Ortho-K: Myopia Correction While You Sleep

Ortho-K: Myopia Correction While You Sleep

Myopia is a common refractive error that affects the way your eyes focus light. When you have myopia, light entering your eye does not focus properly on the retina at the back of your eye, resulting in blurred distant vision. This condition typically develops in childhood and can progress throughout adolescence, often stabilizing in adulthood.

The impact of myopia on your vision and eye health can be significant. As the degree of myopia increases, your risk of developing sight-threatening complications, such as retinal detachment, glaucoma, and cataracts, also rises. Addressing myopia early on is crucial to protect your long-term eye health and visual acuity.

What is Ortho-K?

Orthokeratology, or Ortho-K, is a non-surgical vision correction technique that uses specialized rigid gas-permeable contact lenses to temporarily reshape the curvature of your cornea, the clear front part of your eye. These lenses are worn overnight while you sleep, and they gently mold your cornea into a flatter shape, effectively correcting your myopia.

The Ortho-K lenses work by applying gentle pressure on the central part of your cornea, flattening it slightly. This reshaping of the cornea changes the way light is refracted, or bent, as it enters your eye, allowing it to focus more accurately on the retina. The result is clearer, sharper vision during the day without the need for glasses or daytime contact lenses.

The Process of Getting Started with Ortho-K

Achieving successful Ortho-K treatment requires a comprehensive evaluation by an experienced optometrist. The process typically involves the following steps:

•       Initial Consultation: Your optometrist will perform a thorough eye examination to assess the current state of your vision, the shape and curvature of your corneas, and your overall eye health. This information will help determine if you are a good candidate for Ortho-K.

•       Custom Lens Fitting: Based on the measurements and data collected during the initial consultation, your eye doctor will custom-design a set of Ortho-K lenses specifically tailored to your unique eye structure and vision needs.

•       Follow-up Appointments: Your eye doctor will schedule regular follow-up appointments to monitor the progress of your Ortho-K treatment, make any necessary adjustments to the lenses, and ensure that your vision is improving as expected.

The Advantages of Ortho-K for Myopia Correction

Ortho-K offers several compelling benefits for individuals seeking a non-surgical solution to correct their myopia:

•       Improved Daytime Vision: By reshaping your corneas during the night, Ortho-K can provide you with clear, sharp vision during the day without the need for glasses or daytime contact lenses.

•       Halting Myopia Progression: Studies have shown that Ortho-K can effectively slow or even halt the progression of myopia in children and adolescents, reducing the risk of developing more severe refractive errors later in life.

•       Convenience and Comfort: Ortho-K lenses are worn only while you sleep, eliminating the need for daytime lens insertion and removal. This can be especially beneficial for active individuals or those with dry eye concerns.

•       Reduced Risk of Complications: Ortho-K avoids the risks associated with surgical vision correction procedures, such as infection, dry eye, and visual aberrations.

Is Ortho-K the Right Solution for You?

Ortho-K offers a unique and effective solution for individuals seeking a non-surgical way to correct their myopia and improve their vision. By reshaping your corneas while you sleep, Ortho-K can provide you with clear, sharp vision during the day without the need for glasses or daytime contact lenses.

To schedule a comprehensive Ortho-K consultation, reach out to Lauren Alexander Optical & Katy Vision Source. Our optometrists will work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan and guide you through the Ortho-K process, ensuring you achieve the clear, comfortable vision you deserve. Contact our office in Katy, Texas, by calling (281) 693-1616. For Lauren Alexander Optical, visit our office in Spring, Texas, or call (713) 357-9949 to book an appointment today.