Myopia Control

For kids and teens, Ortho-K technology will allow us to slow or stop the progression of their nearsighted prescriptions. They don’t have to have higher and higher prescriptions every year. They can also be saved from years of expensive treatments and health care costs due to deteriorating ocular health
A person will be nearsighted, or myopic if their eye is too long, the clear front curve of the eye called the cornea is too curved or the lens inside the eye is too thick relative to the length of the eye. This causes the light entering the eye to not focus correctly and vision to be blurry far away. Nearsighted individuals will experience blurry distance vision, while near tasks like computer or reading will still be clear.

This is the most common type of refractive error and affects nearly 30 percent of the U.S. population, with more recent studies saying nearsightedness could be as high as 42 percent. It’s also raising at an alarming rate with studies saying it could rise to over 50 percent of our population. Nearsightedness is becoming more prevalent because of genetics, lack of time spent outdoors and more time doing near tasks, such as computer use or reading.

Nearsighted or myopic prescriptions progression in kids, teens and adults are mostly commonly caused by the eye growing too long. This growth if not controlled can result in multiple serious vision threatening health concerns as adults. As the eyes grow, the inner layers of the eye called the retina must stretch to cover the eye. As more stretching occurs, the retina begins to thin more and more. Higher nearsighted retinas are more likely to have retinal tears, holes and retinal detachments. Individuals with higher near- sighted eyes are also more likely to develop cataracts and glaucoma. How do you get Ortho-K lenses?.

Start by having a comprehensive eye exam every year. Most kids and teens will not notice their vision becoming gradually more and more blurry. You will also need to determine if you are a candidate for this refractive treatment. Optometrists that are certified in prescribing Ortho-K lenses need to determine your current nearsighted prescription, corneal topography, and overall eye health. Corneal topography is an instrument used to measure and map the corneas’ curves and contours. Ortho-K lenses are then custom designed to your individual case. While sleeping in Ortho-K lenses the center of the cornea is attuned and re-designed. This new contouring will take affect within 2 weeks and within 6 weeks you can be fully corrected. By wearing the Ortho-K lenses nightly the cornea will maintain it’s new shape and correction.

If a patient decides to stop this type of refractive treatment, the reshaping of a cornea with Ortho-K lenses is fully reversible. When patients stop wearing the Ortho-K lenses their cornea contour will return to its pre-Ortho-K natural shape and myopic prescription requiring glasses or contact lenses to be worn during the day.

Ortho-K lenses are a truly revolutionary form of vision correction. At A-B-See Vision Care we have the technology and certifications necessary to provide patients of all ages the option to not have to wear vision correction during the day. Most importantly, we will help to ensure that your kids have a clearer future with less nearsighted prescriptions and eye health concerns!