Why Choose Ortho-K for Myopia Management?

If you have myopia or nearsightedness, several treatment options can correct your vision. Glasses and contacts are the most popular options for treating the condition. If you are tired of wearing glasses and contacts, you have other options. 

The good news is that you can take a break from glasses, and you do not have to undergo surgery. In place of those, you can choose orthokeratology or ortho-k for myopia management instead.

Understanding Orthokeratology 

Orthokeratology is a technique that involves the fitting of special contact lenses that are worn overnight. The contacts are specially designed using gas permeable materials. The lenses help reshape the cornea or front eye surface while you sleep. 

When you remove the lenses in the morning, you will be able to see clearly. Doctors prescribe ortho-k lenses to correct common refractive errors, most notably myopia, farsightedness, and astigmatism. Ortho-k can be used effectively to slow the progression of myopia among children.

Ortho-K for Myopia Management

Ortho-k lenses are often referred to as corneal reshaping contact lenses. The lenses effectively control or correct myopia. The special breathable, gas permeable (GP) lenses are approved for wearing overnight. 

There are different ortho-k brands and fitting techniques that can be used safely and successfully for myopia management. After carrying out an examination, the eye doctor will determine the best reshaping lenses for you. The ortho-k effect can last for a day or two, but for best results, the lenses should be worn every night.

Good Candidates for Ortho-K

People who have mild or moderate myopia make good candidates for orthokeratology. Kids and young adults who do not want to get LASIK are good candidates for the treatment. The effect of the corneal reshaping is temporary, and there is very little risk involved. 

If you experience any discomfort, you can simply stop wearing the lenses. If you have dry eyes, you may be a good candidate. The amount and type of myopia that can be managed using ortho-k will depend on the individual. An eye examination will help determine if the treatment is right for you. 

Why Choose Ortho-K Treatment

There are good reasons to choose ortho-k treatment. The high success rate is a good reason to choose the special lenses. Studies show that 93-95 percent of patients experienced 20/32 vision and better. Another 67 to 73 percent experienced 20/20 vision. 

This means that patients who were previously dependent on glasses or contacts are benefiting from ortho-k treatment. The convenience and high success rate make for a good reason to choose the treatment.  

The Ortho-K Procedure

To begin ortho-k treatment, the doctor will measure the shape of the corneas using a corneal topographer. This painless process takes about one minute, producing a detailed image of the eye surface. The doctor will then try different lenses to find the right fitting for your eyes. 

The doctor may then order custom ortho-k lenses to be fitted during the next appointment. A series of temporary lenses may be required until you achieve the desired prescription. Three pairs of lenses will usually be required before you achieve the maximum sight correction effect. 

If you want to know more about using ortho-k for myopia management, visit Advanced Eyecare Center at our offices in Perry, Georgia. You can call (478) 412-4200 today to book an appointment.