What is Myopia?

Myopia is a condition in which the eyeball elongates causing blurry vision in the distance, commonly known as near-sightedness. This is frequently “corrected” with spectacles or soft disposable contact lenses. The prevalence of myopia has dramatically increased worldwide and is expected to affect 50% of the entire population by 2050. ^[1]

There are genetic and environmental factors which increases the risk of myopia and its progression. This includes having myopic parents, increased near work and spending less time outdoors. ^[2]

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What is Myopia Control?

Myopia control is a term used to describe treatments with the aim of slowing the progression of myopia or near-sightedness in children.

Unfortunately, myopia cannot be cured, but we can help reduce the rate of progression. There has been a lot of research to investigate treatment options and many alternatives have been found to reduce myopic progression compared to simple single vision glasses.

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Why is Myopia Control important?

Myopia control is extremely important as short sightedness can worsen very quickly without any intervention, hence increasing the chances of myopia related eye diseases. ANY DEGREE OF MYOPIA INCREASES THE RISK OF DEVELOPING SIGHT-THREATENING EYE DISEASES such as glaucoma, retinal detachment, myopic maculopathy and more. ^{[1] [2]}

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Options in Myopia Control

There are many options for myopia control, namely multifocal soft contact lenses, specialised spectacle lenses, atropine eye drops and Orthokeratology (or Ortho-K).

Ortho-K is one of the best options for myopia control with a long history of scientific research and studies to show its long-term benefits on managing myopic progression. It is also the only option where your child will not require any glasses or contact lenses during the day, as these Ortho-K lenses will temporally correct the vision overnight.

Please visit Myopia Control Strathfield for more information on other myopia control options listed above.

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What is Ortho-K?

Ortho-K is short for orthokeratology. Ortho-K lenses are rigid gas permeable lenses that are worn during sleep to help control myopic progression. Ortho-K is a non-invasive, non-surgical and fully reversible procedure. They have been around for many years and there is a lot of robust research (meta-analysis) validating the efficacy of Ortho-K for myopia control ^{[1] [2]}. Ortho-K is FDA approved for correcting up to -6 dioptres of myopia

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How does Ortho-K work?

Ortho-K modifies the refractive power of the eye by gently and temporarily reshaping of the surface of the cornea (the front surface of the eye). This effect results in clear sight WITHOUT glasses or contact lenses worn during the day!

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How does Ortho-K Control Myopic Progression?

Ortho-K acts differently to traditional glasses or contact lenses. Glasses and contact lenses bring the image into sharp focus at the fovea (central point on the retina or the back of the eye), however the image in the periphery of the retina (peripheral view) is focussed further behind the retina which stimulates the growth of the eyeball. This growth results in myopic progression. While providing clear central vision, Ortho-K brings this undesired peripheral defocus in front of the retina, an effect that has been proven to slow the elongation of the eyeball, thus slowing myopic progression.

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How effective is Ortho-K?

Orthokeratology is one of the most effective treatments for myopia control. Many studies show positive effects of Ortho-K in the slowing of myopic progression, with an average myopia control efficacy of around 50% in the Orthokeratology meta-analysis ^[1].

There are numerous studies that report a much higher efficacy at 80% or more, with one study stating an 89% efficacy rate particularly in younger school aged children ^[2].

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How do I know if Ortho-K will be right for me or my child?

A thorough and comprehensive eye examination will be conducted to determine the refractive power, binocular eye interaction and health of the eyes. After all factors are considered, the optometrist will be able to prescribe Ortho-K lenses if suitable. In cases where Ortho-K is not deemed suitable, other forms of myopic progression management will be considered.

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