Myopia Management and Ortho-K in Northern Kentucky

Myopia, or nearsightedness, often begins in childhood and can progressively worsen over time. If your child’s prescription is increasing every year, it may be time to consider a myopia management solution.

Gaddie Eye Centers offer ortho-k lenses as part of a comprehensive program to slow or halt myopia progression, ensuring we protect your child’s vision for the future.

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Understanding Myopia and Its Risks

Myopia occurs when the eyeball elongates, causing light to focus in front of the retina instead of directly on it, leading to blurry distance vision. Progressive myopia can increase the risk of serious eye conditions later in life.

At Gaddie Eye Centers, we’re committed to providing the most advanced and effective myopia control treatments available. Our dedicated team, including Dr. Ian Benjamin Gaddie and other experienced professionals, is here to help your child achieve clear, healthy vision.

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How Ortho-K Helps with Myopia

orthokeratology, or ortho-k, is an overnight vision correction method where custom-fit rigid gas permeable (RGP) lenses gently reshape the cornea while your child sleeps.

This process corrects myopia, allowing clear vision throughout the day without needing glasses or contact lenses.

Ortho-k has been proven effective in slowing down or even stopping myopia progression, offering long-term benefits for your child’s vision health.

The Fitting Process for Ortho-K Lenses

At Gaddie Eye Centers, our team will thoroughly assess your child’s eyes before fitting them with ortho-k lenses. Using a topographer, we measure the exact curvature of the cornea to ensure a perfect fit.

After the initial fitting, our optometrists provide detailed instructions on how to care for the lenses and periodic check-ups to monitor progress and make any necessary adjustments.

Additional Myopia Control Treatments

Soft Multifocal Contact Lenses: These lenses feature multiple prescriptions to correct distance vision and slow down myopia progression by altering the focus of light entering the eye.
Atropine Eye Drops: Administered in micro-doses, atropine eye drops have been found to reduce myopia progression without significant side effects, making them a suitable option for younger children or as a complement to other treatments.

Why Start Myopia Control Early?

Early intervention is key to managing myopia effectively. The sooner myopia control begins, the better the chances of reducing the risk of serious eye conditions in the future. We recommend starting myopia management as soon as myopia is detected to protect your child’s long-term vision.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Myopia Management

How long does it take to see results with ortho-k lenses?

Most patients notice an improvement in their vision after just one night of wearing ortho-k lenses. However, full correction may take a few days to a couple of weeks, depending on the severity of the myopia.

Can adults use ortho-k for myopia management?

While ortho-k is particularly effective for children, adults who prefer a non-surgical alternative to LASIK or want to avoid daytime glasses or contacts can also benefit from this treatment.

Are there any side effects associated with atropine eye drops?

Atropine eye drops are generally well-tolerated, especially in low doses for myopia control. However, some patients may temporarily experience mild light sensitivity or difficulty focusing on near objects.

How often do I need to replace ortho-k lenses?

Ortho-k lenses typically last about a year with proper care. Your eye doctor will monitor the condition of the lenses during regular check-ups and recommend replacements when necessary.

Is myopia management covered by insurance?

Coverage for myopia management treatments like ortho-k and atropine eye drops varies by insurance plan. It's best to check with your provider or contact our clinic for more detailed information on what may be covered.