Who Is a Good Candidate for Orthokeratology?

Orthokeratology, often referred to as ortho-k, is a non-surgical procedure that involves the use of specially designed contact lenses. The purpose of these lenses is to temporarily reshape the cornea, the clear, front part of the eye, to improve vision. This procedure can be an effective way to correct vision issues, such as nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), and astigmatism.

The beauty of orthokeratology lies in its simplicity and non-invasive nature. Unlike laser eye surgery, which permanently alters the shape of the cornea, ortho-k lenses only make temporary changes. As a result, the procedure is reversible, and once you stop wearing the lenses, your cornea will gradually return to its original shape.

Orthokeratology has been around for decades, but advances in technology and lens design have made it a more viable and popular option for vision correction in recent years. The procedure is safe and effective for people of all ages and can be a great alternative for those who are not suitable candidates for laser eye surgery.

The Process of Orthokeratology

The process of orthokeratology begins with a comprehensive eye examination by a qualified eye care professional. This examination will assess your overall eye health and determine whether you are a suitable candidate for ortho-k. If your eye doctor determines that orthokeratology is a good option for you, they will then take detailed measurements of your cornea using a device called a corneal topographer.

Once the measurements have been taken, your eye care professional will use this information to design custom ortho-k lenses for your eyes. The lenses are manufactured in a lab and then fitted to your eyes by your eye doctor. Initially, you may need to wear the lenses for several hours a day until your eyes adjust to them.

Ortho-k lenses are typically worn overnight while you sleep. The lenses gently reshape the cornea, and when you wake up in the morning, you should be able to see clearly without the need for glasses or contact lenses. This clear vision usually lasts all day, but you will need to wear the lenses again at night to maintain the effect.

Benefits of Orthokeratology

One of the main benefits of orthokeratology is the freedom it provides from glasses and daytime contact lenses. Many people find glasses inconvenient or uncomfortable, and some people have difficulty wearing contact lenses during the day due to dryness or discomfort. Ortho-k lenses are worn at night, so they don't interfere with your daily activities or prevent you from participating in sports or other physical activities.

Another significant benefit of orthokeratology is that it can slow the progression of myopia in children. Several studies have shown that wearing ortho-k lenses can significantly reduce the rate at which myopia progresses in children, which can ultimately help to preserve their vision in the long term.

Orthokeratology is also a more affordable and less invasive alternative to laser eye surgery. While laser surgery can provide permanent vision correction, it also comes with risks, including the potential for complications or side effects. Ortho-k is a non-surgical procedure, so it doesn't carry these same risks.

Who is the Ideal Candidate for Orthokeratology?

The ideal candidate for orthokeratology is someone who has mild to moderate myopia (nearsightedness), with or without mild astigmatism. Ortho-k is particularly effective for myopia because it works by flattening the cornea, which corrects the refractive error that causes nearsightedness.

Children and teenagers who are experiencing progressive myopia are also good candidates for orthokeratology. As mentioned, ortho-k can slow the progression of myopia, which is particularly beneficial for young people whose eyes are still growing and changing.

People who participate in sports or other activities where glasses or contact lenses are inconvenient or impractical can also benefit from orthokeratology. Since ortho-k lenses are worn at night, they don't interfere with activities during the day.

However, not everyone is a good candidate for orthokeratology. People with severe dry eye, certain corneal diseases, or a history of eye infections may not be suitable candidates. Your eye care professional can help determine whether ortho-k is a good option for you based on your individual eye health and lifestyle needs.

Conclusion

Orthokeratology is a safe, effective, and non-surgical procedure that can provide clear vision without the need for glasses or daytime contact lenses. It's an excellent option for people with mild to moderate myopia and can be particularly beneficial for children and teenagers with progressive myopia. By consulting with a qualified eye care professional, you can determine whether you're a good candidate for this innovative vision correction procedure.

To learn more on whether you are a good candidate for Orthokeratology, visit Delta Eye Care at our office in Allen, Texas. Call (469) 250-2021 to discuss any questions with our team of experts or to schedule an appointment today.