Eye care is so important. Despite countless reminders, our kids are all wearing spectacles. Eyewear is inconvenient, and affect our love for sports and outdoors.
Ironically, kids are still not taking their eye health seriously. Some might even think it looks cool to don a pair of specs or to rely on lasik in the future!
My boy and me were invited by W Optics to review their range of eye health services and solutions.
I would be going for a traditional eyewear prescription and child would try Ortho K (Orthokeratology)
I had read a few reviews about Ortho K, I thought it was revolutionary. It was amazing that after one night with Ortho K, vision is near “perfect” for the next 12 hours!
Imagine, kids would have a chance to enjoy outdoor activities, without the hassles of spectacles.
We had our consultations at W Optics Suntec’s branch.
Our Optometrist methodologically assesses our eye health. W Optics is proud of their “W EYExperience”, a comprehensive eye examination.
Our W EYExperience lasted 30 minutes ($80), and included some of the following checks for eye conditions and health.
Eczema, Lazy eye, eye pressure, dominant eye and retina health, Eye muscle strength, Colour blindness etc.
You may read more about W EYExperience‘s comprehensive services here.
Our optometrist is very detailed and keeps us updated about the results. He kept on emphasising about the importance of good habits and clean hygiene practices.
That is my eyeball, enlarged. W Optics has an inhouse Eye Clinic, should we need further consultation.
There is a eyewear solution for everyone, customised to your lifestyle and needs. While I wanted the kids to experience with Ortho K, I wanted something more practical.
Sadly, I reached an age a threshold where my “Far” vision is superb but near” vision blurry. I can no longer deny progression of age, welcome to Presbyopia 老花眼.
In the olden days, one might need to wear two spectacles for long and short vision. With technology, one can choose between Bifocal and Progressive lens nowadays, and the price is more more affordable nowadays.
I chose a black/blue Stealer frame to go with my Varilux X Track Progressive lenses. No bifocal lens for me as the lens would have a horizontal line across, and I would feel very “conscious”.
For those new to progressive lens, you no longer need to lift your spectacles to read or sign something.
Progressive lens come with two compositions, upper layer of lens for far-view, and lower half for near-view.
Just tilt your eyeballs (not head) to glance far or near instantaneously. Your optician will inform you about the “blind-spots” on the left and right, just turn your head.
First time progressive lens users might take hours to adjust to the new lens. It is normal to feel a little disoriented when you look down, especially when taking the downwards stairs or escalators. But our eyes will be conditioned after a while.
I am happy with my new frame and lens, kids say I look like Harry Potter character :p
Now, about Ortho-K (Orthokeratology).
Our first candidate was Boon Wee (15), but his degree was too high. Even with Ortho-K, his residual degree of 100 to 200 meant his vision will never be back to 6/6.
In summary, a pair of hard lens will be customised for the child. Unlike normal contact lens (soft), one would need to wear Ortho-K only through the night when he sleeps.
Infact, Ortho-K is one of the established solution to control myopia. The lens will help control myopia through shaping of cornea, and prevent myopia from deteriorating.
We understood Ortho-K is more suitable for younger kids, as they have a higher chance of regaining perfect vision. (since their Retina and Cornea are still growing)
NO more spectacles, this means a lot to an active child.
Ortho-K is revolutionary for us, kids would be able to enjoy their lifestyles without the restriction of a pair of spectacles.
Since Boon Wee’s cornea shape has likely stabilised, our optometrist recommended that Ortho K might be less effective.
Introducing candidate no2, Boon Yee (11).
Before we are ready for Ortho-K, an Optometrist would need to ensure that we are ready. Candidates must fulfill a checklist and ensure due diligence in taking care of their Optho-K kit.
Good hygiene is a MUST. No long nails, sanitisation of hands before lens application.
The child must be confident. Cleaning of lens would be an important process to be followed up daily, as no one wants an eye infection.
Our optometrist highlighted that a child would need a few sessions to get accustomed to his hard lens. This is after the initial eye examinations and suitability tests.
First trial would involve a child’s comfort level. Is he comfortable with the lens inside his eyes?
It is normal to feel uncomfortable initially, as our eyes get use to the lens. Tearing is very normal during the first try.
Once a child pass the initial trial, a new pair of Ortho-K lens would be customised for child.
Every child has his or her own comfort level. The more he is adapted to the lens, the faster he might see his vision improved.
Even after putting on the lens, a child would need to have regular check for the first few days and weeks. This is to ensure that there are no complications.
Everyone wish to see a child reaps the best benefit for Ortho-K.
As the child becomes more comfortable with his lens, follow-up checks frequency will be reduced.
Boon Yee would not be able to swim for two weeks, in case pool contamination jeopardize his Ortho-K usage.
Each pair of lens can last 1 to 2 years, but we require regular checks to ensure the lens are fitting.
Are you ready, Boon Yee? The optometrist kept comforting Boon Yee to let him relax.
Unfortunately during initial checks, the optometrist discovered some substance in his left eye. We needed to postpone his Ortho-K lens adoption.
We could only trial on one eye for 30 minutes.
Open your eye, lift your eyelid and just layer the lens.
Boon Yee mention it felt ticklish. Otherwise, no pain nor discomfort. This is a good start.
We will provide further updates once Boon Yee is ready for his next trial.
We would like to thanks W optics for the experience and knowledge sharing. Read more about Ortho K on W Optic’s website.
Address:
Suntec City Mall
3 Temasek Boulevard (Tower 5)
#01-400 Singapore 038983
Contact: +65 6270 1303
Email: contactus@woptics.sg
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*this is a sponsored post by W Optics.
