Why Childhood Myopia is a Growing Concern

Childhood myopia (short-sightedness) is staring at an ever-growing incidence worldwide, especially in the urban setting of Malaysia. Research has shown that myopia is attacking children at earlier ages due to lifestyle reasons-almost an excuse-increased time in front of the TV, shutdown of outdoor play, and intense academic demand. Unfocused far-in-distance perception is but a slight worry-unchecked myopia can ramp up its fast progression, thereby increasing very much the risk of having severe eye conditions later in life of retinal detachment, and glaucoma. 

This is where Ortho-K for kids comes in — it is a non-surgical procedure that corrects the vision while slowing myopic development.

What is Ortho-K?

Orthokeratology (Ortho-K) basically means wearing specially designed rigid contact lenses for hours at night. These lenses moderately reshape the corneal surface when your child is asleep. In the daytime, the lenses can be removed, giving your child the freedom of clear sight without glasses or daytime contacts.

Ortho-K has been applied for decades, but more recently it has seen an exponential growth in scientific support as a myopia control option.

How Ortho-K Works for Myopia Control

This is where Ortho-K lenses prove to be of great help. They keep the stimulus of elongation-dependent myopia progress in check by creating a unique optical effect on the retina.

By regulating this elongation, Ortho-K thereby slows down the aggravation of myopia in children, allowing them greater freedom toward healthy eyes into adulthood.

Benefits of Ortho-K for Kids

• Clear Eyes Without Glasses During the Day — Perfect for active kids who play sports or despise wearing spectacles.

• Scientifically Proven Myopia Control — Clinical studies show that Ortho-K can reduce myopia progression by as much as 50%.

• Gives Confidence — Who ever needs glasses for friends and fun-time? None!

• Non-Surgical & Reversible – Unlike LASIK, Ortho-K is non-invasive and fully reversible.

Is Ortho-K Safe for Children?

• When fitted and monitored by a qualified optometrist or ophthalmologist, the Ortho-K procedure is safe for children.

• Highly oxygen-permeable lens materials are used.

• Regular follow-up visits continue to ensure healthy eyes and satisfactory vision correction.

• Parents are instructed in proper lens care to prevent infections.

Who is a Good Candidate for Ortho-K?

Your child may benefit from Ortho-K if they:

• Are aged 6–18 years old.

• Have mild to moderate myopia (up to -6.00 diopters).

• Have astigmatism up to -1.75 diopters.

• Have healthy eyes with no history of eye disease.

• Are motivated (with parental support) to follow proper lens care routines.

How to Get Started with Ortho-K at Ikonik Eye Centre

At Ikonik Eye Centre, we follow a step-by-step approach:

1. Comprehensive Eye Exam – Assess myopia degree, corneal shape, and eye health.

2. Lens Customisation – Ortho-K lenses are tailored for each child’s eye shape.

3. Training & Trial – We guide parents and children on safe lens insertion, removal, and care.

4. Regular Follow-Up – We monitor all aspects of vision, lens fit and progress towards myopia control.

Ortho-K offers children the chance to enjoy clear vision during the day while protecting their eyesight for the future. It’s a safe, non-surgical, and scientifically backed solution for myopia control.

If your child’s vision is getting worse every year, now is the time to act. Book an Ortho-K assessment at Ikonik Eye Centre today and take the first step towards protecting your child’s vision.