Here at Clarke EyeCare Center, we are sometimes asked, “can anything be done to prevent my child’s eyes from getting worse? It seems like every year his/her prescription gets stronger.”

It’s a good question. In most cases it isn’t unusual for a child to become more and more nearsighted as they grow. But wouldn’t it be nice if we could slow it down? We may have a solution to this in Orthokeratology.

There have been several studies over the years indicating that Orthokeratology can help to keep your child’s nearsightedness from getting significantly worse. Currently, an ongoing 5-year FDA study is attempting to confirm these previous studies, and initial results are promising.

So what is Orthokeratology? Orthokeratology refers to the gentle reshaping of the cornea using a specialized contact lens that is worn only while you sleep. The reshaping is temporary, and it allows you to have clear vision during the day without the need for glasses or conventional contact lenses.

While Orthokeratology shows promise in slowing the progression of nearsightedness in children, it is also an excellent option for patients who are unable to tolerate conventional contact lens wear due to discomfort, dryness, or allergy.

Not everyone is a good candidate, however. There are limitations based on the amount of nearsightedness and astigmatism one has. If you would like to explore the option of Orthokeratology further, set an appointment with your eye doctor to see if you are a good candidate.