The most studied and most popular method to date of slowing down myopia progression has been orthokeratology: specialized corneal molds that are worn at night and reshape the eye while you sleep. Orthokeratology is also frequently called “ortho-K” or “CRT” which stands for corneal refractive therapy.  The CRAYON study and the SMART study demonstrated effective reduction of myopia prescription rate of change, as well as reduced lengthening of the eye (called axial length) with nightly orthoK lens wear.  Studies suggest that wearing orthoK lenses reduces the rate of myopia progression between 50-90% and the axial length elongation between 40-80% compared to single vision glasses wear.  Wearing these molds will not reverse myopia that has already developed, but they can greatly minimize the speed with which a child’s prescription increases if worn nightly during the years of typical myopic growth (usually through the early 20s).  Orthokeratology is FDA approved for treatment of myopia up to -6.00D of prescription in the United States.

Our office utilizes highly breathable orthokeratology lenses manufactured by Paragon Vision Sciences. Orthokeratology lenses work by gently molding the shape of the cornea overnight, similar to wearing a retainer to align your teeth. When your child wakes up and removes their orthokeratology lenses, their vision will be improved to a level that their need for glasses will be eliminated or greatly reduced. The effect is temporary and for best correction your child needs to wear their orthokeratology lenses every night.