Reshaping the Eye with Contact Lenses
Aliso Viejo Eye Doctor - Orthokeratology, or �ortho-k,� is the method of reshaping the eye with specially-designed rigid gas permeable (GP) contact lenses. The aim of ortho-k is always to flatten the front surface of the eye and thereby correct mild to moderate amounts of nearsightedness and astigmatism.
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 the front the surface of your skills (the cornea) to fix how well you see, to help you make out the print without glasses or contact lenses when you�re awake. The result is temporary - generally enough to acquire through a few days - so that you must wear the reshaping lenses nightly to keep up good vision throughout the day.
Currently, there are 2 brands of orthokeratology authorized by the FDA: Corneal Refractive Therapy (CRT) from Paragon Vision Sciences and Vision Shaping Treatment (VST) from Bausch & Lomb.
Who is an applicant for ortho-k?
Orthokeratology is frequently a great choice for nearsighted people who are too young for LASIK surgical treatment or to many other reason usually are not good candidates for vision correction surgery. Because it may be discontinued anytime without permanent change to the attention, people of any age can try the task, as long as their eyes are healthy. Laguna Niguel Optometry
Ortho-k is specially appealing for those who be involved in sports, or who operate in dusty, dirty environments that can make lens wear difficult.
What results can you expect from ortho-k?
The thing for ortho-k is always to correct how well you see to 20/20 without eyeglasses or contact lenses throughout the day. In FDA trials of both CRT and VST lenses, greater than 65% of patients could achieve 20/20 visual acuity after wearing the reshaping lenses overnight. Greater than 90% could see 20/40 or better (the legal vision requirement for driving without glasses generally in most states).
Results for ortho-k are generally higher for mild prescriptions. Call our office to determine if your prescription is inside the range that can be successfully given ortho-k.
How long does ortho-k take?
If you could see some improvement in your vision after having a few days of overnight ortho-k, it will take many weeks for that full effect being apparent. During this time period, how well you see won't 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 need a temporary set of eyeglasses for many tasks, like driving at night, until your eyesight is fully corrected by the ortho-k lenses.
Is ortho-k comfortable?
Many people have comfort issues an internet to wear gas permeable lenses in the daytime. But as ortho-k GP lenses are worn while asleep, comfort and lens awareness aren't a problem.
Cost of orthokeratology
Ortho-k is really a significantly longer process than a regular contact fitting. It takes a number of office visits and potentially multiple pairs of lenses. Also, GP lenses useful for ortho-k are more costly than most regular contact lenses. Therefore, fees for orthokeratology are higher than fees for normal lens fittings.
Can one have LASIK after ortho-k?
Yes, it�s possible to have LASIK surgery after orthokeratology. But because ortho-k lenses reshape your cornea, you must stop wearing the lenses for time (usually several months) so that your eyes can return to their original shape and stabilize. Make sure to inform your LASIK surgeon that you�ve worn ortho-k lenses, so they can help you the length of time you should wait before obtaining the surgery.
To learn more about orthokeratology, visit All About Vision�.
