Reshaping the attention with Lenses

Reshaping the attention with Lenses

Orthokeratology, or �ortho-k,� is the procedure of reshaping the eye with specially-designed rigid gas permeable (GP) contact lenses. The aim of ortho-k is always to flatten the leading top of the eye and thereby correct mild to moderate levels of nearsightedness and astigmatism. Aliso Niguel Optometry
How ortho-k works

The GP lenses for ortho-k are applied at bed time and worn overnight. While you sleep, the lenses gently reshape leading surface of your skills (the cornea) to correct how well you see, so that you can see clearly without contacts or glasses when you�re awake. The effect is temporary - generally enough to acquire through a couple of days - so you must wear the reshaping lenses every night to keep up good vision during the day.

Currently, there are two brands of orthokeratology authorized by the FDA: Corneal Refractive Therapy (CRT) from Paragon Vision Sciences and Vision Shaping Treatment (VST) from Bausch & Lomb.
Who's an applicant for ortho-k? Aliso Niguel Optometry

Orthokeratology is often an excellent choice for nearsighted people who are too young for LASIK surgery or to many other reason aren't good candidates for vision correction surgery. Since it may be discontinued anytime without permanent plunge to a person's eye, people of any age can try the procedure, provided that their eyes are healthy.

Ortho-k is especially appealing for individuals that be involved in sports, or who are employed in dusty, dirty environments that can make lens wear difficult.
What results is it possible to expect from ortho-k?

The goal for ortho-k would be to correct how well you see to 20/20 without eyeglasses or contacts in the daytime. In FDA trials of both CRT and VST lenses, a lot more than 65% of patients could achieve 20/20 visual acuity after wearing the reshaping lenses overnight. A lot more than 90% could see 20/40 or better (the legal vision requirement for driving without glasses generally in most states).

Success rates for ortho-k tend to be higher for mild prescriptions. Call our office to determine if your prescription is within the range that may be successfully treated with ortho-k.
Just how long does ortho-k take?

However, you may see some improvement in your vision after having a few days of overnight ortho-k, normally it takes several weeks for that full effect to become apparent. During this time period, your vision will not be as clear because it was with glasses or contacts, and you're prone to notice some glare and halos around lights. It�s possible you may need a temporary set of eyeglasses for certain tasks, like driving through the night, until your eyesight is fully corrected from the ortho-k lenses.
Is ortho-k comfortable?

Some individuals have comfort issues an internet to wear gas permeable contact lenses throughout the day. But as ortho-k GP lenses are worn while sleeping, comfort and lens awareness are generally not a problem.
Price of orthokeratology

Ortho-k is a significantly longer process than the usual regular contact fitting. It requires a number of visits to the doctor and potentially multiple pairs of lenses. Also, GP lenses used for ortho-k are more costly than most regular contacts. Therefore, fees for orthokeratology are greater than fees for regular contact fittings.
May i have LASIK after ortho-k?

Yes, it�s easy to have LASIK surgery after orthokeratology. But because ortho-k lenses reshape your cornea, you must stop wearing the lenses for time (usually many months) so that your eyes can return to their original shape and stabilize. Be sure to educate LASIK surgeon that you�ve worn ortho-k lenses, to allow them to counsel you just how long you should wait before getting the surgery.

To learn more about orthokeratology, visit Exactly about Vision�.