Wouldn’t it be great if you could get rid of your prescription glasses altogether if you suffer from nearsightedness or any other kind of refractive error? If only there were a way to improve your vision without having to go through eye surgery, right?
The idea might sound ridiculous to you. However, this is a reality for a significant number of people. This innovative procedure is referred to as orthokeratology or ortho-k for short. It is a term that describes the practice of improving one’s eyesight via the use of contact lenses that have been tailored to the individual’s eyes. In order to effectively reshape the cornea, the rigid gas-permeable lenses in question are often worn throughout sleep. After removing your contact lenses in the morning, you should have clear vision the following day as a result of this method. The cornea that has been reshaped has a shelf life of between 24 and 36 hours.
Are You a Good Ortho-K Candidate?
Typically, eye physicians prescribe ortho-k lenses for two reasons. First, it can correct modest to moderate refractive errors in minors and delay the progression of myopia.
Orthokeratology is a fantastic option for all myopic adults. It is also beneficial for those with less severe astigmatism. In addition, ortho-k is frequently used as an effective treatment for farsightedness (hyperopia) and age-related lens hardening (presbyopia). Children as young as 7 years old who have a family history of myopia or who have experienced a rapid increase in this vision condition can also benefit from this treatment.
If you are physically active and cannot wear glasses or contact lenses while participating in sports, ortho-k may be the best vision correction option for you. People with industrial occupations or who labour in dusty environments may also qualify. In addition, patients who fear surgery or are ineligible for refractive surgery can benefit from these customised lenses.
What Should You Anticipate From Ortho-K?
Orthokeratology typically requires a few weeks to accomplish optimal vision correction, but some patients experience remarkable vision enhancement in only a few days.
Before attaining the desired prescription, it is common for patients to need a series of temporary ortho-k lenses. This precise corneal reshaping technology may require you to wear up to three pairs of glasses, one after the other, to achieve optimal vision correction. Once your corneas have reached the final desired curvature, you will begin wearing retainer ortho-k lenses. You may wear them per your optometrist’s recommendation.
Vision enhancements resulting from ortho-k are reversible, but they can be maintained if used as instructed. The FDA-approved ortho-k lenses demonstrated vision of 20/40 or superior in clinical studies.
Orthokeratology is one of the most effective methods for controlling myopia. Several traits make a person an ideal candidate for orthokeratology, as previously stated. However, the easiest method to determine if you or your loved ones are eligible is to schedule a vision exam.
