Myopia Control Solutions for Your Child
Many families want to avoid surgery, but still want real, lasting results for their child’s vision. Ortho K Specialty offers a range of evidence-based myopia control solutions, from overnight ortho-k lenses to atropine therapy and soft myopia-control contacts, all designed to slow the progression of nearsightedness as your child grows.
Request a Consultation or call (646) 798-7140.
What Is Orthokeratology (Ortho-K)?
Ortho-k involves temporarily reshaping the cornea using specialized contact lenses designed to be worn overnight while sleeping. Your child wakes up with clear vision, no glasses or daytime contacts required. While still less common than glasses or daytime contacts, ortho-k continues to gain popularity as the lens technology improves and more research confirms its myopia control benefits. If you have questions about whether ortho-k is right for your child, contact us today at (646) 798-7140.
Helping Protect Your Child’s Vision as They Grow
What Is Myopia?
Myopia, or nearsightedness, means your child sees clearly up close, but far away objects look blurry. As children grow, their eyes can grow too long, which may cause myopia to increase over time if it isn’t actively managed. Learn more about the scope of this issue on our Myopia Epidemic page.
Did You Know?
Roughly 1 in 20 children worldwide are affected by myopia. Slowing myopia progression early can help protect your child’s long-term eye health and reduce the risk of associated eye diseases later in life.
How Ortho-K Helps Slow Myopia
- Overnight ortho-k lenses: Worn while sleeping, these lenses gently reshape the cornea and are associated with slower myopia progression in children.
- Consistent nightly wear: Most benefit comes from wearing the lenses consistently as prescribed by Dr. Cho.
- Regular monitoring: Axial length and prescription checks confirm the treatment is working as expected.
Ways Parents Can Help at Home
- More outdoor time: About 90 minutes a day outdoors is associated with lower myopia risk.
- Limit screen time: Too much close-up screen use can increase eye strain and near-work demand.
- Take visual breaks: Every 20 minutes, encourage your child to look at something far away for 20 seconds.
- Good posture: Encourage holding books and screens at arm’s length rather than up close.
Which Myopia Control Solution Is Right for My Child?
The right option depends on your child’s age, prescription, lifestyle, and comfort with lens wear. During a consultation, Dr. Cho will walk you through the options and recommend a personalized plan. Not sure where to start? Take our myopia risk quiz.
Myopia Control Solutions FAQs
What is the difference between ortho-k and soft myopia-control lenses?
Ortho-k lenses are worn overnight and reshape the cornea temporarily, while soft myopia-control lenses are worn during the day like standard contacts, both designed to help slow myopia progression.
Is ortho-k painful?
No. Most children adjust to ortho-k lenses within the first few nights, and many describe them as no more noticeable than a standard contact lens once they’ve adapted.
How much outdoor time is recommended for myopia prevention?
Research generally points to around 90 minutes of outdoor time per day as helpful for reducing myopia risk and supporting eye health in children.
Can myopia control solutions stop myopia completely?
Myopia control solutions aim to slow the rate of progression rather than eliminate it entirely, which can meaningfully reduce long-term eye health risks.
Does atropine therapy work differently than ortho-k?
Yes. Atropine therapy uses low-dose eye drops rather than lenses, and is sometimes used alone or in combination with ortho-k depending on your child’s needs.
How do I know which myopia control option fits my child best?
Dr. Cho evaluates your child’s prescription, progression rate, and lifestyle during a consultation to recommend the most appropriate option.
How do I get started with myopia control treatment?
Call (646) 798-7140 or request a consultation to begin your child’s personalized myopia control plan.