Wearing prescription eyeglasses isn’t always an option for athletes or active adolescents, particularly those who play contact sports. That’s why LASIK eye surgery and contact lenses are quite popular among athletes. However, these aren’t the only options available to athletes.
A lesser-known but equally effective option is orthokeratology (ortho-k) or corneal refractive therapy. What makes it a great option for active adolescents?
What Does It Involve?
Patients undergoing ortho-k therapy wear contact lenses at night to correct nearsightedness and astigmatism. These lenses are gas-permeable so oxygen can still reach the cornea even while you’re sleeping, allowing your eyes to breathe.
Over time, the lenses slowly reshape the front of the eye, improving your child’s vision. However, depending on the degree of their astigmatism or nearsightedness, your child might notice improvements in their vision after the first night of wearing ortho-k contact lenses.
Keep in mind that the vision correction made by ortho-k lenses is temporary. As such, even after a stable 20/20 vision is reached, your child will still need to wear ortho-k lenses every night.
Why Choose Ortho-K Therapy?
Contact lenses are the preferred choice for athletes, but they come with some disadvantages that can impede an active lifestyle. For one thing daily lens care is inconvenient. Not to mention eye contacts can become intolerable for some during allergy season, when pollen and other irritants stick to the lenses. Since athletes only need to wear ortho-k lenses at night, they don’t have to deal with any of the aforementioned inconveniences.
What about LASIK surgery? Athletes need to be older than 18 to undergo corrective surgeries like LASIK. As such, ortho-k therapy is a more practical choice for younger athletes.
How Safe Is Ortho-K Therapy?
Ortho-k therapy is so safe that kids as young as seven or eight can undergo the procedure. To learn more about your treatment options, consult an eye doctor from your local eye care center.
Looking for optometrists near your area?
Guilford Eye Center offers professional eye care services. To schedule an appointment with an optometrist, call us at (336) 292-4516, or fill out our form here. We serve homeowners in High Point, NC, as well as the surrounding communities.
