Did you know that there is an option for clear vision that doesn’t involve wearing glasses or contact lenses during the day?? Orthokeratology, also known as “ortho-k,” is a non-surgical procedure that uses specially designed contact lenses to temporarily reshape the cornea, the clear front surface of the eye. This reshaping allows for improved vision, often eliminating the need for glasses or daytime contact lenses.
At our private practice, we offer ortho-k as an alternative to traditional methods of correcting vision. This involves wearing custom-made, gas permeable contact lenses overnight, while sleeping. The lenses gently reshape the cornea, correcting common vision issues such as myopia (nearsightedness).
One of the biggest benefits of ortho-k is that it allows patients to wake up and see clearly without the need for glasses or daytime contact lenses. This can be especially beneficial for athletes (looking at you swimmers!!!), children, and anyone who wants to be free from glasses or contacts during the day.
Additionally, ortho-k can slow down or even halt the progression of myopia. Myopia management is important for reducing the risk of complications such as retinal detachment and cataracts later on because myopia, or nearsightedness, is a condition where the eye is longer than normal or the cornea is too curved, causing light to focus in front of the retina instead of directly on it. This can lead to several vision problems, including:
- Retinal detachment: Myopia increases the risk of retinal detachment, which occurs when the retina separates from the underlying tissue, leading to vision loss.
- Cataracts: Myopia has been linked to an increased risk of cataracts, which is a clouding of the lens in the eye, causing vision loss.
- Glaucoma: Myopia can also increase the risk of glaucoma, a group of diseases that can cause vision loss by damaging the optic nerve.
By controlling myopia, the progression of the condition can be slowed down, reducing the risk of these complications and preserving vision for a longer period of time.
Patients who are interested in ortho-k will need to undergo a thorough eye exam to determine if they are a good candidate for this vision correction option. During this exam, we will measure the shape and curvature of the cornea, as well as check for any underlying eye conditions that could affect the success of the results.
Once it is determined that you or your child would be a good candidate for ortho-k, we will create custom-made contact lenses for you/them to wear overnight. These lenses are different from standard contact lenses and are designed to reshape the cornea while the patient sleeps.
The treatment usually takes about one to two weeks to achieve the desired results, and patients will need to come in for follow-up appointments to monitor their progress and make any necessary adjustments to their lenses.
Overall, orthokeratology is a safe and effective way to correct vision and eliminate the need for glasses or daytime contact lenses. If you’re interested in exploring this option, we encourage you to schedule an appointment with us at Eyecare on the Square today!
