Overnight Contacts to Correct Myopia

For parents of children with myopia (nearsightedness), slowing the progression of vision loss can be a major concern. Thankfully, revolutionary overnight contact lenses provide myopia control without resorting to surgery or medication. One of our optometrists, Dr. Krister L. Holmberg, offers overnight orthokeratology or corneal reshaping therapy to gently improve vision and potentially reduce reliance on glasses or contacts. If you are interested, contact us at Arena Eye Care Optometry.

Understanding Myopia Progression

Myopia occurs when the eye elongates or the cornea become misshapen, causing light rays to focus incorrectly. This results in blurry distance vision. Myopia often begins in childhood and progresses while the child grows. High myopia increases the risk of having a retinal detachment, glaucoma, and potentially more. However, myopia progression can be slowed with corneal refractive therapy.

How Ortho-K Safely Corrects Myopia

CRT, a commonly used lens design used to implement Ortho-K, uses rigid gas permeable contact lenses worn overnight to gently reshape the cornea. The contacts are specially designed with precise curves that correctly focus light rays entering the eye. Wearing the contacts at night flattens the center of the cornea, temporarily reducing nearsightedness after the lens is removed. When worn regularly, the effect lasts all day after lens removal in the morning. CRT is also non-invasive with no surgery or drugs required. Not only that, it’s completely reversible. If you stop wearing the contacts your eye goes back to it’s normal shape.

CRT Candidacy and Procedures

This myopia control method is ideal for children and teens. First, an eye doctor near you will conduct an eye exam to determine candidacy based on current prescription strength, eye health, and corneal structure. Custom-fit contacts are then prescribed to be worn overnight for gradual reshaping while follow-up appointments ensure proper fit and vision improvement.

Daytime Benefits

With overnight CRT, children can wake up with significantly improved vision. As the corneas hold their new shape all day, vision remains clear. However, some patients may still require glasses or contacts for night driving or detailed near work.

Get Corneal Refractive Therapy, Myopia Control, and an Eye Exam from an Optometrist Near You

If your child suffers from worsening nearsightedness, Arena Eye Care Optometry in Sacramento, CA is here to help. CRT can safely improve vision while reducing reliance on glasses and contacts, giving children a chance to take control of their vision and potentially reduce the severity of their myopia in the future. Call us at (916) 419-8167 for corneal refractive therapy, myopia control, and an eye exam with either Dr. Krister L Holmberg or Dr. Shephali Patel at Arena Eye Care Optometry.