Achieve Powerful Vision Correction without Surgery: Ask Your Eye Doctor about Orthokeratology

Are you suffering from vision problems such as myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), or astigmatism (blurry vision at all distances)? If so, you might be a good candidate for orthokeratology. Particularly if you are seeking a way to correct vision without wearing glasses or getting eye surgery, orthokeratology is an option you should explore.

What Is Orthokeratology?

“Orthokeratology” is a vision correction tactic that utilizes unique gas permeable contact lenses to temporarily correct refractive errors such as myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism that are largely caused by irregularities in the shape of the curvature of the cornea. In the case of myopia, light to focuses in front of the retina instead of focusing on the retina. In hyperopia, light is focused behind the retina.

With astigmatism, blurred vision occurs because the light is not evenly focused on the retina.

There are several ways to correct the corneal irregularities that cause these refractive errors. One method, LASIK surgery, uses a laser or a small blade to cut a small flap in the corneal surface. The surgeon can then pull back the flap and use a second laser to remove some of the corneal tissue beneath the flap. This process can help to correct the shape of the eye, but it irreversible and presents a small risk for complications. LASIK patients have complained of everything from dry eyes and over–or undercorrections, to permanent vision loss.

Orthokeratology is a non-surgical alternative to LASIK. In orthokeratology, your eye doctor will prescribe a pair of gas permeable contact lenses that have been custom designed for the unique shape and curvature of your eyes. Unlike most contact lenses, you don’t wear orthokeratology lenses (ortho-K lenses) during the day. Instead, you put your ortho-K lenses in at night, just before bedtime. As you sleep, your lenses gently and gradually reshape the surface of the eye. This cornea reshaping effectively corrects refractive errors, because it eliminates the shape irregularities that cause them.

It’s worth noting that the vision reshaping achieved through the use of ortho-K lenses is not permanent. Once you remove your ortho-K lenses, your corneas will start reverting to their previous shape. However, the effects of the reshaping last long enough to provide focused vision throughout the day. As a result, patients using ortho-K lenses every night will often not need to wear any kind of contact lenses or glasses during the day. This option is especially attractive for patients who cannot wear glasses all the time, whether because of their job conditions or because they participate in sports.

One of the best things about orthokeratology is that it historically has had almost no severe complications. In fact, by far the most common issue with ortho-K lenses comes from improper lens care. Same as any contact lenses, ortho-K lenses need to be properly cleaned, stored, and cared for to deliver effective, comfortable, and hygienic results. Of course, your eye doctor can recommend the best lens care habits to help you keep your ortho-K lenses clean.

In addition, orthokeratology is one of the most effective methods to slow progressive myopia in children.

Call (305) 814-2299 Miami Contact Lens Institute to Inquire about Orthokeratology 

If you have been looking for a way to correct your vision without surgery, without glasses, or without even having to wear contact lenses during the day, then orthokeratology is likely the best treatment option for you. Call Miami Contact Lens Institute today to schedule a consultation appointment and learn whether you are a good candidate for ortho-K lenses.

Sources: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orthokeratology
https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/lasik-eye-surgery/about/pac-20384774