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Myopia Management of 6 Year Old - Ortho-K
Early Myopia Detection and Treatment: Why It Matters
Early detection of myopia (nearsightedness) and timely implementation of myopia management treatment are essential for protecting your child’s long-term vision. Experts recommend scheduling routine pediatric eye exams every year, starting no later than preschool or kindergarten age. Waiting for your child to complain about blurry vision can be risky—many children with myopia show no noticeable symptoms.
A compelling example of the importance of early myopia intervention comes from Dr. Sturm’s own son, Logan. During a routine kindergarten eye exam, Logan was found to have a moderate level of myopia, despite never expressing any vision concerns. Early-onset myopia is concerning because studies show it can lead to significantly higher levels of nearsightedness later in life—raising the risk of serious eye diseases such as retinal detachment, glaucoma, and myopic maculopathy.
To slow the progression of myopia, one of the most trusted options is low-dose atropine therapy. In Logan’s case, daily low-dose atropine eye drops were prescribed, along with glasses to correct his vision. Over the next year, Logan experienced no side effects and had excellent compliance with the treatment—thanks to support from his parents. The result? Almost no progression in his myopia after one year.
Advancing Treatment: Switching to Ortho-K
As Logan became more active in sports like swimming, jiu-jitsu, and basketball, wearing glasses became less practical. Dr. Sturm and Logan decided to switch to Orthokeratology (Ortho-K)—a specialized myopia control method using custom-designed overnight lenses. These lenses gently reshape the cornea during sleep, providing clear vision during the day without glasses or daytime contacts.
Even at age 6, Ortho-K for kids proved to be a safe and effective choice. Not only does Orthokeratology provide freedom from glasses, but it’s also one of the most effective myopia management treatments available today. It continues to control the progression of myopia while supporting an active lifestyle.
Before starting Orthokeratology (Ortho-K) treatment, every patient must undergo a comprehensive eye exam and detailed refractive evaluation. This ensures the corneas are healthy and that the prescription falls within the effective treatment range for Ortho-K lenses.
To ensure a perfect fit and optimal results, Orthokeratology (Ortho-K) begins with advanced corneal topography—a painless, non-invasive imaging process that maps the surface curvature of the eye. Using state-of-the-art technology, our doctors capture a detailed, high-resolution digital "fingerprint" of each patient’s cornea. This data allows for the creation of custom-designed Ortho-K lenses that match the unique shape of each eye.
In Logan’s case, specialized topography scans were used to generate a precise blueprint of his corneas. These scans were sent to a dedicated lab, where the custom Ortho-K retainers were crafted using a high-precision lathe—accurate to within just a few microns. A few weeks later, the personalized lenses arrived and the fitting process began.
During the initial Ortho-K fitting appointment, our trained staff provides personalized instruction on how to properly insert, remove, and care for the Ortho-K lenses. This hands-on training ensures that both the patient and their parents feel confident and comfortable with the process before starting treatment at home. While younger children—like Logan, who began Ortho-K at age 6—may need some assistance at first, most kids quickly adapt to the routine.
Within just a few days of beginning Orthokeratology (Ortho-K) treatment, Logan achieved 20/20 vision and was completely free from glasses during the day. While he initially needed assistance from his parents to insert and remove the overnight retainers, he quickly became independent with the process. Logan’s success story highlights the confidence Dr. Sturm has in the safety, effectiveness, and long-term benefits of Ortho-K—both for non-surgical vision correction and myopia management. If you believe your child may benefit from custom Ortho-K lenses, we encourage you to schedule a comprehensive eye exam with our team. Early intervention is key to preserving clear vision and slowing the progression of myopia.
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