Vaughan, ON
(905) 264-3868
Orthokeratology for Myopia Control
Slow down nearsightedness while your
child sleeps.
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Orthokeratology, often called Ortho-K or overnight contact lenses, uses custom-designed lenses that are worn while your child sleeps. The lenses gently and temporarily reshape the front surface of the eye, so they can wake up and see clearly during the day without glasses or daytime contact lenses.
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For children with progressive myopia (nearsightedness), Ortho-K is also a safe, evidence-based myopia control option. Research reviews and international myopia-management guidance identify orthokeratology as one of the more effective options for slowing excessive eye growth associated with worsening nearsightedness.
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At Northern Sight Optometry, we provide Ortho-K and myopia control consultations for families in Vaughan, Kleinburg, Woodbridge, Maple, and surrounding York Region communities.
Your child can sleep in lenses, then go glasses-free all day.
Ortho-K lenses are ideal for children who are active, play sports, dislike wearing glasses, or are not ready for daytime contact lenses. Because the lenses are removed in the morning, there is no need to manage glasses, broken frames, or daytime lenses at school, sports, or activities.
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More importantly, Ortho-K is not simply about seeing clearly without glasses. It is designed to help manage progressive myopia while supporting your child’s long-term eye health. Myopia control aims to slow prescription changes over time, and protect your child from ocular diseases such as retinal detachments or glaucoma.
Is Ortho-K Right for Your Child?​
Ortho-K is a great option for children who have:
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Myopia that is increasing each year
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Family history of high myopia
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Difficulty seeing the board or TV
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An active lifestyle, sports, or swimming activities
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A desire to be glasses-free
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A child does not need to be “old enough for contacts” in the traditional sense. The right fit depends on eye health, prescription, corneal shape, maturity, family support, and whether the child and parent can follow the lens-care routine consistently. Ortho-K candidacy is assessed individually during our thorough pediatric eye exam with our doctors.
How Orthokeratology Helps Control Myopia
Myopia (nearsightedness) is more than blurry distance vision. As a child’s prescription increases, the eye often grows longer. Higher levels of myopia are associated with greater lifetime risk of certain eye-health concerns, which is why slowing progression early matters.
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Ortho-K lenses are worn overnight to provide clear daytime vision, while their optical design may also help reduce the signals that contribute to progressive eye growth. Studies have found that Ortho-K can slow axial eye elongation compared with standard single-vision correction, although every child responds differently and treatment may not stop myopia completely.
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Because these are medical contact lenses worn overnight, safety depends on careful fitting, healthy eyes, proper cleaning, consistent follow-up, and following the wearing schedule exactly. A comprehensive Ortho-K assessment allows our doctors at Northern Sight Optometry to determine whether this option is appropriate for your child and to teach your family how to use and care for the lenses safely.
Have any questions before coming in?
Visit our FAQ page to know what to expect at Northern Sight Optometry.