Ortho-K vs Glasses vs Contact Lenses: What’s Best for Your Child?

By The Eye Doctor, Dry Eye & Myopia Clinic by Dr Cheryl Lee, Singapore

As a parent, you want the best for your child — including their eye health. With childhood myopia on the rise in Singapore and across Asia, choosing the right vision correction method is important for both clear eyesight and long-term eye health.

Today, let’s explore the pros and cons of Ortho-K lenses, glasses, and traditional contact lenses, so you can make an informed decision.

👓 1️⃣ Glasses: The Classic Choice is not the best

Myopia control glasses is the option, not single vision (traditional ones ) but yet even then , they are not good enough.

Pros:

• Non-invasive and safe for any age

• Easy to remove or change prescription

• No need to handle lenses directly

Cons:

• Children may feel self-conscious wearing glasses

• Can interfere with sports and outdoor activities

• Glasses slow myopia progression at best 50 percent which is not good enough for Dr Cheryl Lee

Ideal for: Younger children or those uncomfortable with contact lenses

💧 2️⃣ Daytime MYOPIA CONTROL Contact Lenses

Pros:

• Clear vision without glasses

• Suitable for sports and active lifestyles

• Available in daily disposables for hygiene

Cons:

• Require daily handling and strict hygiene

• Not ideal for very young children

• Typically do not slow myopia progression unless special lenses are prescribed

Ideal for: Older children who are responsible and want freedom from glasses during school or sports and want to wear glasses interchangeably

More Info here

🌙 3️⃣ Ortho-K Lenses (Overnight Lenses)

What Are They?Ortho-K (Orthokeratology) lenses are specially designed rigid gas-permeable lenses worn overnight. They gently reshape the cornea, providing clear daytime vision without glasses or contact lenses.

Pros:

• Clear vision all day without any lenses/glasses

• Evidence shows Ortho-K slows myopia progression in children

• Safe and reversible with proper supervision

• Ideal for active children and sports participation

Cons:

• Require nightly wear and careful lens care

• Some children may need an adjustment period

• Slightly higher initial cost compared to glasses

Ideal for: School-aged children who are active, spend time outdoors, or at higher risk of myopia progression.

read more here about about to take care of OK lenses IMPORTANT before making a decision

🔬 How to Choose the Right Option

Choosing between myopia control glasses (not single vision glasses) , myopia control contact lenses, and Ortho-K depends on:

• Child’s age and responsibility level

• Lifestyle and sports participation

• Risk of myopia progression

• Comfort and personal preference

Dr Cheryl Lee’s Advice:

“Early intervention is key. For children showing rapid myopia progression, Ortho-K is often the most effective method to protect long-term vision while providing freedom from glasses during the day , if atropine is unable to control to myopia.

I will give you lots of practical tips to eye habit behaviour treatment when I assess your child.

💡 Combining Solutions

I usually combine different techniques to get the myopia rapidly under control. Time Is of essence. 4-11 years old the myopia increase is the most dramatic. I check every child from 4 years old.

👁️ Take Action for Your Child’s Eyes

With myopia rates rising in Singapore and across Asia, proactive management matters.At The Eye Doctor by Dr Cheryl Lee, we provide comprehensive myopia assessments, Ortho-K fitting, and ongoing care, tailored for each child.

👉 Book a Myopia Consultation Today to find the best vision solution for your child — for clear, safe, and healthy eyesight.