Should Short-Sighted Children Wear Orthokeratology Glasses Despite Future Options Like ICL Surgery?

From an early age, combating the high costs associated with vision correction and addressing the daily trifles and troubles that come with myopia, parents may wonder whether orthokeratology glasses are a necessity for their developing children. After all, they can opt for refractive surgeries like ICL (Implantable Collamer Lens) surgery when they grow older. This article explores the benefits, considerations, and potential drawbacks of choosing orthokeratology glasses for short-sighted children and highlights the deciding factors between these options.

The Benefits of Orthokeratology (Ortho-K)

Glasses and traditional contact lenses can be cumbersome and pose daily challenges for developing eyes. Orthokeratology, or Ortho-K, involves wearing specially designed contact lenses at night to slowly reshape the cornea while the wearer sleeps. This method primarily benefits those with a myopic refractive error (nearsightedness) in a limited range, although it can handle a significant portion of nearsightedness cases.

Advantages of Ortho-K include:

They are not worn during the day, reducing the risk of loss or damage during daily activities. Unlike traditional contact lenses, they don't need to be removed for certain activities such as swimming, ensuring convenience and safety. If successful, Ortho-K can help reduce or eliminate the progression of myopia, significantly lowering the risk of retinal detachment due to the elongation of the eye over time. Children gain these benefits early in life, without having to wait until adulthood to benefit from more advanced treatments like ICL surgery, which is typically not recommended until the age of 21.

ICL Surgery: A Future Option, Not a Solution for the Present

Refractive surgeries, such as ICL, are not a primary method for myopia management in children but are often considered for adult patients. While ICL surgery may address refractive errors, it has its own set of considerations and potential risks. ICL involves surgically implanting a lens inside the eye to correct myopia.

Here are some key points to consider about ICL surgery:

ICL surgery changes the biological structures of the eye, potentially disrupting the natural 'feel' of where and the size and shape of objects and their distance. Performing ICL surgery on a high myope (extremely nearsighted) can cause more damage to the eye and may not be the best option for everyone.

It is important to note that refractive surgery is not recommended for juvenile patients. The primary focus should be on effective myopia management strategies during childhood to prevent long-term complications.

Early Myopia Management and Developments

As myopia in children grows, it is crucial to consider changing tasks and teaching different attitudes and behaviors to prevent the development of further myopia. Myopia progression can be managed through various strategies, including:

Prescribing appropriate orthokeratology lenses to reduce myopia progression and improve night vision. Prescribing multifocal contact lenses during the day to manage myopia progression fully. Encouraging regular eye examinations to monitor eyeball elongation and to adjust treatment as necessary.

Parents should work with their healthcare provider to determine the best course of action based on the child's specific needs and the developing myopia.

Conclusion and Considerations

While ICL surgery can be a valuable option for adults, it is not sufficient for children to monitor their myopia progression. Starting with orthokeratology or other myopia management strategies can provide immediate benefits and reduce the risks associated with high myopia. These methods offer substantial advantages for children and help prevent long-term vision problems.

Remember, it is always best to consult with an eye care professional who can provide personalized advice and treatment options based on the individual child's needs.