A matter of risks and benefits in the use of Ortho-K lenses forchildren - CHOICE # 379

It's all a matter of risks and benefits for the parents when it comes to the use of Ortho-K lenses for their children.

On the advice of various eye care professionals, the Consumer Council has put this for the consideration of parents looking for a solution to halt the progression of myopia (short-sightedness) of their children with Ortho-K lenses.

Ortho-K lenses are a special type of rigid gas permeable contact lens that serves to flatten the peak of the cornea temporarily.

Users wear them during sleep in order to have good vision during daytime without wearing eyeglasses or contact lenses.

Users are reminded of the need to wear retainer lenses regularly to keep the cornea in its new shape; otherwise it will regress to the original level of degrees of myopia.

Latest studies have suggested that wearing Ortho-K lenses could at best slow the progression of myopia in children - contrary to earlier expectation that it will completely restore the eyesight to normal.

But the use of Ortho-K lenses, like any other medical treatments, is not without any risks of adverse consequences.

Parents are advised to consult ophthalmologists and optometrists with experience in prescribing rigid gas permeable contact lenses, who should also check the health status of the child's eyes, the degrees of myopia and the curvature of the cornea before arriving at a decision.

During the whole course of Ortho-K, the optometrist should continually provide the user with advice on lens wearing and care, regular check-up of the eyes and lens replacement.

Further, parents must ensure that the lenses are properly worn and cleaned to minimize the chances of infection which may, in the worst case, result in serious eye injuries such as corneal ulcer. Taking the children back to the optometrist for regular follow-up is also essential

Given the potential risks, parents are advised to consider carefully if the benefits outweigh the risks, or vice versa, in the use of Ortho-K lenses. If in doubt, they should consult optometrists and ophthalmologists.