At InnoVision Family Eye Care in Katy, Texas, we’re seeing more children and adults affected by a condition called myopia—also known as nearsightedness. This condition causes distant objects to appear blurry while nearby vision remains clear.
This happens when the eyeball grows too long, shifting the focus point of incoming light in front of the retina instead of directly on it.
Why Is Myopia a Growing Concern?
Myopia is becoming more common around the world. In the U.S., studies show that the rate has increased from about 25% in the 1970s to over 40% in recent decades. It’s especially widespread among school-aged children, with some studies showing that girls tend to experience faster progression.
Severe myopia (prescriptions stronger than -6.00) increases the risk of long-term eye problems, including:
- Retinal detachment
- Thinning of the retina (lattice degeneration)
- Glaucoma
- Myopic maculopathy (a leading cause of vision loss in adults)
Because of these risks, the World Health Organization has labeled myopia a growing public health issue.
What Causes Myopia to Get Worse?
Myopia typically progresses as the eyeball continues to elongate. This can be influenced by several factors:
- Genetics: Children with one or both nearsighted parents are more likely to develop myopia.
- Near work: Prolonged screen time or close-up activities like reading can increase the risk.
- Limited outdoor time: A lack of natural light exposure has been linked to faster eye growth.
Standard glasses and single-vision contacts can correct blurry vision but don’t slow the progression. In fact, they may contribute to further elongation due to a visual effect called peripheral hyperopic defocus, where light focuses behind the sides of the retina, potentially signaling the eye to keep growing.
Ortho-K: A Non-Surgical Way to Manage Myopia
Orthokeratology—commonly called Ortho-K—is a non-surgical, gentle treatment that reshapes the cornea while you sleep. Specially designed lenses are worn overnight, and in the morning, they’re removed—leaving you with clear vision all day long without the need for glasses or contacts.
This treatment is safe, reversible, and FDA-approved for children and adults. It’s especially helpful for kids and teens whose vision is still changing and who may benefit from slowing the progression of myopia.
At InnoVision Family Eye Care in Katy, we use Ortho-K to give our patients freedom from daytime lenses—and to help protect long-term eye health.
How Ortho-K Helps with Myopia
Ortho-K lenses don’t just correct vision temporarily—they also help slow how quickly the eye grows. This works by changing how light focuses on the edges of the retina, which helps reduce the signal for the eye to elongate.
Research shows Ortho-K can slow myopia progression by 50% or more, with even greater results when custom-fitted lenses are used.
What to Expect
- Clear daytime vision without glasses or contacts
- Gradual improvement over the first few days or weeks
- Consistent nighttime use needed to maintain results
- If discontinued, the cornea will return to its original shape
Why Families Choose Ortho-K at InnoVision
- Great for active lifestyles—no glasses or contacts during the day
- Non-invasive and safe for kids, teens, and adults
- Helps reduce the risk of vision-threatening complications later in life
- Ideal for those not ready for LASIK or who prefer a reversible option
About 70% of patients who have used both soft contact lenses and Ortho-K say they prefer Ortho-K.
Personalized Myopia Care in Katy, Texas
At InnoVision Family Eye Care, we take a customized approach to myopia management. Our team provides:
- Comprehensive myopia evaluations
- Personalized Ortho-K lens fittings
- Ongoing monitoring to ensure safety and effectiveness
- Education and support for families throughout the process
Whether you’re managing your child’s vision or considering options for yourself, we’re here to help you protect and preserve healthy eyesight.
📍 Located in Katy, Texas — contact us today to learn more about Ortho-K and our full range of myopia control services.
