If you’re someone who’s tired of the constant hassle of wearing contacts or glasses, you may be interested in a new vision correction method called orthokeratology.
This non-surgical approach to improving your vision boasts impressive results, but what exactly is it? Let’s get into what orthokeratology is, how it works, who’s a candidate for it, and its potential risks and side effects.
The Science Behind Orthokeratology
The fundamental concept behind orthokeratology is the ability to reshape the cornea’s curvature. By using contact lenses to temporarily mold the shape of the cornea, you can improve vision in a similar way to glasses or traditional contact lenses. However, unlike these options, orthokeratology’s effects are temporary.
The contact lenses used in orthokeratology are made from a gas-permeable material and have a specific curve designed for each individual patient’s eyes. Once inserted, the lenses slightly flatten the cornea, allowing light to properly refract on the retina, which results in clearer vision. Essentially, what’s happening is that the cornea is being subtly reshaped overnight to achieve the desired results.
Orthokeratology has also been shown to slow down the progression of nearsightedness in children and young adults. This is because the contact lenses help to control the growth of the eye, which is a major factor in the development of nearsightedness. By slowing down this growth, orthokeratology can help prevent the need for stronger glasses or contact lenses in the future.
The History of Orthokeratology
Orthokeratology isn’t a new concept; it’s been around for over half a century. However, modern technology and research have helped refine the process over the years, making it more effective and accessible to patients.
The first orthokeratology lenses were created in the 1950s and were traditionally made from plastic. It wasn’t until the 1990s that gas-permeable materials were used, which allowed for better oxygen flow to the cornea and overall comfort.
Since then, orthokeratology has become increasingly popular, especially among athletes and individuals who work in professions where glasses or traditional contact lenses may not be practical. It’s also a great option for those who are not eligible for other forms of vision correction, such as LASIK surgery.
It’s important to note that while orthokeratology can be a great alternative to glasses or traditional contact lenses, it’s not for everyone. Individuals with certain eye conditions or diseases may not be eligible for the procedure. It’s important to consult with an eye doctor to determine if orthokeratology is right for you.
Overall, orthokeratology is a safe and effective way to temporarily correct vision and slow down the progression of nearsightedness. With modern technology and research, it’s becoming an increasingly popular option for individuals looking to improve their vision without the need for glasses or traditional contact lenses.
The 6 Steps of the Orthokeratology Process
- The orthokeratology process typically begins with an eye exam and consultation with a professional orthokeratologist.
- During your consultation, your doctor will evaluate your overall ocular health, your current vision prescription, and explain the process of orthokeratology.
- If you’re determined to be a good candidate for orthokeratology, a customized set of lenses will be created specifically to fit your eyes.
- Once you have been fitted with your customized lenses, your orthokeratologist will instruct you on how to properly wear and care for them. It’s important to follow these instructions carefully to ensure the best possible results.
- The lenses themselves are designed to be worn overnight while you sleep, and the shaping process typically takes a few weeks to complete. During this time, you must continue to wear the lenses nightly to achieve the desired results.
- The lenses work by gently reshaping the cornea, which is the clear front surface of the eye.
This reshaping process corrects any refractive errors, such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism. One of the benefits of orthokeratology is that it can provide temporary relief from these refractive errors without the need for glasses or contact lenses during the day.
However, it’s important to note that the effects of orthokeratology are not permanent and must be maintained with regular lens wear.
The 3 Benefits of Orthokeratology
Orthokeratology is a vision correction technique that involves the use of specially designed contact lenses to reshape the cornea while you sleep. This non-invasive approach to vision correction has become increasingly popular in recent years, and for good reason. Here are some of the benefits of orthokeratology in greater detail.
1. Improved Vision Without Surgery
One of the most significant benefits of orthokeratology is that it provides improved vision without any surgical interventions. This is especially appealing to those who aren’t comfortable with or don’t qualify for surgery. Rather than going under the knife, orthokeratology offers a non-invasive approach to vision correction that has proven to be effective.
For those who are hesitant about undergoing surgery to correct their vision, orthokeratology can be a great alternative. The process is painless and doesn’t require any incisions or anesthesia. Instead, you simply wear the specially designed contact lenses while you sleep, and wake up with clearer vision in the morning.
2. Convenience and Comfort
Another advantage of orthokeratology lenses is that they’re easy to use and incredibly comfortable. Since you’re wearing them while you sleep, you don’t have to worry about constantly taking them in and out or worrying about losing them.
Additionally, unlike traditional contact lenses, orthokeratology lenses aren’t typically associated with dry eyes, making them a more comfortable option for many people. For those who lead busy lives, orthokeratology can be a great option.
You don’t have to worry about carrying around contact lens solution or spare lenses, and you don’t have to worry about taking time out of your day to remove and reinsert your lenses. Simply wear them while you sleep, and enjoy clear vision throughout the day.
3. Slowing Down Myopia Progression
Studies have shown that orthokeratology lenses may be useful for slowing down the progression of myopia, or nearsightedness. While more studies are needed to confirm this conclusively, there’s certainly promising research that suggests that orthokeratology may be beneficial for those with progressive myopia.
For parents of children with myopia, orthokeratology can be a particularly appealing option. Myopia typically worsens as children grow and develop, and can lead to a number of vision problems later in life. By using orthokeratology lenses to slow down the progression of myopia, parents can help protect their children’s vision and reduce the risk of future vision problems.
Overall, orthokeratology is a safe, effective, and convenient way to correct your vision without surgery. Whether you’re looking for an alternative to traditional contact lenses or are simply interested in exploring new options for vision correction, orthokeratology may be worth considering.
Candidates for Orthokeratology
Age and Prescription Requirements
Orthokeratology, also known as Ortho-K, is a non-surgical procedure that uses specially designed contact lenses to temporarily reshape the cornea, allowing patients to see clearly without the need for glasses or traditional contact lenses.
This treatment is typically recommended for those over the age of 12 with mild to moderate myopia, also known as nearsightedness. Ortho-K lenses can help correct this by reshaping the cornea to focus light properly on the retina.
Ortho-K is a great option for those who are active and don’t want to worry about losing or breaking their glasses or traditional contact lenses while playing sports or engaging in other physical activities.
It’s also a great option for those who work in dusty or dirty environments, as there’s no need to constantly clean or adjust glasses or traditional contact lenses.
It’s important to note that not everyone may be a good candidate for orthokeratology, and those with certain eye conditions may not be able to use this form of vision correction. It’s important to speak with your eye doctor to determine if Ortho-K is right for you.
Eye Conditions and Orthokeratology
While many people may be good candidates for orthokeratology, some eye conditions may prevent you from using this method. For example, those with keratoconus, a progressive eye disease that causes the cornea to thin and bulge into a cone-like shape, may not be candidates for orthokeratology.
Additionally, those with severe dry eye syndrome may not be able to use Ortho-K lenses, as the lenses require a certain amount of tears to properly reshape the cornea. It’s important to have a comprehensive eye exam to determine if you’re a good candidate for Ortho-K.
Your eye doctor will evaluate your eye health and vision needs to determine if Ortho-K is the right choice for you.
The Top 2 Potential Risks and Side Effects
1. Infection and Hygiene Concerns
As with any form of contact lens use, there’s a risk of infection with orthokeratology lenses. Proper hygiene and care are crucial to prevent any potential issues. Be sure to follow the instructions provided by your orthokeratologist carefully.
2. Temporary Vision Changes
It’s not uncommon for patients to experience temporary vision changes during the first few weeks of orthokeratology use. This may include visual aberrations or even decreased vision. However, these side effects typically resolve on their own as your eyes adjust to the lenses.
Orthokeratology offers a unique approach to vision correction that’s shown to be effective for many patients. While it may not be right for everyone, it’s definitely worth considering if you’re seeking a non-surgical method of vision correction or if you’re interested in slowing down the progression of myopia.
