If you are suffering from nearsightedness or any refractive error, wouldn't you prefer to not depend on your prescription glasses anymore? If only you could improve your eyesight without having to go through eye surgery, right?

The idea may sound far-fetched. But, for many people, it is a reality. This innovative solution is called orthokeratology or ortho-k. It refers to the use of custom-designed and fitted contact lenses to improve vision. The rigid gas permeable lenses involved are generally worn overnight to reshape your cornea while you sleep. This way, you can see clearly the next day after removing the lenses when you wake up. The reshaped cornea can hold between 24 to 36 hours.

Are You a Good Candidate for Ortho-K?

Eye doctors generally prescribe ortho-k lenses for two reasons. It can correct mild to moderate refractive errors and delay the progression of nearsightedness (myopia) in children.

Orthokeratology is an excellent option for all adults who need myopic prescriptions. It’s also great for those who have lesser degrees of astigmatism. Additionally, ortho-k is often used as a proven treatment method for farsightedness (hyperopia) and age-related hardening of the eyes’ lenses (presbyopia). Even children as young as seven years old who have a family history of nearsightedness or experienced a sharp increase in this vision problem can also enjoy its benefits.

If you are physically active and can’t wear glasses or contact lenses during sports activities, ortho-k could be the best vision correction treatment alternative for you. People who have industrial jobs or work in dusty environments can also be good candidates. Lastly, patients who fear surgery or are not qualified to undergo refractive surgery can enjoy these customized lenses.

What to Expect From Ortho-K?

It often takes a couple of weeks or so to achieve the optimal vision correction from orthokeratology, but some patients experience remarkable vision improvement in only a few days.

It’s common for patients to require a series of temporary ortho-k lenses before achieving the desired prescription. You may have to wear up to three pairs of this precise corneal reshaping technology, used one after the other, to reach the best vision correction. As soon as your corneas have attained the final desired curve, you will start using the retainer ortho-k lenses. You may wear them according to your eye doctor’s recommendation.

Vision improvements from ortho-k are reversible but can be maintained if you use them as directed. Clinical studies on ortho-k lenses approved by the Food and Drug Administration resulted in 20/40 vision or better.

Orthokeratology is one of the most effective optical treatments to control myopia. As previously mentioned, several factors make a person an ideal candidate for orthokeratology. However, the best way to see if you or your loved ones may be a perfect candidate is to schedule a vision screening. Book your consultation today at Look! Optometry in Manhattan Beach, California. Call us now at (310) 796-5665 to make an appointment.