Understanding Ortho-K: A Guide for Parents in Ajax, Ontario, and Surrounding Areas
As an optometrist based in Ajax, Ontario, I often encounter parents seeking the best vision solutions for their children. One such innovative option is Orthokeratology, commonly known as Ortho-K. This treatment offers a unique, non-surgical, and reversible approach to vision correction that can be particularly beneficial for active children and teenagers.
What is Ortho-K? 
Ortho-K is a specialized, custom contact lens therapy designed to reshape the cornea—the clear front surface of the eye—while you sleep. The lenses are inserted right before bedtime and worn throughout the night. Upon waking, the lenses are removed, and you are able to see clearly all day long without the need for glasses or contact lenses! It’s a safe and effective way to correct myopia (nearsightedness) and small amounts of astigmatism.
Who Can Benefit from Ortho-K?
Ortho-K is especially suitable for:
- Children and Teenagers: Myopia progresses during childhood and adolescence. Ortho-K can slow down or even halt the progression of myopia, which is crucial for reducing the risk of more severe vision problems or complications later in life. This is known as Myopia Control.
- Active Individuals: For those involved in sports or other physical activities, Ortho-K provides a glasses-free and contact lens-free daytime experience, enhancing both performance and convenience.
- Adults: While Ortho-K is most commonly used in younger individuals, adults who want the ease and convenience of a glasses/contact lens-free life, prefer a non-surgical solution, or are not good candidates for LASIK surgery can also benefit from Ortho-K.
The Fitting Process
- Initial Consultation: The journey begins with a comprehensive consultation at our Ajax clinic, conveniently located near Scarborough, Pickering, Whitby, and Oshawa, to determine if Ortho-K is suitable for your child. This includes measuring the curvature of the cornea and assessing the overall health of the eyes.
- Lens Fitting: If Ortho-K is deemed appropriate, customized lenses will be designed to fit your child’s eyes. These lenses are tailored based on precise measurements taken during the consultation to ensure optimal comfort and effectiveness.
- Overnight Wear: Your child will wear the Ortho-K lenses overnight. The lenses gently reshape the cornea while they sleep, providing clear vision the following day when they wake up and remove the lenses. It’s important to note that the effects are temporary, and the lenses must be worn nightly to maintain clear vision.
- Regular Follow-Ups: Follow-up visits at our Ajax clinic, easily accessible from Scarborough, Pickering, Whitby, and Oshawa, are crucial to monitor the progress and ensure the cornea is responding well to the treatment. Adjustments to the lenses may be made as needed to achieve the best results.
- Enjoy Clear Vision: With consistent use, your child will enjoy clear, glasses-free vision throughout the day. This can significantly enhance their quality of life, both academically and socially.
Why Choose Ortho-K?
- Convenience: No need for glasses or daytime contact lenses.
- Non-Surgical: It offers a non-invasive alternative to vision correction surgery.
- Reversible: Can discontinue use at any time and the shape of the cornea will return to baseline. Patients can return to glasses and/or contact lens wear.
- Myopia Control: Helps slow down the progression of myopia, which can lead to better long-term eye health.
Final Thoughts
As parents, we always strive to provide the best for our children. Ortho-K represents a modern, effective solution for vision correction that can positively impact your child’s daily life and long-term eye health. If you’re considering Ortho-K for your child, I encourage you to schedule a consultation at our Ajax clinic, conveniently serving Scarborough, Pickering, Whitby, and Oshawa, to explore this remarkable treatment further.
Remember, clear vision is not just about seeing well—it’s about living well. With Ortho-K, your child can enjoy the freedom of clear sight and the confidence it brings, all while you rest easy knowing you’re taking proactive steps for their visual future.
If you have any questions or would like to learn more, feel free to reach out. Your child’s journey to better vision could start with a simple conversation today.
Dr. Shannon Bligdon
Optometrist
Ajax Eye Care
676 Monarch Ave, Unit 10a
Ajax, Ontario, L1S 4S2
Additional Resources:
- Effect of Orthokeratology on myopia progression: twelve-year results of a retrospective cohort study