Mabel (not her real name) a nine-year-old at a Chandler, Arizona elementary school, told her parents over the holidays that she was not seeing the board very clearly.  Her parents dreaded the inevitable and brought her in to see us early January.

At Mabel’s appointment, we confirmed a diagnosis of myopia and prescribed glasses for her to wear part-time as needed for distance vision correction. We also discussed with her parents the potential benefits of orthokeratology as a form of myopia control treatment to halt the progression of her condition. Given Mabel’s age and circumstances, she was deemed an ideal candidate for this program. Her parents were receptive to the information provided but ultimately felt that she may be too young to undertake this treatment at this time. It is important to monitor Mabel’s eye health closely and consider all options available to manage her myopia effectively over time. Regular follow-up appointments will be essential in assessing any changes in her condition and adapting our treatment approach accordingly.

Orthokeratology improves vision by gently reshaping your eye while you sleep using specially designed therapeutic contact lenses. You just put the specially fitted lenses in at bedtime, and when you awake, you will have clear, sharp, natural vision for your waking hours.

Mabel’s early onset and low prescription myopia makes her an excellent candidate for orthokeratology, as it allows for the possibility of halting the progression of her condition. With a myopia level under 2 diopters, she can still effectively perform daily activities without significant visual impairment, making orthokeratology a practical choice for maintaining her current eyesight.

Furthermore, Mabel’s participation in various sports such as swimming, volleyball, and tennis benefits from the convenience of orthokeratology lenses that eliminate concerns about shifting or falling out during physical activities. This feature sets her apart from other children who rely on glasses or traditional contact lenses, providing her with additional comfort and freedom while engaging in sports.

Additionally, given Mabel’s family history of parental myopia in the -5.00 to -6.50 range, the potential genetic predisposition further underscores the importance of proactive measures such as orthokeratology to manage her vision health effectively. The combination of these factors demonstrates how Mabel’s suitability for orthokeratology aligns with both her current lifestyle requirements and long-term eye care needs.

A week later, Mabel’s parents reached out to initiate the myopia control program for their daughter after observing her struggle with nearsightedness. Despite never having utilized contact lenses previously, the decision was made to employ Paragon CRT lenses for optimal outcomes. As anticipated, Mabel’s transition from glasses to contact lenses presented a learning curve that would require time and instruction. Consequently, we promptly procured the necessary lenses and arranged a training session for the family on a Saturday in late January.

The perceived urgency of addressing Mabel’s myopia prompted swift action by all parties involved. The upcoming training session will serve as a crucial step in ensuring Mabel’s successful adaptation to the new corrective method. By opting for Paragon CRT lenses, known for their effectiveness in myopia management, we aim to optimize Mabel’s visual acuity and overall eye health. The collaborative effort between our office and Mabel’s family underscores our commitment to providing comprehensive vision care solutions tailored to everyone’s needs.

Through diligent communication and support, we strive to guide Mabel and her parents through this vital aspect of her vision correction journey. Our dedication to facilitating a smooth transition from glasses to contact lenses reflects our unwavering resolve in promoting optimal eye care practices. Looking ahead, we remain poised to monitor Mabel’s progress closely and make any necessary adjustments to ensure the best possible outcome for her myopia management plan.

We instilled some numbing drops to help make her initial experience comfortable so that we can evaluate the lenses on her eyes.  Insertion was very easy because Mabel was calm and relaxed. The lenses were allowed to settle on her eyes while we go over instructions, dos and don’ts and what to expect the next few days. We taught her father how to insert/remove the lenses because we wanted him to have experience to assist her in case, she cannot do it herself.  We planned on teaching her how to insert/remove on her own the next week. We wanted Mabel to have the experience of the lenses in her eyes after the numbing drops have worn off so that she can feel that they don’t hurt and that she can see clearly.  We also wanted her to feel how they would feel when her eyes are closed.

After 30 minutes had elapsed, I utilized a specialized tool from the DMV corporation to assist Mabel in removing her lenses. Interestingly, her uncorrected vision already measured an impressive 20/25 in each eye. This prompted me to delicately remind her parents of the primary objective, which is to optimize Mabel’s daytime vision without reliance on contact lenses or glasses. The overarching goal here is not merely short-term visual enhancement but rather curbing any further deterioration of her eyesight over the long haul. This is especially pertinent considering Mabel’s myopia, as proactive steps must be taken to safeguard her ocular health and maintain optimal visual acuity for years to come.