Myopia Management & Ortho-K for Children in Markham
Warden Optometry helps families slow childhood myopia progression with proven ortho-k results, advanced diagnostic tools, and personalized care rooted in Dr. Liang’s own myopia journey.
What Is Myopia & Why Does It Matter?
Myopia, or nearsightedness, happens when the eye grows too long, making distant objects appear blurry. Many parents ask, “Isn’t myopia just stronger glasses every year?”
The truth is that myopia is more than an inconvenience; unchecked progression increases the risk of retinal detachment, glaucoma, and macular degeneration later in life.
At Warden Optometry, we focus on slowing progression early so children can avoid both the frustration of thicker prescriptions and the long-term risks to their eye health.
How Does Ortho-K Work?
Parents often wonder, “How is ortho-k different from regular glasses?” Glasses or daytime contact lenses correct vision but do nothing to stop the eye from continuing to grow. Ortho-k, on the other hand, uses custom-fitted lenses worn overnight to gently reshape the cornea.
By morning, children remove the lenses and enjoy clear, glasses-free vision all day. Beyond convenience, Ortho-k actively slows eye growth. Some of our patients have experienced only -0.50D of change over ten years, an outcome that’s possible because every ortho-k lens we fit is designed with precision corneal topography and monitored closely.
How Do You Measure Myopia Progression?
One of the most common questions we hear is, “How will I know if this is working?” At Warden Optometry, we go beyond tracking prescription changes. Using axial length biometry, the gold standard for measuring eye growth, we can see whether the eye is elongating even before prescription changes appear.
This allows us to give parents concrete data at every visit. Paired with retinal imaging and corneal mapping, these measurements give families peace of mind, showing progress they can see and understand.
When Should My Child Start Myopia Management?
Parents often ask, “What’s the right age for ortho-k?” Most children can start between the ages of 7 and 8, depending on maturity and eye health. The earlier myopia management begins, the more effectively we can slow progression.
That’s why we recommend routine eye exams starting at 6 months, with regular follow-ups through school years. Even if your child isn’t ready for ortho-k, we can discuss other options, like specialty glasses or soft contact lenses designed for myopia control, and create a plan tailored to their stage of development.
