Orthokeratology (Ortho-K) is an innovative method used for myopia (nearsightedness) management. It involves wearing specially designed rigid gas-permeable contact lenses overnight to temporarily reshape the cornea, which in turn affects the way light enters the eye, providing clearer vision during the day without the need for glasses or daytime contact lenses.
What to expect:
- Evaluation: Not everyone is a suitable candidate for Ortho-K. Factors like the degree of myopia, corneal shape, and overall eye health can influence the decision. Your optometrist will perform a comprehensive eye examination and corneal topography (a map of the cornea's surface) to determine suitability.
- Customization: If you are good candidate, custom Ortho-K lenses will be designed based on the unique corneal topography of your eyes.
- Fitting: After receiving the custom lenses, your eye care practitioner will ensure a proper fit, provide guidance on how to insert, remove, and care for the lenses.
- Overnight Wear: You wear the Ortho-K lenses overnight. While you sleep, the lenses gently reshape the front surface of the cornea.
- Daytime Vision Improvement: Upon awakening and after removing the lenses, the temporarily reshaped cornea allows clearer vision without the need for daytime glasses or contacts. The duration of clear vision can vary from person to person but often lasts a full day.
- Regular Check-ups: Periodic follow-up visits with your optometrist are essential to monitor the cornea's health and ensure the treatment is effective.
- Consistency in Wear: For best results, Ortho-K lenses should be worn regularly. Inconsistency can result in reduced vision clarity during the day.
- Myopia Control: Recent studies suggest that Ortho-K might slow the progression of myopia in children. By reshaping the corneal surface and altering the way light focuses on the retina, it's believed that Ortho-K can reduce the stimulus for myopia progression.
- Safety: While Ortho-K is generally considered safe, it's crucial to follow the care regimen for the lenses meticulously. Incorrect care can increase the risk of eye infections. Like all contact lenses, Ortho-K lenses should be used under the guidance of your optometrist.
In conclusion, Ortho-K offers a promising approach to both providing clearer daytime vision for myopic individuals and possibly slowing the progression of myopia in children. It's essential to consult with an optometrist to determine whether Ortho-K is a suitable option for your specific circumstances.
