Myopic Control

Orthokeratology, Carl Zeiss Myovision, or custom soft lens for myopic control

Myopic Control

Slow down the progression of short-sightedness in children may help in preventing myopic degeneration of their eyes. It is well-known that highly myopic patients are at high risk of developing many of the eye diseases e.g. glaucoma, retinal degeneration, retinal detachment, cataract, choroidal neovascularization (CNV), macular degeneration and more. All these are sight-threatening[A].

Soft contact lenses

Cooper Vision MiSight™ with the ActivControl™ Technology daily disposable soft contact lenses can correct existing myopia as well as slowing down its progression, as reported by the company. This specially designed contact lens utilizes the technology of myopic retinal defocus at the peripheral zone to potentially slow down the growth of myopia in children. Apart from Cooper Vision MiSight™, custom made conventional defocus soft contact lens can serve the same purpose. Custom made lenses are suitable for children with higher refractive error and presence of astigmatism. With a comprehensive eye examination and contact lens fitting process, we can determine the best lens for your children.

Eyeglasses

MyoVision™ is a single vision lens with the “Peripheral Vision Management” technology designed by Carl ZEISS. A study showed that the lens was able to slow down the rate of myopic progression in some children[B]. Children can wear the glasses for daily activities or they can wear it alternatively with myopic control contact lens.

Orthokeratology

By reshaping the cornea with a specially designed gas permeable contact lens (RGP), orthokeratology is not only proven to have a preventive effect on childhood short-sightedness[C], it is also safe and effective in reducing short-sightedness among children[D].

Wearing certain types of OK lenses overnight is FDA approved. Whether an approval is granted to a particular type of lens depends on the oxygen permeability of the material in the lens. Since many of the OK lenses are manufactured using materials that are proven to be suitable for overnight use, they are relatively safe to wear. Furthermore, our close monitoring on you is to safeguard the health of your eyes. We review the ocular condition as well as the performance of your lenses from time to time. Upgrade to the newer designed lenses are often recommended to our existing patients if the lenses can potentially give better performance.

As a non-surgical procedure, OK reshape your corneas when you are sleeping. By flattening the anterior curvature, myopia can be effectively corrected temporally after the lenses are taken off. However, once lens wear is ceased, myopia will return to its original status. Poor handling of the lens may cause infectious keratitis (E). In order to avoid complications, proper hygiene is of significance. Seek for our help immediately if you come across any discomfort. Attend all scheduled follow-up visits is a must to protect eyes. Last but not least, do talk to us if you have any questions or problems.

If you are interested in Ortho K, you must have a good understanding of the pros and cons and the risks associated with the procedure. Discuss with us your expectations and needs so that we can help you to achieve the goal. Successful treatment relies on your compliance and effective communication between us.

If you want to know more about Ortho-K, please feel free to contact us.

References:

A. Ohno-Matsui K, Lai TY, Lai CC, Cheung CM. Updates of pathologic myopia. Prog Retin Eye Res. 2016 May;52:156-87.

B. Sankaridurg P, Donovan L, Varnas S, Ho A, Chen X, Martinez A, Fisher S, Lin Z, Smith EL 3rd, Ge J, Holden B. Spectacle lenses designed to reduce progression of myopia: 12-month results. Optom Vis Sci. 2010 Sep;87(9):631-41.

C. Cho P, Cheung SW, Edwards M. The longitudinal orthokeratology research in children (LORIC) in Hong Kong: a pilot study on refractive changes and myopic control. Curr Eye Res 2005;30(1):71-80.

D. Chan B, Cho P, Cheung SW. Orthokeratology practice in children in a university clinic in Hong Kong. Clin Exp Optom 2008;91(5):453-60.

E. Van Meter WS, Musch DC, Jacobs DS, et al. Safety of overnight orthokeratology for myopia: a report by the American Academy of Ophthalmology. Ophthalmology 2008;115(12):2301-13 e1.