Choosing between Ortho-K and MiSight® contact lenses for managing your child’s myopia depends on their individual eye condition, lifestyle, and comfort level. Both are proven methods to help slow down the progression of myopia, but each works differently and may suit different types of children.
To determine the right option for your children, it’s important to learn more about each option and consult our optometrist at Kacee Eye Care to help you.
What Are Ortho-K Contact Lenses & How Do They Work?
Orthokeratology (Ortho-K) involves specially designed rigid gas-permeable contact lenses that are worn overnight to gently change the shape of the cornea while your child sleeps. Each pair is custom-fitted to match your child’s eye shape and vision correction needs.
By temporarily reshaping the cornea, Ortho-K contact lenses allow children to see clearly throughout the day without the need for spectacles or daytime contact lenses. However, to maintain this vision correction, the lenses must be worn every night, as the cornea gradually returns to its natural shape if lens wear is discontinued.
Benefits of Ortho-K
- Freedom from daytime lenses: Your child can experience clear vision during the daytime without wearing glasses or contact lenses, ideal for sports, swimming, or active lifestyles.
- Myopia control: Ortho-K can help manage and slow down myopia progression by reducing the rate of eye elongation.
- Customised fit: Each lens is designed specifically for the wearer’s cornea, providing proper vision correction.
Things to Consider
While Ortho-K lenses aid in controlling myopia progression, they also require consistent care and commitment. Parents and children should keep the following in mind:
- Nightly wear is essential to maintain clear daytime vision. Skipping nights may result in blurry vision the next day.
- Strict hygiene and proper lens care are crucial to prevent eye infections or complications.
- Regular follow-up visits with your optometrist ensure the lenses continue to fit well and that your child’s corneal health is monitored.
What Are MiSight® Contact Lenses & How Do They Work?
MiSight® contact lenses are soft daily disposable lenses designed to help slow the progression of myopia in children aged 8 to 12 years old. These lenses feature ActivControl® Technology, which incorporates alternating vision correction and treatment zones within the lens design.
The vision correction zones provide clear, spectacle-free vision, while the treatment zones create a gentle “myopic defocus” effect. This means that light focuses slightly in front of the retina rather than behind it, sending a signal to the eye to slow its axial growth and help reduce the progression of myopia over time.
Benefits of MiSight® Lenses
- Daily disposables for better hygiene: Each pair is worn once and discarded, greatly reducing the risk of infection compared to reusable lenses.
- Comfortable and child-friendly: Made from soft, breathable material and designed for easy handling, MiSight® contact lenses can be ideal even for first-time wearers.
- An alternative to Ortho-K: For children who may not be good candidates for overnight Ortho-K lens wear due to eye shape, comfort, or lifestyle factors, MiSight® contacts may be an appropriate option.
Things to Consider
- As with all daytime contact lenses, daily wear should be limited to the recommended hours each day.
- While daily disposable lenses reduce the risk of eye infections, good hygiene and proper lens care are still required to prevent eye infections or complications.
- Regular follow-up visits with your optometrist are also needed to monitor your child's corneal health and prescription changes, if any.
Comparing MiSight® vs Ortho-K: Which Option Is Best for Your Child?
|
Factor |
Ortho-K |
MiSight® |
|
When to wear |
Overnight |
Daytime |
|
Lens type |
Rigid gas permeable |
Soft daily disposable |
|
Best for |
Active children or those uncomfortable with daytime lenses |
Children who prefer an easy, disposable routine |
|
Myopia control effectiveness |
Proven to slow progression (FDA-approved) |
Clinically proven (FDA-approved) |
|
Maintenance |
Requires nightly cleaning and careful lens care; regular follow-ups needed |
Minimal as these are single-use daily lenses; only requires a simple lens care routine |
|
Cost Consideration |
Higher upfront cost due to custom lenses and follow-ups |
Lower ongoing cost due to daily disposables, but recurring purchase is required |
Know Which Contact Lens Suits Your Child By Consulting Kacee Eye Care
Both Ortho-K and MiSight® contact lenses are good options for myopia management, but each is suited to different children. The right way to decide is through a personalised eye examination and consultation.
Therefore, make sure to work with our optometrist at Kacee Eye Care to ensure your child is assessed and receives tailored care for their eye care needs. This customised eye care plan may include Ortho-K, MiSight®, or a combination of solutions such as MiSight® contact lenses with myopia control spectacle lenses.
If you’re ready to take the next step in protecting your child’s eyesight, book an appointment with Kacee Eye Care today. Early intervention makes all the difference in managing myopia progression and preserving long-term eye health.