Everything You Need to Know About Orthokeratology or Ortho-K
- 04:10
- By Alyssa Moylan
- 0 Comments
If you have a vision problem, you must have heard people saying that you will have to wear your sunglasses or contact lenses for the rest of your life. They also say that the only way to correct your vision is eye surgery. But you will be happy to know that they are wrong. They probably have not heard about the recent revolution known as orthokeratology or Ortho-K. In general terms, it is the process of fitting specially designed gas permeable contact lenses, which you need to wear overnight. These lenses gently reshape the cornea of your eyes, which help in seeing clearly the next day after you remove these lenses.
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| Myopia |
Purpose of Orthokeratology
Ortho-K is prescribed in two leading cases; the first is to correct refractive errors, which are the cause of nearsightedness, hyperopia, presbyopia, and astigmatism, and the second most common application is to reduce progressive myopia in children. Studies suggest that Orthokeratology is effective in correcting myopia upwards of -6.00 diopters. However, the amount of refractive error fixed can differ from patient to patient.
The Effect of Ortho-K
Once you remove the Ortho-K lenses, you should be able to see correctly without glasses or contact lenses for a minimum of a day to a maximum of two days. In some cases, the effect is even longer. However, the doctors suggest that for the best results, you should wear them daily. The treatment generally aims at 20/20 vision; however, in most cases, 20/40 vision is acceptable. There are a lot of factors that need consideration while determining the timeline in which you will start to observe results. In some cases, it may begin to show notable results in just a couple of days. However, in some cases, it may take up to two weeks to reach the desired results.
Who Can Opt for Orthokeratology?
If you have moderate myopia, you can take advantage of Orthokeratology. There are no risks involved, as it is a temporary solution, and you can stop using the lenses anytime. However, you may need to start reusing the glasses or contact lenses once your myopia comes back. If you are not the right candidate for Lasik surgery, you can opt for Ortho-K.
How Treatment Takes Place?
First of all, the doctor will measure the curvatures of the corneas with the help of a corneal topographer. It hardly takes a minute and it is entirely safe. Based on the intensity of your problem, you will get the Ortho-K lenses on the same day or in a couple of days. You may have to use a few temporary sets of lenses to reach the desired results. It may take some time to get habitual of having lenses in your eyes while you sleep.
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| Ortho-K |
Points to Remember While Using Ortho-K
- If you experience any discomfort, irritation, or pain in the eyes, you should consult the doctors immediately. Though orthokeratology is entirely safe, you may never know what can trigger an allergic reaction or cause an infection. The sooner you check with the doctor, the better will be the chances that the doctor will be able to control the problem and change your prescription.
- You should remove the Ortho-K lenses the next morning and allow the eyes to adjust for a few minutes before you start working.
- You should not rub your eyes while wearing Ortho-K lenses.
Many people think that Orthokeratology is a tough and expensive procedure, which is entirely false. It does not cost much, and the doctors have seen promising results in both kids and adults. It is a blessing for those who are not eligible for Lasik surgery because of problems like dry eyes etc.
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