from clear, eyewear-free vision during the day and a reduced risk of future eye disease as they age.
At Manhattan Vision Associates, we take your child’s vision as seriously as you do, which is why we provide the latest myopia management options to help preserve your child’s vision and eye health for a lifetime. Contact us to learn more and schedule your child’s myopia consultation.
What are Ortho-K lenses?
Ortho-k lenses are specialized contact lenses that gently reshape the cornea, the front part of the eye, overnight. Wearing these lenses while sleeping at night allows children and adults to enjoy clear vision the following day without needing glasses or contact lenses.
These lenses are particularly beneficial for managing myopia (nearsightedness) in children, as they can significantly slow the progression of myopia, reducing a child’s risk of ocular health problems in late adulthood.
Why Choose Ortho-K for Children?
Research has demonstrated that beyond daytime vision correction, ortho-k lenses are also effective in halting the progression of myopia in children and teenagers.
This is crucial because children with moderate to severe myopia are at a higher risk of developing sight-threatening eye diseases such as glaucoma or macular degeneration later in life. By using ortho-k lenses, parents can actively protect their children's future eye health.
Ortho-k is also an excellent option for young athletes who prefer not to wear glasses or contact lenses during sports. These night-time contacts ensure they have clear vision during the day without the inconvenience of daytime lenses.
The Benefits of Ortho-K in Children
- Slows Myopia Progression: Using ortho-k lenses can slow or sometimes stop the progression of myopia in children, reducing the risk of developing severe eye conditions in adulthood.
- Corrects Refractive Errors: These lenses effectively correct myopia and ensure clear vision without daytime glasses or contact lenses.
- Fast and Effective Correction: Some children achieve optimal vision after just one night of wear, though those with stronger prescriptions might need a few weeks.
- Comfortable and Custom-Fit: Ortho-k lenses are tailored to each child's eyes using advanced mapping technology, ensuring a comfortable fit.
- Safe and Reversible: Ortho-k is a non-surgical, reversible alternative to procedures like LASIK, ideal for children whose eyes are still developing.
Are Overnight Ortho-K Lenses Safe for Children?
Yes, ortho-k is a safe, FDA-approved, and non-surgical option for managing myopia in children. These lenses are designed for overnight wear, unlike regular contacts that can cause damage if worn during sleep.
To maintain safety, it's crucial to follow our eye care team’s instructions on handling and caring for these lenses. Children as young as 8 years old can begin wearing ortho-k lenses.
Alternative Names For Ortho-K
Ortho-k is known by various names, reflecting different lens designs and fitting systems. These include:
- Ortho-k
- Accelerated Ortho-K (AOK)
- Corneal Refractive Therapy (CRT)
- Dream Lenses
- Global Orthokeratology Vision (GOV)
- Gentle Vision Shaping System (GVSS)
- Molding Lenses
- Natural Vision Improvement
- Night Lenses
- Overnight Lenses
- Overnight Corneal Reshaping (OCR)
- Vision Shaping Treatment (VST)
Ortho-K and Myopia Management in New York City
For parents interested in ortho-k lenses for their children, consulting with our New York City eye care team is the first step. This ensures your child receives the best care for their specific vision needs.
Call us today to schedule your child’s myopia consultation and start them on a path to lifelong eye health.