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Orthokeratology (Ortho-K) allows children and adults to see clearly during the day without glasses or daytime contact lenses. These custom lenses are worn overnight, gently reshaping the cornea while you sleep so vision is clear by morning.
For children with myopia, Ortho-K offers an added benefit beyond convenience. Research shows it can help slow the progression of nearsightedness, making it an important part of long-term eye health for growing eyes.
Like any specialty contact lens, Ortho-K works best when it’s used consistently and cared for properly. Building simple, reliable hygiene habits early helps keep lenses comfortable, reduces the risk of complications, and supports long-term success; giving both children and parents peace of mind.
Start the Evening With Meticulous Hygiene
Ortho-K lens hygiene is one of the most important aspects of the treatment. Because the lenses sit directly on the eye overnight, it’s important to practice contact lens hygiene prescribed by your eyecare practitioner to avoid irritation and infections. Your evening lens routine must start at a clean, well-lit surface. If you are working near a sink, plug the drain to avoid lens loss. Children must be taught to wash their hands thoroughly with scent- and oil-free soap, then dry them with a lint-free cloth or paper towel.
Master Lens Insertion
When your child’s hands are clean, the lens insertion process can start. At first, insertion may feel quite stressful, so it’s essential to stay calm and focus on precision. Patience during the learning phase is key. It can be helpful to use a magnifying mirror so kids can see their eyes properly. First, place the lens on your index finger or plunger tool with the concave side facing up. Next, carefully apply your drop to the contact lens.
After a few calming breaths, the child should look straight ahead while gently holding the eyelids open with their non-dominant hand. When ready, the lens can be placed smoothly onto the center of the cornea using the dominant hand, allowing for steady, controlled insertion. With practice, inserting Ortho-K lenses becomes second nature for kids. For the first few weeks, review the steps with your child before every insertion and have all the tools available before starting.
Prioritize Quality Sleep
Ortho-K lenses work while your child sleeps, so both the length and consistency of sleep matter. Most children need at least seven hours of continuous sleep for the lenses to work effectively, with around eight hours being ideal.
If a child routinely sleeps less than this, the corneal reshaping may be incomplete, causing clear vision to fade earlier in the day. Consistent overnight wear and adequate sleep help ensure reliable, all-day vision.
Plan The Morning Removal Routine
When it’s time to wake up, the Ortho-K routine shifts to the removal phase. It’s common for children to rub their eyes in the morning, which can dislodge their lenses. Explain the process before they go to sleep. Tell them that overnight, the lenses can dry out slightly and may feel “stuck” or uncomfortable. Make sure they have access to preservative-free rewetting drops so they can manage any discomfort independently.
One of the most important Ortho-K safety tips is to address lens dryness with rewetting drops before attempting removal. Show your child how to instill the drops and remind them to blink several times so the solution can spread evenly and loosen the lenses.
Once the lenses feel comfortable and mobile, your child should wash their hands thoroughly and prepare a clean, well-lit area. From there, the lenses can be removed gently using the method recommended by your doctor, followed by proper cleaning and storage.
Maintain Lens Care and Maintenance
Once the lenses have been removed, it’s time for the orthokeratology maintenance routine. Lenses should never be placed directly into their storage case without a proper cleaning. Even after one night of wear, proteins and lipids from tears build up on the lens. Children must learn how to place the lens in the palm of a spotless hand, apply cleaning solution, gently rub the lens, then rinse with fresh sterile saline.
Ortho-K lens cleaning is simple and only takes a couple of minutes. Tap water must never come into contact with the lenses or the case. Unsterilized water can contain harmful micro-organisms that cause infections. If your child is too young to maintain their lenses reliably, parents must take over the responsibility. It is imperative to clean the lenses before insertion, as failure to do so can have dire consequences.
Enjoy Long-Term Vision Correction With Ortho-K
Consistency is key for myopia control with Ortho-K lenses and making them a seamless part of daily life. While the routines may seem complex at first, they will quickly feel as natural as brushing teeth. Beyond daily care, regular follow-up appointments are necessary to monitor corneal health and myopic progression.
By following our Orthokeratology care tips, your child can enjoy clear vision throughout the day without worrying about contact lenses or glasses. Ortho-K gives children the freedom to play and participate in school without limitations. If you have more questions or you want to find out if your child is a candidate for Ortho-K, contact Weston Contact Lens Institute.
