Orthokeratology at Dr Elmalem and Associates
As parents, we always try to balance what is best for our children with what fits into our family’s busy routine. When it comes to vision correction, it is no different. If your child’s glasses prescription is climbing every year, or they are feeling frustrated with daytime eyewear, there is a solution worth exploring that works while they sleep.
At Dr Elmalem and Associates, located in Newmarket and Richmond Hill, we offer orthokeratology—commonly called ortho-k—as a safe, effective way to manage myopia in children. And for many families, correcting vision overnight without daytime glasses or contacts just makes sense.
What is Orthokeratology?
Ortho-k uses specially designed rigid contact lenses that are worn overnight. While your child sleeps, these lenses gently reshape the front surface of their eye (the cornea). By morning, the lenses are removed, and your child can see clearly all day without needing glasses or contacts.
Think of it like dental braces for the eyes, but temporary and reversible. If your child wears the lenses nightly, they will continue to experience clear daytime vision and, more importantly, the benefits of slowed myopia progression.
How Ortho-K Helps with Myopia Management
Ortho-K lenses do more than just correct vision—they help us manage how your child’s eyes grow over time. Here is how they make a difference:
Corrects Vision Overnight
Ortho-k lenses are worn while your child sleeps, gently reshaping the cornea during the night. By morning, they can remove the lenses and enjoy clear, comfortable vision all day, without needing glasses or daytime contacts. It is a seamless way to stay focused at school, on the field, or during any activity.
Slows the Progression of Myopia
Myopia worsens when the eye grows too long, causing light to focus in front of the retina. Ortho-k slows this process by changing how light enters the eye and slightly flattening the cornea's front surface. This helps control eye growth, which is key to slowing down prescription changes over time.
Reduces Long-Term Eye Health Risks
Unchecked myopia can increase the risk of serious eye issues later in life, like retinal detachment, glaucoma, and cataracts. By managing how quickly the eye grows, ortho-k helps lower these risks, setting your child up for healthier eyes in the future.
Non-Surgical and Reversible
Unlike permanent procedures like LASIK, ortho-k is entirely non-invasive and reversible. If your child stops wearing the lenses, their corneas will gradually return to their original shape. It is a safe, flexible option for growing eyes.
Glasses-Free Days
Ortho-k is a game changer for children who love to play sports, swim, or just enjoy life without glasses. It allows them to move, learn, and explore without worrying about eyewear holding them back.
With ortho-k, your child gets the clarity they need during the day—and the vision protection they need for the future.
Is Ortho-K Right for My Child?
Ortho-k could be a great fit if your child is active, independent, or simply tired of glasses. It is especially appealing for children who play sports, swim, or just want to enjoy clear vision without anything on their face during the day.
Ortho-k lenses are safe and easy to use once your child gets the hang of the nightly routine. With a bit of support and encouragement, most children quickly adapt—and many even enjoy the sense of responsibility that comes with it.
Your child may be a good candidate for ortho-k if:
- They are around seven years old or older
- Their myopia is mild to moderate and progressing
- They are motivated to be glasses-free during the day
- They are comfortable learning a simple nighttime lens routine
- You are looking for a non-surgical, reversible option to manage their myopia
During a consultation, we will evaluate your child’s eye health, corneal shape, and lifestyle to make sure ortho-k is the right match. At Dr Elmalem and Associates, we take the time to make the process easy and supportive for both you and your child.
Start Your Child’s Ortho-K Journey in Newmarket and Richmond Hill
At Dr Elmalem and Associates, we combine advanced technology with a personal touch to make orthokeratology a smooth and rewarding experience for families. Dr. Elmalem is known for his exceptional ability to connect with children, creating a comfortable, positive environment that puts both kids and parents at ease. His calm, kid-friendly approach helps young patients feel confident in learning their nighttime lens routine—and proud of the independence it brings.
We understand that every family is busy, and every child is different. That’s why we take the time to truly understand your child’s needs and lifestyle before recommending a solution. Whether you're hoping to slow down your child's rapidly changing prescription or simply want to give them the freedom of clear, glasses-free days, ortho-k can be a life-changing option.
If you are curious whether ortho-k is the right choice for your child, schedule a consultation with our friendly team in Newmarket or Richmond Hill. Let’s protect their vision and give them the freedom to see clearly—no glasses required.