Ortho K contact lenses aren’t brand new technology. They’ve been available to the public through opticians for at least 20 years, and first emerged as a potential treatment option for myopia as early as the 1960s.
One of the biggest advantages of Ortho K lenses is that they are appropriate for both adults and children to wear, and have unique benefits for both groups. However, many parents that visit us here at the Bromley Eye Centre have never heard of Ortho K contact lenses, so it is only normal for them to have questions about whether they are safe for their children to use.
Generally speaking, Ortho K contact lenses are completely safe for children with myopia. Many parents worry about children losing or breaking glasses (which can be expensive to replace!) and having to wear glasses can be restrictive when it comes to sports or other physical activities. The use of Ortho K lenses, due to being worn at night, can be much more closely monitored by parents at home, and the risk of things getting lost or broken is significantly reduced.
Ortho K contact lenses, in many cases, can also halt or slow the progression of myopia in childhood, when eyesight is still changing and developing. The effectiveness of Ortho K lenses as a treatment option will depend on the severity of your child’s myopia, as well as more controllable factors like consistency of wear.
Of course, every child has a unique set of circumstances, so Ortho K lenses will not be the best or safest option in every case. However, this is something you will be able to discuss in depth with your optician, who will always be able to advise you on the best course of action.
The Bromley Eye Centre is the only Ortho K authorised practice in Bromley. To find out if your child is eligible for Ortho k contact lenses, get in touch and schedule your appointment with us today.
