Still weighing up options beyond glasses or daily lenses for your child? Or perhaps you’ve been told they’re too young for laser correction? Dream Lenses (also known as Ortho-K) offer a non-surgical solution that works overnight. While your child sleeps, the lenses gently reshape the eye’s surface, giving them clear vision through the day without needing glasses.
I’m David Truong, Owner and Principal Optometrist at Beyond Eyecare in Sydney. This guide breaks down how Ortho-K works, which children benefit most, and why early myopia control matters more than ever.
Understanding Dream Lenses: What Parents Need To Know
What if your child could wake up with clear vision, no glasses, and no daytime contacts? Dream Lenses make that possible. These rigid, gas-permeable lenses are worn overnight to gently reshape the cornea.
By morning, your child sees clearly without needing any daytime correction. The effect typically lasts 24 to 48 hours and resets with nightly use. This non-surgical process, known as Ortho-K, offers a reversible way to manage short-sightedness and mild astigmatism.
Some call them night lenses or overnight contact lenses, but they all refer to the same proven method. For active kids, it’s a practical solution with real traction.
How Do Dream Lenses Work?
The cornea helps focus light into the eye. When it’s too steep, light focuses in front of the retina, causing blurry distance vision. Dream Lenses apply mild hydraulic pressure overnight to flatten the cornea’s curvature. Regular night-time wear keeps the effect stable.
The Science Of Myopia In Children
Myopia often starts in childhood and can progress quickly. Risk factors include genetics, long hours of close-up tasks like screen use, and limited time outdoors. Natural light plays a role in healthy eye development, so indoor routines may add to the problem.
But are stronger glasses year after year really the solution?
The bigger issue is that as the eye elongates, the risk of complications like retinal detachment or macular damage increases. That’s why early myopia control matters. Ortho-K is one approach with solid evidence of slowing axial growth and helping protect long-term vision.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Dream Lenses?
| Criteria Type | Details |
| General Eligibility | Ages 7+, myopia -0.75 to -5.50D, astigmatism ≤ -2.50D, hyperopia up to +4.00D in some cases |
| Physical Suitability | Ideal for active kids: swimmers, contact sports players, or those with dry eyes or difficulty using soft lenses |
| Behavioural Suitability | Children who can manage lens hygiene, follow routines, and attend regular check-ups consistently |
| Family Commitment | Parents must be involved in supervising cleaning and attending scheduled reviews |
| Success Factors | Maturity, hygiene, supervision, and consistent wear are key to long-term success |
Benefits of Dream Lenses for Children
Going to school or sport without glasses is a big boost in independence and confidence. No glasses means no broken frames, no foggy lenses during PE, and no interruptions during daily tasks. For many kids, it’s simply easier to live without needing vision aids during the day.
Health and Safety Advantages
Dream Lenses are non-invasive and reversible. When fitted and monitored by a qualified optometrist, the risks are low. For children at risk of progressing myopia, Ortho-K contact lenses offer both correction and protection.
Clinical Effectiveness
Studies show Ortho-K can slow myopia progression by about 50 percent. It also reduces axial elongation, a key predictor of long-term eye health issues. Most children see more clearly after just a night or two. Full effect typically settles within one to two weeks.
Addressing Common Parent Concerns
Is Ortho-K Safe for Kids?
Yes, if hygiene is tight and follow-up is consistent. The lenses are made from oxygen-permeable material, so the eyes stay well-oxygenated overnight. We keep a close watch during reviews. That way, if anything shifts, we catch it before it becomes a problem.
What Happens if the Child Stops Wearing Them?
The effect wears off within 48 to 72 hours. The cornea returns to its original shape, and vision goes back to the old prescription. Glasses or soft lenses can be used again—no lasting changes.
Are There Side Effects or Discomfort?
Some report mild glare or halos in the early weeks. Most of that fades as the eye adjusts. The key is proper fit, good contact lens cleaning habits, and early tweaks if needed. If something doesn’t feel right, we make changes fast.
What To Expect During The Fitting
We start with a full eye health check, including corneal topography to map your child’s eye surface. We’ll also discuss your family’s goals, lifestyle, and expectations. If your child is a good candidate, we move to lens design.
Lens Design & Trial
The lenses are custom-built based on your child’s corneal map. We conduct a supervised in-practice trial to test fit, comfort, and clarity. Any needed tweaks are done before ordering the final pair.
Follow-up Schedule
We see your child the day after first wear, then at one week and one month. After that, regular 6-month check-ups help track eye growth and monitor lens condition. Emergency appointments are always available for unexpected issues.
Maintenance & Daily Lens Care Routine
Lenses come out each morning and go straight into cleaning. Rinse them well, then store them in fresh contact lens disinfection solution. No shortcuts; don’t reuse old solution. Clean hands are non-negotiable before touching anything.
Tips for Parents & Kids
In the first few months, supervision matters more than speed. Kids pick up the routine faster when it’s predictable. Stick to the same steps every day. Swap out the lens case every 1 to 3 months. That’s your baseline for hygiene.
Lens Replacement & Costs
With proper care, Dream Lenses hold up for 18 to 24 months. Pricing usually falls between $1,000 and $1,500 per lens, depending on the case. Some private health funds will cover part of that, so it’s worth checking.
How Beyond Eyecare Supports Ortho-K For Kids
We use evidence-backed protocols to assess, fit, and monitor Ortho-K for children. Our practice combines advanced topography equipment with myopia-focused expertise. Each lens is customised to suit the individual child.
What Sets Beyond Eyecare Apart
We’re known for a calm, family-friendly atmosphere. Our staff have experience working with kids and help guide families through each step. With modern diagnostic tools and personalised fitting strategies, we aim for safe and consistent results.
Final Thoughts
Dream Lenses help slow myopia and reduce long-term risks. For active kids or those who struggle with glasses, they’re a practical, non-surgical option.
At Beyond Eyecare, we combine modern diagnostics with individualised care to get the fit right and keep eyes healthy. If your child’s prescription keeps changing, it’s time to take a closer look. Book a consultation and find out if Ortho-K could help protect their vision for the long haul.
Book an appointment with Beyond Eyecare today at Zetland (02) 9662 6364 or Surry Hills (02) 9556 1160. You can also schedule a convenient time through our website.
