Orthokeratology & Myopia Control in Chennai
Myopia in children does not just blur vision - it progresses every year, increasing the risk of serious eye disease in later life. Ortho-K overnight lenses and low-dose atropine are clinically proven to slow that progression.
Why Controlling Myopia Progression Is Critical
Many parents believe myopia is simply a matter of stronger glasses each year. In fact, progressive myopia increases the risk of retinal detachment, glaucoma, macular degeneration, and cataracts - conditions that can cause permanent vision loss in adulthood.
Myopia Control Options We Offer in Chennai
The best myopia control strategy depends on your child's age, degree of myopia, and lifestyle. We offer all evidence-based options and help you choose the right approach.
Getting Started with Ortho-K in Chennai
Comprehensive Myopia Assessment
We measure corneal topography, axial length, pupil size, and refraction to determine whether Ortho-K is suitable and to design the correct lens parameters for your child's specific corneal profile.
Custom Lens Design and Fitting
Each Ortho-K lens is individually designed using your corneal topography map. We trial fit in-clinic and verify the fit, centration, and comfort before dispensing the final lenses.
First Night and Morning Review
After the first overnight wear, you return the next morning so we can assess the corneal reshaping pattern and adjust the prescription if needed. This step confirms the treatment is working correctly from the start.
1-Week, 1-Month and 6-Monthly Monitoring
We monitor corneal topography and visual acuity at 1 week and 1 month to confirm optimal reshaping and comfort. Axial length is measured every 6 months using biometry to track whether myopia progression is being controlled - and the treatment strategy is adjusted based on objective data.
Orthokeratology - FAQs
Is it safe for children to sleep in contact lenses?
Ortho-K lenses are made from highly oxygen-permeable gas-permeable materials specifically approved for overnight wear. With proper fitting, hygiene, and regular follow-up, they are safe. The risk of infection with Ortho-K is comparable to daily soft contact lens wear when the care protocol is followed correctly.
How long until my child can see clearly without glasses during the day?
Most children achieve functional daytime vision within 1-2 weeks. Full correction usually stabilises within 4-6 weeks, depending on the degree of myopia. During the initial weeks, vision is typically adequate for school without needing glasses, but may not yet be fully sharp for all distances.
What if my child stops wearing Ortho-K?
Orthokeratology is fully reversible. If your child stops wearing the lenses, the cornea returns to its original shape within a few days to weeks. The myopia control benefit also ceases, so consistency is important during the growing years when axial elongation is most active.
Can atropine and Ortho-K be combined?
Yes. Combining low-dose atropine with Ortho-K is used in cases of rapidly progressing myopia and has shown additive myopia control effects in several studies. We recommend combination therapy when a single strategy shows inadequate response on axial length monitoring, or from the outset in very high-risk cases.
Start Myopia Control for Your Child in Chennai
Every year without myopia control is a year of unchecked axial growth. Book a comprehensive myopia assessment at our Ashok Nagar clinic to find the right strategy for your child - whether Ortho-K overnight lenses, low-dose atropine, specialist spectacle lenses, or a combination of approaches.