Can Ortho-K Be The Answer to Your Vision Problems?

The Answer to Your Vision Problems

If you are like many people, you may have never heard of Orthokeratology, or Ortho-K, but it is likely that you have heard of LASIK, and know that it is a form of eye surgery that corrects vision. If corrected vision sounds good, but surgery does, or you've been told that you aren't a good candidate for LASIK, Ortho-K may be something to discuss with your eye doctor.

What Is Ortho-K?

Orthokeratology (Ortho-K) is a technology that involves the wearing of specialized gas permeable contact lenses for a short time in order to reshape corneas to achieve temporary vision correction after the lenses are removed. In most cases, these are worn at night, and allow the wearer to see "normally"--usually with 20/40 vision or better during the day. These lenses have a flatter base curve than regular contacts which creates a hydraulic force to correct vision for up to two days when worn overnight. Most often these are used for mild to moderate myopia (nearsightedness), but some farsightedness and astigmatism may be corrected too.

Is Ortho-K a Good Choice for Your or Your Child?

Ortho-k takes a commitment from both the optometrist and the patient to make sure it will work as it should. Most of the time, this means up to six visits for eye exams including

• the initial consult
• the day contacts are ready
• the next day
• a week later
• a month later
• six months later

In addition to be willing to handle the follow-up exams, it is important to wear contacts every night or nearly every night. If this is done the result should be near perfect vision during the day. Some studies have shown that when children or teens wear ortho-k lenses at night, their myopia does not progress as quickly and they have fewer vision problems later in life. Ortho-K can be a good option for those who are active in sports or who work in dusty environments where regular contact lenses may be irritated since most do not have to contend with debris while they sleep.

Call Richardson Eye Associates in Richardson, TX

If the idea of good vision, without contacts, eyeglasses, or surgery sounds appealing to you, we at Richardson Eye Associates in Richardson, TX will be happy to discuss this option further at your next appointment. To learn more, contact us at (972) 231-3439.