When your child appears to have a vision problem, it becomes your problem as well. At the onset, your first issue would be how to interpret the symptoms that your child is exhibiting. Detecting a vision problem in a child is difficult because they might not be able to properly articulate their feelings. You have to observe them closely to pick-up non-verbal signs of the symptoms they may be feeling. In some cases, you even have to guess or make your own interpretations.

If your child is finally diagnosed with a vision problem, your problem worsens. It can be very challenging to find a solution that will work for your child’s eye condition. Eye glasses will normally be the first corrective measure that will come to mind. However, if your child is into highly physical activities like sports, this may not be a very good option. He might hurt himself if the glasses break while he is playing. He may also misplace the glasses as he moves from one place to another.

Contact lenses may address your concerns about your child’s mobility. However, it may be too risky to have your child use lenses. They will wear this in school where you cannot monitor them all the time. If an eye gets irritated or if they need to remove the lenses and you are not there to help, depending on their dexterity problems can occur.

Here is an alternative solution that will hopefully address your concerns. Read on to learn more.

•    Orthokeratology is an alternative treatment option that is designed to correct myopia or nearsightedness.

•    Orthokeratology involves the use of fitted lenses at night time while your child is asleep. The lenses are removed during daytime and your child will have a clear vision throughout the day without the help of eye glasses or contact lenses.

•    One of the things you need to consider when your child undergoes orthokeratology therapy is that you have to prepare your child psychologically for this kind of treatment. You need to coordinate with your doctor on this aspect so he can help you and your child prepare.

•    Orthokeratology, like any other procedure or treatment option, comes with risks. When your child wears the lenses, they may be at risk of suffering eye injuries which can include corneal ulceration and corneal abrasion. You should ask your optometrist about ways to prevent these injuries from happening and inquire about first aid tips you can do in the unlikely event of an injury.

•    As this procedure is not without risk, your optometrist should recommend several fittings of the orthokeratology lenses and cleaning sessions until he is sure that your child is comfortable wearing them.

•    The advantage of using orthokeratology is that you are more likely to be able to monitor your child’s use of the lenses since they will only wear them at night. You will be nearby should they have any problems with them.

•    You have to monitor cleaning of the orthokeratology lenses. Like traditional contact lenses, they need to be cleaned everyday with the lens solution prescribed by your optometrsit. They should be cleaned before your child puts  them on at night and when they remove them in the morning. The lenses should also be stored in the appropriate case when not in use.

The main advantage of orthokeratology is the mounting evidence that it slows down vision deterioration.  Even though there are small risks (which exist with any form of contact lenses), the advantages are very significant.

At The Eye Practice we have been performing orthokeratology procedures since the mid 1990’s.  We have seen hundreds of patients use them very successfully.

Book an appointment ONLINE or call us on (02) 9290 1899