Ortho-K Makes Being Active Easier for Youngsters

Childhood and the teenage years should be filled with running, jumping, swimming and an array of other active verbs. Yet for a growing segment of the younger U.S. population, myopia – otherwise known as nearsightedness – makes glasses or contacts a necessity, which can limit sports and play activities. A little known alternative could be the solution for many active kids – orthokeratology or ortho-k.

Ortho-k is a vision treatment option that employs specially-designed hard contact lenses to temporarily reshape the cornea for corrected vision. Since 2002, these lenses have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration for overnight use. That means these contact lenses can be worn during sleep, and removed during the day for unobstructed, clear vision.

Approved for children over the age of 8, these “overnight contacts” make it possible for kids to play soccer without worrying about breaking their glasses, or to go swimming and still be able to see clearly. They are a great solution for the active youth years since more permanent treatments like laser surgery are not advisable until age 21.

The effects of ortho-k lenses are temporary and they must be worn consistently to provide clear vision in the day. During the first few days of wear, there can be some discomfort as the eyes adjust, but after about a week most patients experience no more discomfort. The cost is significant, but when the only other option is traditional contact lenses or glass, the benefits can far outweigh the costs.

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