Is My Child a Good Candidate for Ortho-K Lenses?

Parents often look for safe, effective ways to help their children see clearly without relying on glasses or daytime contacts. Orthokeratology, commonly known as Ortho-K, offers just that. Using specially designed lenses worn only at night, Ortho-K provides clear vision during the day without surgery. At Tri-City Optometry in Fremont, we specialize in Corneal Refractive Therapy (CRT) - an FDA-approved form of Ortho-K that corrects nearsightedness and mild astigmatism while also helping to slow the progression of myopia in children.

What Are Ortho-K Lenses?

Ortho-K lenses are specially designed rigid gas permeable contact lenses that gently reshape the cornea (the clear front surface of the eye) overnight. Unlike regular contacts, these are worn only while sleeping. In the morning, the lenses are removed, and your child can enjoy clear vision all day long without glasses or contacts.

CRT is an FDA-approved form of Ortho-K designed to treat nearsightedness (myopia) and mild astigmatism. Think of them like “retainers for the eyes” - they temporarily mold the cornea into the right shape for clear vision.

How Does CRT Work?

The process of Ortho-K is simple yet effective. Each night before bedtime, your child inserts their custom CRT lenses. While they sleep, the lenses gently and precisely reshape the cornea, creating the adjustments needed for clear vision.

In the morning, the lenses are removed, leaving your child with clear, unaided vision throughout the day. This reshaping effect typically lasts 24 to 48 hours, allowing them to go about daily activities without glasses or contacts. Best of all, the changes are completely temporary and reversible - if your child stops wearing the lenses, the cornea gradually returns to its natural shape.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Ortho-K?

Ortho-K may be a great option for children and teens who:

• Have mild to moderate myopia (up to -6.00 diopters)

• Have mild astigmatism (up to -1.75 diopters)

• Are experiencing progressive nearsightedness

• Are active in sports or outdoor activities where glasses are inconvenient

• Struggle with dry eye and find daytime contacts uncomfortable

• Are not ready or not eligible for laser vision correction

Benefits of Ortho-K for Children

No more worries about broken frames or lost glasses during school or play. Ortho-K gives kids the freedom to swim, run, and play sports with clear vision. One of the most important benefits of Ortho-K is its ability to slow the progression of myopia in children. Studies suggest Ortho-K can reduce the rate of worsening nearsightedness by up to 50%. Slowing myopia progression helps protect your child’s long-term eye health, lowering their lifetime risk of eye conditions like glaucoma, retinal detachment, and macular degeneration. Unlike LASIK, Ortho-K is non-invasive and completely reversible, making it a safe and flexible option for young patients.

The Tri-City Optometry Ortho-K Experience

At Tri-City Optometry in Fremont, we take a specialized approach to Ortho-K:

• Comprehensive Evaluation - Using advanced corneal topography, we map your child’s eyes to determine if they’re a good candidate.

• Custom-Fitted Lenses - Each pair of CRT lenses is tailored to your child’s unique eye shape and prescription.

• Expert Training - Our doctors and team teach both parents and children proper lens handling, cleaning, and care.

• Ongoing Care - With regular follow-ups, we track corneal health and vision improvement, adjusting lenses as needed to ensure the best results.

Schedule an Ortho-K Consultation in Fremont

If your child is nearsighted, active, and eager for more independence from glasses or daytime contacts, Ortho-K may be the perfect solution. It’s not just about clear vision - it’s about long-term eye health and confidence in daily activities.

At Tri-City Optometry, we’re proud to be one of the Bay Area’s leaders in Ortho-K fitting and management. Our goal is to help your child achieve glasses-free vision during the day while protecting their eyesight for the future. Visit our office in Fremont, California, or call (510) 602-2020 to schedule an Ortho-K consultation and find out if your child is a candidate for CRT lenses.