I have written so many times about our struggle with Myopia. Like I had lived with a very high power specs and finally got rid of it when I got the Lasik surgery done. I have also shared about different ways to combat myopia here and here. Unfortunately my kids – Eeshaa and Shrihaan too have myopia just like me and I always thought that they also have to wear boring glasses all the time until they become adults! I am so so thankful to Titus Eye Care to introduce us to Ortho-K that has truly changed the way Eeshaa sees the world!
First things first, what is Ortho-K?
Simply putting, Ortho-K or Orthokeratology are the braces for the eyes. Before you ask me, lemme tell you, it DOES NOT NEED SURGERY.
In more scientific terms, Orthokeratology, Cornea Refractive Therapy or Corneal Molding, is a non-surgical, reversible process using a unique therapeutic mold to reshape the cornea while you sleep. In a nutshell, you wear Ortho-K lens when you sleep. Then, entire day you don’t have to wear any glasses.
Sounds too good to be true? I also thought the same. I mean – you just wear these special lens called as molds then you sleep and when you get up you don’t need glasses whole day. Seriouslyyyy?? How is that possible? Well my friends, Eeshaa has been already using Ortho-K lens designed by the experts of Titus Eye Care for some time and I will highly recommend it to all my mommy readers to try if your kids have myopia.
Science behind Ortho-K and why it is effective for myopia control
It would be interesting to mention how exactly Ortho-K works. For a mom like me, it’s nothing less than a big magic. In reality, there is technology and science that makes it possible to control Myopia through Ortho-K.
Take a look at the diagram:
a) The movement of tissues to the peripheral is what is termed ‘Peripheral myopic defocus’.
b) Peripheral myopic defocus is when peripheral light rays are no longer focused ON the retinal surface but rather, IN FRONT of the retinal surface.
c) This creates a signal to the eye to prevent myopia from progressing, similar to a plant growing towards where the light is. If the light is in front of the eye, then the eye will want to grow towards it.
d) This is ONLY achieved effectively by Eye braces (Orthok) simply because of the above mentioned mechanism (where the same amount of tissues flattened has to be moved to the peripheral).
e) Many other spectacle lenses/contact lenses try to mimic this effect but is not able to achieve it effectively because it lacks the movement of the tissues.
f) There is strong evidence in the medical literature that proves that the ‘Peripheral Myopic Defocus’ is responsible to control myopia progression.
Why is it important to choose the best in the industry for Ortho-K?
Well, I did quite a lot of research before zeroing down on Titus Eye Care. After all, nothing but the best when it comes to kids’ eyes.
- I wanted a clinic that is specialized in Ortho-K where doctors are very very well-qualified and use the latest-most technology. Titus Eye Care uses sophisticated tools to calculate and design a mold that is able to accurately position the light rays, maximising the myopia control effects.
- How experienced is your Ortho-K specialist? I chose Titus Eye Care because they have dealt with a wide variety of patients – low myopia, high myopia to hyperopia to astigmatism to presbyopia for kids and adults.
- How well the doctor connects with kids. For me, it was one of the most crucial points because putting Ortho-K mold in the eyes and following a stringent routine to take care of these molds is a very huge task for a kid. Unless the kid is completely ready, I wouldn’t go for Ortho-K! I loved Dr. Titus, Dr. Juanne and their entire staff for making things very straightforward for Eeshaa. No stress at all.
- This point is something that I was looking for to consolidate my decision – Titus Eye Care is the only accredited Orthok specialist (Orthokeratologist) under the international academy of Orthokeratology in Singapore
- Whether your Specialist makes you understand the process? I can’t trust the specialist if I don’t understand how the whole thing works. I really appreciate the time taken by Dr. Titus and Dr. Juanne to explain us elaborately each detail about Ortho-K. How patient they are with kids! Eeshaa loves going to Titus Eye Care because she likes Dr. Juanne a lot. Shrihaan seems to be at home too at Titus Eye Care and is already showing keen interest to try Ortho-K.
- After-Care – It’s crucial that you take good care of Ortho-K molds. Titus Eye Care ensures that we visit them regularly. At every visit, they: a) take Maps to ensure the fit is perfect. b) use Magnified images to ensure there is no compromise on the ocular surface. c) do a vision test to ensure your vision is good.
Important pointers for parents who want to start Ortho-K treatment for their kids:
This is straight based on my experience as a mom whose girl is using Ortho-K molds from Titus Eye Care. I have gathered some tips and would love to share with you all:
- Get complete information about Ortho-K. Don’t leave any room for doubt.
- Choose your Eye Clinic carefully, Settle for nothing but the best.
- Kids from 6 years onward can opt for Ortho-K. However, kids’ temperament, willingness to try is a crucial factor to gauge before getting Ortho-K molds. For me, my girl showed all the green signals so I got the molds for her. For my boy, I would wait for another year or two.
- Strict regimen to be followed when it comes to Ortho-K molds. Molds need proper care to maintain their efficacy. At the same time, you have to monitor your kids’ eyes. Generally, there shouldn’t be any issue but better to keep an eye.
- Ortho-K is an investment. Take it as an investment rather than an expense. And it’s a good investment for controlling the myopia. Who doesn’t love to see their kids without specs, playing happily without glasses?!
This is my first post for Eeshaa’s Ortho-K. I will keep sharing more on the blog and on my IG. Feel free to ask me any questions. Happy to help! I am adding more info about Titus Eye Care and you can contact them for consultation.
Titus Eye Care
10 Jalan Serene, Serene Centre
#02-15 S(258748)
Phone:
+65 6467 6338
Clinic Hours:
Mon-Fri: 930am to 6pm
Wed: 230pm to 6pm
Sat: 930am to 130pm
Sun and PH: Closed
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Introducing lenses to a child is an important part of life. We have to tell them so much details and ask them to follow few steps and taking care of eyes and lenses both. Your daughter is beautiful and she looks happy after wearing the lenses.
i have lived with myopia for my entire life and prefer contact lens. This sounds interesting, does this works for adults as well. would be waiting for more updates about this.
I’m so impressed with Ortho-K. I too have high number myopia . Best part is that, it doesn’t needs any surgery . Thanks for sharing this informative post.
I just didn’t know about this. Something unheard of. Very detailed aryicle I must say. Thanks for sharing. Love the piece.
That’s something new and informative. My daughter also has myopia and thus is really helpful. Would check out more information on this. Thanks for sharing your experience.
I really do not know about it and seriously it seems to be a magic , what a technology , wear while sleeping and you are all set for a day.
Wow this is just amazing thanks for this informative article i never knew about Orthokeratology. This article will surely benefit my friend as she is facing same condition will share this with her.
Does ortho K work in adults ?What about long term myopia correction? Does it work for that.A very informative post.
Thank you for sharing this extremely useful information. It’s good to stay abreast of the latest technology. I will definitely keep this in mind if i ever come across myopia.
I must say this is the best thing I read today. My sister in law is always worried about his son wearing a specs. I am going to share this with her. The procedure truly seems to be a blessing
Thankyou for sharing such an informative article. After reading your blog, this does looks like an investment and not expense
Wow, that’s really surprising and amusing. If that’s possible I would get these lenses for my kid. He hates using glasses. Thanks for such a detailed article .
I really love to read the detailed post .. As i heard ortho-k is “one of the most effective methods for myopia control”, doing so by reducing eyeball growth.You post clear everything..
this is so interesting. i never knew anything about it
I love how detailed your post is about this issue. The photo of your daughter wearing her lens by herself at Titus Eye Care is very inspiring