Orthokeratology or Ortho-k is a revolutionary way to improve eyesight without surgery. Rather than relying on glasses or contact lenses all day, the patient wears specially-made rigid gas-permeable lenses while they sleep. This enables the cornea to be reshaped, and the effects can last up to 36 hours. After removing the lenses in the morning, the patient can see clearly without corrective lenses. This innovative solution has been helping many people improve their vision in a safe and non-invasive manner.
Who Can Get Ortho-K?
Ortho-k is a vision correction treatment option for people who need to stay active and cannot wear glasses or contact lenses. These lenses can temporarily correct mild to moderate refractive errors and slow down the progression of nearsightedness in children. It can also help with astigmatism, hyperopia, and presbyopia.
Ortho-k lenses are best for those seeking an alternative to eyeglasses or contact lenses. It is also a good choice for people with industrial jobs or those who work in dusty environments. It is also a viable option for those who cannot have refractive surgery or are afraid of the procedure.
Ortho-k lenses are designed to be worn overnight, allowing people to enjoy clear vision during the day without glasses. Kids as young as seven with a family history of nearsightedness or who have experienced a sudden increase in this vision problem can also benefit from these lenses.
How Orthokeratology Can Improve Your Vision
Ortho-k lenses reshape the cornea while you sleep. This means that the lenses gently reshape the cornea while you sleep to correct your vision. This process is called corneal reshaping therapy and is a safe and effective way to improve your vision. It can correct myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism.
With this process, you will not have to wear glasses or contacts during the day, so you can enjoy activities like swimming, sports, and outdoor activities without worrying about your vision. Ortho-k lenses can also help improve your nighttime vision, so you can see better while driving at night.
Getting Ortho-K
With orthokeratology, it may take one or two weeks to reach the desired vision correction, though some people experience dramatic improvement in a few days. It’s fairly common to need a few different pairs of specially designed lenses that reshape the cornea to get the right prescription. The process may involve using several lenses before finding the right one.
When the desired curvature is achieved, the wearer is then prescribed corrective lenses to maintain the improvement. Results have been proven to be effective in providing a vision of 20/40 or better and can be reversed if the wearer stops using them as directed.
Conclusion
Ortho-K is a safe and effective way to correct nearsightedness and astigmatism and can be a great alternative to glasses or contacts. It is important to consult with an eye care professional to determine if you are a good candidate for Orthokeratology. Factors such as age, vision prescription, and lifestyle should be considered when considering Orthokeratology. If you are a good candidate, Orthokeratology may be an excellent option to improve your vision and reduce the need for eyeglasses or contact lenses.
Fenton Family Eyecare is an optometry clinic in Fenton, serving as a primary care provider for a wide range of issues and procedures, from routine eye exams to specialty contacts and eye disease treatment. We combine the comfort and personalized attention of a small optometry office with the advanced techniques and depth of skill you’d find in a large-scale optometry center—the best of both possible worlds for you and your loved ones. If you’re considering getting corneal reshaping therapy, you might be suited for Ortho-K! Get in touch with us today to book a consultation!
