Ortho-K
Ortho-K or Orthokeratology is one practice being used to slow down the progression of myopia. Ortho-K utilizes a specialty rigid gas-permeable molding lens that is placed into the eyes just before you go to bed. This hard lens helps to gently hold your eye in the proper shape throughout the night. Then when you wake up in the morning and remove the lenses, your eye continues to maintain that shape. This means that people who are nearsighted can see clearly throughout the day, even without wearing contact lenses or glasses. This approach is often preferred for athletes or other active individuals. This has been proved effective in slowing down myopia progression worldwide.
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Bright Future MiSight 1 Day, FDA approved for Myopia Control
These specialty contact lenses are designed to help reduce strain on the eyes. They have shown great success at slowing the progression of myopia over a three-year period when compared with individuals who wore a standard prescription lens. Patient will use fresh contact lenses every day. no contact lens cleaning is needed since they are 1 day disposable.
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Low Dose Atropine Eye Drops
One of the thoughts about the progression of myopia, is that it is associated with eye strain. The additional stresses that are placed on the eye when straining push the eye further out of its proper shape. Atropine eye drops are specifically designed to help stop the eye from straining and help the muscles relax. Low Dose Atropine can be considered when other options are not feasible or when eye care professionals consider it necessary.
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Ortho-K (Orthokeratology) for Myopia Control

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is Ortho-K?

Ortho-K (Orthokeratology) is a custom-designed overnight contact lens treatment that gently reshapes the front surface of the eye while your child sleeps.
In the morning, the lenses are removed, allowing clear vision during the day without glasses or contact lenses.

More importantly, Ortho-K has been shown to slow the progression of childhood myopia (nearsightedness).

How does Ortho-K slow myopia progression?

Ortho-K works by creating a specific optical pattern on the retina that helps reduce the stimulus for the eye to continue growing longer, which is the main cause of worsening myopia.

This mechanism is different from regular glasses or daytime contact lenses, which correct vision but do not control eye growth.

Who is a good candidate for Ortho-K?

Ortho-K is commonly recommended for:

• Children and teens with progressive myopia

• Kids who are active in sports

• Families seeking non-surgical, medication-free myopia control

• Patients who prefer daytime freedom from glasses

A comprehensive eye exam is required to determine candidacy.

Is Ortho-K safe for children?

Yes — when properly fitted, monitored, and cared for, Ortho-K is considered safe and effective.

Safety depends on:

• Custom lens design

• Strict hygiene and compliance

• Regular follow-up visits

This is why Ortho-K must be managed by an eye doctor experienced in myopia control.

What age can a child start Ortho-K?

Many children start Ortho-K between ages 6–14, depending on maturity, prescription, and eye health.
There is no single “right age” — early intervention often provides better long-term myopia control outcomes.

How effective is Ortho-K for myopia control?

Clinical studies show Ortho-K can slow myopia progression by approximately 40–60% in many children, though individual results vary.

No myopia control method can guarantee complete prevention — the goal is slowing progression and reducing future eye health risks.

Will my child feel the lenses at night?

Initially, children may notice mild awareness when first falling asleep, similar to adjusting to any new contact lens.
Most adapt within a few nights to one week.

Once asleep, children generally do not feel the lenses at all.

How long does Ortho-K treatment last?

Ortho-K is a long-term treatment, typically continued throughout the years of active myopia progression.

If treatment is stopped, the cornea gradually returns to its original shape and myopia correction is lost.

Is Ortho-K permanent?

No. Ortho-K is fully reversible.
Stopping lens wear will cause vision to return to the original prescription over time.

How often are follow-up visits needed?

Follow-ups are a critical part of safe Ortho-K care and typically include:

• Initial morning and short-term follow-ups

• Regular visits every 3–6 months

These visits allow us to monitor vision, eye health, lens fit, and myopia progression.

How is Ortho-K different from atropine eye drops?

Ortho-K:

• Corrects vision and controls myopia

• Provides daytime freedom from glasses

• Is medication-free

Atropine drops:

• Do not correct vision

• Are often used as an adjunct therapy

• May have side effects such as light sensitivity or near blur

Some children benefit from combination therapy, depending on progression risk.

Is Ortho-K covered by insurance?

Ortho-K is considered a specialty myopia control service and is typically not covered by vision or medical insurance.

Our office will review all fees, services, and expectations in advance so families can make an informed decision.

Why is Ortho-K more expensive than regular contacts or glasses?

Ortho-K includes:

• Advanced corneal measurements

• Custom lens design

• Multiple fittings and follow-ups

• Ongoing medical monitoring

This is a medical treatment plan, not a standard vision correction product.

What happens if my child misses a night of wear?

Missing one night may result in slightly blurrier vision the next day, but vision usually returns with resumed wear.
Consistent nightly wear is important for stable vision and effective myopia control.

How do we get started?

The first step is a comprehensive myopia control evaluation.
If Ortho-K is appropriate, we will design a personalized treatment plan and guide your family through every step.

Overview

If you notice that your child is having a difficult time seeing objects that are far away, contact us today to schedule an appointment. Many parents notice changes in their children with their behavior or grades at school, their ability to play sports, or that they may even be pulling back from playing with friends. Beginning Myopia Control as early as possible can help to reduce your child’s chances of developing high myopia or other serious eye conditions that can threaten their ability to see the world around them. Call today and schedule an appointment to see how we can help your child.