At Richmond Hill Eye Clinic in Richmond Hill, we’ve found Ortho‑K (orthokeratology) eyewear to be surprisingly accessible and effective, and not just for adults. Children as young as five are successfully wearing these overnight lenses, with many parents reporting that Ortho‑K is even easier to handle than soft contact lenses.
Why Ortho‑K Is Simpler Than You Think
Children and even nervous beginners often adapt quickly to Ortho‑K. The training and support we provide make inserting and removing these lenses straightforward and confidence-building.
What to Do When Lenses Feel Uncomfortable
If your child reports discomfort with their Ortho‑K lenses, check:
- Lens Integrity: Look for cracks or surface damage.
- Proper Sterilization: Has the lens been soaked in the recommended solution for the right amount of time?
- Eye Positioning: Children sometimes roll their eyes upward if anxious; train them to look straight ahead during insertion.
- Dry Eyes: This is a common cause of irritation. We teach strategies to maintain hydration and comfort.
Daily Care: Clean, Safe, and Simple
Ortho‑K lens maintenance is easy when done right:
- Clean and Sterilize Daily: Use either Clear Care or Boston Simplus, never both together.
- Lens Case Hygiene: Clean and let the case fully dry each day.
- Supportive Resources: We offer clear PDF guides and hands-on demonstrations to reinforce proper technique.
Comparing Myopia Options: Is Ortho‑K Worth It?
We offer a variety of myopia solutions like MiSight, Abiliti overnight lenses, and orthokeratology (Ortho‑K). Based on our experience:
- Cost: Ortho‑K costs more than glasses initially, but long-term expenses are comparable to soft contact lens options like MiSight or Abiliti.
- Ease for Small Children: Ortho‑K is often easier for younger children and nervous parents to handle than soft contacts.
- Daytime Freedom: Patients love the ability to enjoy sports and play without glasses or contacts during the day.
Timeline: How Long the Journey Takes
- Lens Arrival: After fitting and training, it typically takes about two weeks for your custom lenses to arrive.
- Initial Training: A single 1.5‑hour appointment is usually sufficient for both kids and parents to master insertion and removal.
- Cleaning Instruction: During pickup, we add 30–60 minutes of training on care routines.
- Ongoing Support: All follow-up visits include a refresher on cleaning techniques to ensure safe and effective lens use.
Why Richmond Hill Eye Clinic Is the Right Place for Ortho‑K
With our personalized training, supportive resources, and commitment to patient comfort, we make Ortho‑K a smooth, stress-free experience, especially for families and active children. It’s more than just glasses-free days; it’s about achieving long-term vision health with confidence.
Ready to explore Ortho‑K in Richmond Hill? Schedule a myopia consultation or lens fitting at Richmond Hill Eye Clinic today, or start with a comprehensive eye exam and discover all your vision care options by visiting our Eye Care Services section.
Let’s help your child or you see clearly and comfortably, all day long, without the hassle of daytime corrective wear.