Have you or your child been diagnosed with myopia (nearsightedness)? You may wonder what treatment options are available. While glasses and contact lenses are commonly prescribed for vision correction, ortho-K is another non-invasive solution you may have yet to hear of.
Below we explore what Ortho-K is, how it works, and how it can benefit children and adults with myopia. If you live in California, Image EyeCare is the perfect place to learn more about Ortho-K and get started with treatment.
What is Ortho-K?
Orthokeratology, commonly known as Ortho-K, is a non-surgical, non-invasive treatment for myopia that involves using specially designed gas-permeable contact lenses worn overnight while you sleep. These lenses are designed to gently reshape the cornea, the front surface of the eye, to correct refractive errors and improve vision.
Ortho-K lenses are only worn at night, unlike glasses or traditional contact lenses. They are removed in the morning, providing clear, sharp vision throughout the day without needing corrective lenses.
How Does Ortho-K Work?
Ortho-K lenses are custom-fit to each patient's eye. They are designed to apply gentle pressure to the cornea, reshaping it to correctly refract incoming light. The lenses are made of a gas-permeable material that allows oxygen to pass through to the eye, which is essential for maintaining eye health and comfort. By wearing the lenses overnight, the cornea gradually reshapes, and the patient wakes up with clear, sharp vision the next day.
Ortho-K is a safe and effective alternative to LASIK and other surgical procedures, with a success rate of up to 90% for myopia correction.
Ortho-K for Children and Adults With Myopia
Ortho-K is an excellent option for children and adults with myopia looking for a non-invasive and effective treatment option. Children can benefit from Ortho-K as it can help slow down the progression of myopia, which tends to worsen as they grow older. Slowing myopia progression is important for lowering a child’s risk of developing serious eye diseases like macular degeneration and retinal detachment later in life. Moreover, children can enjoy clear vision during the day without needing glasses or contact lenses by wearing Ortho-K lenses.
Adults can also benefit from Ortho-K, as it provides a convenient and safe solution for vision correction without surgery.
Ortho-K lenses can also be an excellent option for people with dry eye syndrome or allergies. Traditional contact lenses can worsen dry eye symptoms and cause discomfort for people with allergies. Because Ortho-K lenses are only worn at night, they don’t cause dryness and irritation during the day.
Additionally, because the lenses are custom-fit to each patient's eye, they are less likely to move around or become dislodged, providing a more comfortable and stable vision correction experience.
Image EyeCare and Ortho-K in California
If you live in California and are interested in Ortho-K lenses for yourself or your child, Image EyeCare Optometry is the perfect place to start. Our experienced eye care team is specially trained in Ortho-K fitting. They can help you determine if it is the right treatment option for you or your child.
We offer a comprehensive Ortho-K program that includes custom-fit lenses, regular follow-up visits, and ongoing support to ensure the best possible results. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and learn more about how Ortho-K can benefit you or your child.
