Ortho-K for Kids: Helping Your Child Navigate a Safe and Successful Treatment
Childhood myopia is on the rise, with one report saying that more than one-third of children tested around the world were nearsighted in 2023. The report also says this number will increase by 40% in 2050.
A trusted ophthalmologist in Dubai says that the prevalence of this condition among children is caused by different factors, the most common of which is focusing on a close object for long periods. These activities include watching TV, using a smartphone, tablet, or computer, and reading.
The lack of outdoor play and genetics also make some children more susceptible to myopia.
Fortunately, there are several ways to treat childhood myopia and prevent it from getting worse. One of the most recommended treatment options is orthokeratology or the use of ortho-k lenses.
Ortho-k involves wearing customised contact lenses to correct nearsightedness. These lenses are specially designed based on the results of various processes, which include corneal surface mapping and the patient’s eye exam.
When your child undergoes this treatment, they have to wear their customised lenses at night, which will flatten their cornea while they’re asleep.
When they wake up, the light that passes through the reshaped cornea will fall directly on the retina, which will help them see distant objects clearly.
Ortho-k is a recommended treatment for nearsighted children since they won’t have to wear glasses or contacts that can make it difficult for them to join some sports and other activities. Younger kids are also likely to damage or lose their eye appliances easily, causing you to spend a fortune on replacing them frequently.
Ensuring the Success of Your Child’s Ortho-K Treatment
Although your child only needs to wear their special contact lenses at night, several steps and tips must be followed to ensure your little one’s safety and the treatment’s success.
Below are some of these important steps and tips that can help guarantee the success of your child’s paediatric ortho-k treatment:
1. Prepare your child for the treatment.
Ortho-k therapy may feel like a big step for children, especially the younger ones. As such, you need to prepare them for the treatment.
Once you and the ophthalmologist agree on this treatment, ensure your child understands the entire process. Accompany them when the specialist explains ortho-k to them and encourage them to ask questions if they don’t understand something.
Make sure your child understands the benefits of this treatment, so they would be less apprehensive about it and more committed to it.
Moreover, regularly remind them that you will be with them every step of their journey to help them when they’re having difficulties. The ophthalmologist will also be just a phone call or message away when they want to see them.
2. Instil the importance of proper hygiene.
Ortho-k lenses are prone to attracting bacteria when they are not handled properly. Make sure your child understands the importance of practising proper hygiene when handling their lenses to avoid eye infections.
The ophthalmologist will teach your child the proper way to wash and dry their hands before handling the lenses. Remember these steps so that you can guide your little one during the first few times they do it.
Remind your child to avoid washing their hands and handling the lenses in the bathroom. This room is teeming with germs and bacteria, and it’s the last place they want to accidentally drop their lenses.
3. Ensure your child knows how to put on, remove, and store their lenses properly.
The ophthalmologist will teach your child the proper steps for putting on and removing their lenses.
Below is an overview of the steps involved in putting on ortho-k lenses:
- Place the lens on the tip of the index finger, with the curved side facing upwards.
- Gently pull down the lower eyelid with one hand and hold the upper lid steady with the other.
- Look straight ahead or into a mirror while gently placing the lens on the centre of the eye.
If it’s off-centre, your child has to blink slowly to position it.
Your little one can use a removal plunger or their fingers to remove the lenses. They need to pull down the lower eyelid, gently slide the lens onto the white part of the eye, and lift it out.
Remind your child to store the lenses in their storage case to protect them from dirt, germs, and bacteria.
Although your child may get tired of hearing it, remind them to always wash their hands properly before handling the lenses.
If their eyes feel irritated after removing the lenses, eye drops for red eyes can provide quick relief from any mild discomfort, ensuring their vision stays clear and comfortable. Consult with your eye care professional when incorporating eye drops into your ortho-k regimen.
4. Create a routine.
Younger kids may find it challenging to keep all the steps in mind. Help them remember everything by developing a daily routine.
The routine should include the time they take they need to put on their lenses. Ideally, they should do this after brushing and washing their face.
You can print the routine and pin it on a wall to ensure your child remembers all the essential steps.
Your child should wear the lenses at least six to eight hours nightly. Therefore, it is important that they complete their routine early to ensure they can go to bed early, too. They should also remove the lenses when they wake up.
Make sure your child sees their ophthalmologist during their scheduled checkups so that they can assess the treatment’s progress.
With your help and the ophthalmologist’s guidance, your child can experience the benefits ortho-k offers.
