If your child’s eyeglass prescription gets stronger every year, you may feel concerned about their eyesight. Many parents wonder if there’s more they can do beyond updating their child’s prescription each time their vision changes.
At Quality Eye Care, we offer ortho-k in Kildeer and Elgin to help children enjoy clear vision during the day while slowing myopia progression.
In this blog, we’ll explain how orthokeratology works and why many families are choosing it to protect their kids’ vision.
What is ortho-k?
Orthokeratology, or ortho-k, uses specially designed lenses worn overnight to gently reshape the eye’s surface. By morning, kids wake up seeing clearly without daytime glasses or contact lenses. Ortho-k is also a trusted method of myopia management, helping slow down the progression of nearsightedness.
Why parents love ortho-k lenses
Many families choose ortho-k because it corrects vision and safely slows down the progression of myopia.
Benefits of ortho-k for children:
- Freedom from daytime glasses or contacts – Kids can run, swim, and play sports without worrying about broken glasses or contact lens discomfort.
- Comfort and convenience – No need to deal with glasses or contacts during the school day or after-school activities.
- Slows myopia progression – Ortho-k helps reduce how quickly nearsightedness worsens.
- Protects long-term eye health – Slowing myopia lowers future risks of retinal detachment, glaucoma, and cataracts.
- Peace of mind for parents – You’re supporting clear vision now while also helping safeguard your child’s future eyesight.
When should you start ortho-k for myopia control?
The sooner myopia is addressed, the more effective treatment can be in slowing its progression. Many children begin showing signs of nearsightedness in their early school years. Starting at that stage can improve the results of ortho-k treatment.
A pediatric eye exam with our optometrists helps determine whether your child is a good candidate for ortho-k. At our Kildeer office, we see infants and up, and in Elgin, we see children ages three and older. By starting early, you can help protect their eyesight and reduce the need for stronger prescriptions year after year.
How ortho-k compares to glasses and contacts
While eyeglasses and contact lenses correct vision, they don’t slow down the progression of myopia. Ortho-k does both—correcting vision and addressing the underlying changes in the eye that cause nearsightedness to worsen. Studies show ortho-k can slow myopia progression by roughly 50% compared to conventional glasses or contacts.1,2
The treatment is completely reversible. If your child stops wearing the lenses, their cornea gradually returns to its original shape.
Protecting your child’s future eyesight
Having clear, healthy vision helps your child do their best in school, sports, and everyday activities. Ortho-k is a safe, non-surgical option that gives kids the chance to see clearly while protecting their vision for years to come.
If you’re concerned about your child’s prescription getting stronger every year, call us or fill out our online appointment request form today. Our team is here to guide you through the options and find the best solution to keep your child’s eyes healthy and strong.
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