Treatment to Slow Myopia in Children
“Orthokeratology”, known as myopia stopping treatment in children, is also applied as a treatment to slow down the progression of myopia (inability to see clearly in the distance). Pointing out that specially designed contact lenses are used to reshape the cornea in order to improve vision within the scope of the treatment, Anadolu Health Center Ophthalmology Specialist Op. Dr. Yusuf Avni Yılmaz said, “In the treatment for permanent correction of the cornea, lenses must be worn especially at night. We can compare orthokeratology treatment to braces treatment. While lenses provide a 60 – 70 percent correction on first use; After approximately 3-4 weeks, a permanent repair occurs. The treatment is performed to stop or slow down the progression of myopia, especially in children who have high myopia in their families and whose myopia progresses rapidly. “When applying this treatment, attention should be paid to the hygiene of the lenses,” he said. Kiss. Dr. Yusuf Avni Yılmaz gave important information on the subject…
In orthokeratology treatment, the aim is for lenses to flatten the center of the cornea, change the way light refracts as it enters the eye, and reaches the retina layer. In order for the treatment to continue successfully, lenses must be used regularly. Most orthokeratology lenses are worn overnight to flatten the cornea, then removed during the day. These night lenses are rigid, gas-permeable lenses that are tough enough to reshape the cornea while allowing oxygen to pass through to keep the eye healthy. If contact lenses are stopped at night, the eyes return to their previous shape after a certain period of time and visual impairment may return. For a definitive repair, lenses should be used regularly.
Hygiene is important when using lenses
Maximum vision restoration may take 2 weeks or longer. Some people may experience significant vision improvement even in the first days. It may be felt in the eye until you get used to these lenses. However, as use continues, this feeling disappears. The risks in using these lenses are similar to other contact lens uses, but since those who use these lenses to stop myopia are usually children, they may not be as careful about hygiene as adults. Therefore, in this case, the attention of families becomes much more important.
Young myopia patients who do active sports get good results
The lenses provide visual acuity all day long. Lenses have advantages such as ease of application, safety, being painless, and not being a surgical method. However, it is very important that these lenses are used regularly. Orthokeratology; It is recommended for individuals with regular astigmatism, those involved in sports that are prevented by glasses, and young myopic patients. This type of treatment can be applied to patients with myopia from 0.75 dpt to approximately –5.00 dpt and astigmatism from –1.50 dpt. Those with mild myopia and those who experience complications with soft contact lenses can also get a good result from Orthokeratology treatment. However, some eye structures are not suitable for Orthokeratology treatment. Unfortunately, this treatment method is not suitable for individuals with irregular astigmatism, permanent astigmatism, wide pupil, droopy eyelids, very flat cornea, and pathological dry eye syndrome.
