Orthokeratology, often referred to as Ortho-K, is a non-surgical method of myopia management. It involves the use of specially designed rigid gas permeable (RGP) contact lenses that are worn overnight to temporarily reshape the cornea. The goal of Ortho-K is to provide clear vision during the day without the need for glasses or contact lenses.
Corneal Reshaping:
Ortho-K lenses are designed to reshape the cornea, the front surface of the eye, while the person sleeps. The lenses exert gentle pressure on the cornea, flattening its central part to correct myopia. This temporary reshaping effect allows individuals to have clear vision throughout the day without the need for glasses or contact lenses.
Ortho-K lenses are designed to reshape the cornea, the front surface of the eye, while the person sleeps. The lenses exert gentle pressure on the cornea, flattening its central part to correct myopia. This temporary reshaping effect allows individuals to have clear vision throughout the day without the need for glasses or contact lenses.
Myopia Control:
Ortho-K has been investigated as a method of myopia control, particularly in children and adolescents. Some studies suggest that wearing Ortho-K lenses may help slow down the progression of myopia, potentially reducing the risk of developing high levels of nearsightedness.
Ortho-K has been investigated as a method of myopia control, particularly in children and adolescents. Some studies suggest that wearing Ortho-K lenses may help slow down the progression of myopia, potentially reducing the risk of developing high levels of nearsightedness.
Nighttime Wear:
Ortho-K lenses are typically worn overnight during sleep. The lenses need to be worn regularly to maintain the corneal reshaping effect. If lens wear is discontinued, the cornea will gradually return to its original shape, and the person will experience a return of myopia.
Ortho-K lenses are typically worn overnight during sleep. The lenses need to be worn regularly to maintain the corneal reshaping effect. If lens wear is discontinued, the cornea will gradually return to its original shape, and the person will experience a return of myopia.
Reduced Dependence on Glasses and Daytime Contacts:
One of the main advantages of Ortho-K is the temporary reduction or elimination of myopia during waking hours. This can be particularly beneficial for individuals who prefer not to wear glasses or daytime contact lenses.
One of the main advantages of Ortho-K is the temporary reduction or elimination of myopia during waking hours. This can be particularly beneficial for individuals who prefer not to wear glasses or daytime contact lenses.
Safety Considerations:
Ortho-K is generally considered safe when prescribed and monitored by an eye care professional. However, like any contact lens wear, there are potential risks, and regular follow-up appointments are necessary to ensure the health of the eyes and the proper fit of the lenses.
Ortho-K is generally considered safe when prescribed and monitored by an eye care professional. However, like any contact lens wear, there are potential risks, and regular follow-up appointments are necessary to ensure the health of the eyes and the proper fit of the lenses.
Customized Fitting:
Ortho-K lenses are customized for each individual based on their eye measurements and prescription. Proper fitting is essential to ensure both effectiveness and comfort.
Ortho-K lenses are customized for each individual based on their eye measurements and prescription. Proper fitting is essential to ensure both effectiveness and comfort.
Individual Responses Vary:
The effectiveness of Ortho-K for myopia control can vary among individuals. Factors such as age, initial prescription, and compliance with wearing the lenses can influence the outcomes
The effectiveness of Ortho-K for myopia control can vary among individuals. Factors such as age, initial prescription, and compliance with wearing the lenses can influence the outcomes
