Treatment to Slow Myopia in Children

“Orthokeratology,” known as a treatment to stop myopia (difficulty seeing far away) in children, is also applied to slow down the progression of myopia. Anadolu Health Center Ophthalmology Specialist Op. Dr. Yusuf Avni Yılmaz emphasizes that special contact lenses designed to reshape the cornea are used to improve vision. He states, “In the treatment aimed at permanently correcting the cornea, the lenses must be worn, especially at night. We can compare orthokeratology treatment to braces. The lenses provide about 60-70% correction upon first use, while a permanent correction occurs after approximately 3-4 weeks. This treatment is especially intended for children with a family history of high myopia and those whose myopia is progressing rapidly, to stop or slow down the progression of myopia. Care should be taken regarding the hygiene of the lenses while applying this treatment.” Op. Dr. Yusuf Avni Yılmaz provided important information on the subject.

In orthokeratology treatment, the goal is for the lenses to flatten the center of the cornea, change the way light refracts when entering the eye, and reach the retina. To successfully continue the treatment, the lenses must be used regularly. Most orthokeratology lenses are worn overnight to flatten the cornea and then removed during the day. These overnight lenses are hard, gas-permeable lenses that are sturdy enough to reshape the cornea while allowing oxygen to pass through to keep the eye healthy. If wearing the lenses at night is discontinued, the eyes will eventually return to their original shape, and the vision defect may recur. For a definitive correction, the lenses must be used regularly.

Hygiene is Important in Lens Use

Maximum vision correction can take 2 weeks or longer. Some people may experience significant vision improvement even in the first few days. Initially, the lenses may feel noticeable in the eye, but this sensation will diminish as usage continues. The risks associated with these lenses are similar to those of other contact lens uses; however, those using these lenses to stop myopia are usually children, who may not be as careful about hygiene as adults. Therefore, in this case, the attention of families becomes much more critical.

Active Young Myopia Patients Achieve Good Results

The lenses provide visual acuity throughout the day. They offer advantages such as ease of application, safety, being painless, and not being a surgical method. However, it is very important to use these lenses regularly. Orthokeratology is recommended for individuals with regular astigmatism, those engaged in sports that glasses hinder, and young myopic patients. This treatment method can be applied to patients with myopia ranging from approximately -0.75 diopters to -5.00 diopters and astigmatism up to -1.50 diopters. Those with mild myopia who experience complications with soft contact lenses can also achieve good results with orthokeratology. However, certain eye structures are not suitable for orthokeratology treatment. Unfortunately, this treatment method is not deemed suitable for individuals with irregular astigmatism, permanent astigmatism, wide pupils, low eyelids, very flat corneas, and those experiencing pathological dry eye syndrome.

Last Updated Date: 21 February 2024

Publication Date: 21 February 2024

MD. Surgeon Yusuf Yılmaz

Ophthalmology Department

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