Children Myopia Control and Orthokeratology

According to the reports of the World Health Organization, high myopia, or short-sightedness power reaches -5.00D or above, is one of the leading causes of many incurable eye diseases. Examples of these diseases include glaucoma, retinal detachment and myopic macular degeneration, and their risks of occurrence are exponentially higher in highly short-sighted persons. Unfortunately, once being short-sighted, we can never get rid of the risks of getting these severe eye diseases, neither by LASIK nor SMILE surgery. It is postulated that the short-sighted population among university students in Hong Kong reaches 80%.  

Although the risks related to short-sightedness are irreversible, most of the highly short-sighted cases are indeed preventable. Evidence shows that if we can slow down the myopia progression speed by 50%, we can avoid up to 90% of these cases. As children and teenagers aged 6 - 18 years old are prone to progress their short-sightedness, we must act proactively to minimise their exposure to sight-threatening diseases. 

We provide a number of study-proven remedies that are able to slow down the short-sightedness progression by around 50%. The most prevalent ones are as follows:

We use myopia control ophthalmic lenses including that based on the latest D.I.M.S. technology (Hoya MiyoSmart) and H.A.L.T. technology (Essilor Stellest). While being invented by the Hong Kong Polytechnic University, D.I.M.S. lens was awarded 3 prizes including the Grand Prize in the 46th International Exhibition of Inventions of Geneva. Studies showed both innovative ophthalmic lens designs reduce children’s myopia progression by 60%.

Lens with D.I.M.S. technology consists of two parts, including the central zone for refractive correction and the surrounding optical defocus zones, while lens with H.A.L.T. technology consists of concentric rings to form alternating zones of refractive correction and 3D optical defocus. Both lens designs are able to correct vision at all distances while inhibiting short-sightedness progression simultaneously. The lenses are easy for children to use and adapt as well.   

Orthokeratology (ortho-k) is a revolutionary, non-surgical procedure that allows users to enjoy clear vision without wearing glasses. Ortho-k lens (or called OK lens) is a kind of rigid gas-permeable contact lens that is specially designed for overnight use. Instead of mechanically changing the corneal curvature, the lens flattens the cornea and reduces short-sightedness by using the tear layer to create a pressure difference and guide the corneal cell arrangement. Ideal users can even have their short-sightedness fully corrected. Users can maintain their barrier-free clear vision as long as they wear the lens every night. Ortho-k is excellent for sportaholics, people who are forced to give up contact lens wear due to dry eyes and individuals who hate glasses. 

OK lenses are not just for adult use but also excellent for children and adolescents. An extensive number of researches show that ortho-k reduces myopia progression by around 50%, on top of bringing youngsters convenient, glasses-free clear vision for sports and social needs.

Conditions suitable for ortho-k include

• Myopia ≤ -5.50D and astigmatism ≤ -1.50D
• Ortho-k also slows down the myopia progression for lens wearers with refractive errors exceeding the above range. But these wearers may need glasses to aid their vision in daytime
• 8 years old or above
• Short-sightedness progression or family history of being short-sighted
• Sporty persons or glasses haters
• Disposable contact lens wearers suffering from dry eyes
• Consider using non-surgical methods to correct short-sightedness 
  
  

Safety of Orthokeratology

Ortho-k lenses are safe, reliable and reversible for both correcting short-sightedness and controlling its progression. In spite of its rigidity, ortho-k lenses cause minimal lens sensation after the eyes are closed. If users suspend the lens wear due to certain needs, the corneal curvature and power will be reverted within weeks. Orthokeratology has been granted approval by the FDA since 2002 and its application on children has been proven safe by over 170 international studies. Besides, we have a number of measures to further ensure successful OK lens wear:

• Ortho-k lens trial fitting and tutorials for lens insertion and removal
• Manual for proper lens care
• Well-structured and sufficient follow-up schedule
• Hotlines to contact optometrists for advice if needed
• Refund policy