Orthokeratology
What is Orthokeratology (Ortho-K)?
What is Orthokeratology (Ortho-K)?
Orthokeratology, commonly referred to as Ortho-K, is a non-surgical vision correction method that uses specially designed rigid gas-permeable contact lenses to temporarily reshape the cornea (the clear front surface of the eye). These lenses are worn overnight while you sleep, and the corneal reshaping they induce allows for clear, unaided vision during the day without the need for glasses or contact lenses. Ortho-K is primarily used to correct myopia (nearsightedness) but can also address mild cases of astigmatism, hyperopia (farsightedness), and presbyopia.
How Orthokeratology Works
- Wearing the Lenses: The Ortho-K lenses are worn at night, and while you sleep, the lenses gently reshape the cornea to correct refractive errors.
- Temporary Reshaping: The cornea retains the new shape for the day, allowing for clear vision without lenses or glasses. However, the effect is temporary, so the lenses must be worn regularly to maintain the reshaped cornea.
- Reversible: Unlike surgical procedures like LASIK, the effects of Ortho-K are reversible. If you stop wearing the lenses, your cornea will return to its original shape, and you will need to use glasses or regular contact lenses again for clear vision.
Who Can Benefit from Ortho-K?
Children and Teens with Myopia: Ortho-K is particularly effective for children and adolescents as a means of slowing the progression of myopia. Early intervention can reduce the risk of high myopia, which is associated with serious complications later in life, such as retinal detachment or glaucoma.
Active Adults: For individuals who participate in sports or lead active lifestyles, Ortho-K offers the freedom to see clearly without the inconvenience of daytime glasses or contact lenses.
People with Dry Eyes: Some people experience discomfort or dryness when wearing traditional contact lenses during the day. Ortho-K allows for clear vision without wearing lenses while awake, which can alleviate symptoms of dry eye.
Mild Astigmatism and Hyperopia: Although primarily used for myopia, Ortho-K can correct mild astigmatism (irregular curvature of the eye) and mild hyperopia.
Advantages of Orthokeratology
Non-Surgical: Ortho-K offers a non-invasive alternative to LASIK or other refractive surgeries, making it ideal for those who are not candidates for surgery or prefer to avoid it.
Daytime Freedom from Lenses: One of the major benefits of Ortho-K is the freedom to see clearly during the day without needing glasses or contact lenses.
Myopia Control in Children: Clinical studies have shown that Ortho-K can slow the progression of myopia in children, reducing the risk of developing high myopia and its associated risks later in life.
Reversible and Adjustable: The effects of Ortho-K are temporary and fully reversible, making it a safer option for individuals who are hesitant about permanent vision correction procedures like LASIK.
Limitations of Orthokeratology
Temporary Results: The corneal reshaping induced by Ortho-K is temporary, and the lenses must be worn regularly to maintain the effect. If you stop wearing the lenses, the vision correction effect will gradually diminish.
Not Suitable for All Vision Issues: Ortho-K is primarily used for myopia and mild astigmatism, and it may not be suitable for individuals with high levels of farsightedness or severe astigmatism.
Initial Discomfort: Some users may experience discomfort when first wearing the lenses, particularly during the adjustment period. However, most people find that the discomfort lessens with time.
Cost: Ortho-K lenses tend to be more expensive than regular contact lenses, and there may be additional costs associated with fitting and follow-up visits.
Fitting Process for Ortho-K
Comprehensive Eye Exam: The fitting process begins with a detailed eye examination to determine whether the patient is a good candidate for Ortho-K. Corneal topography is often used to map the shape of the cornea.
Custom Lens Design: Based on the corneal measurements, custom Ortho-K lenses are created for each individual to ensure the lenses fit properly and provide effective vision correction.
Follow-Up Visits: Regular follow-up visits are necessary to monitor the progress of the corneal reshaping and ensure that the lenses are working effectively.
Care and Maintenance of Ortho-K Lenses
Like any contact lenses, Ortho-K lenses require proper care and maintenance to ensure eye health and lens longevity:
- Daily Cleaning: The lenses must be cleaned and disinfected every day after removal to prevent infection and buildup of deposits.
- Handling: It’s essential to handle the lenses with clean hands and follow the prescribed cleaning routine.
- Regular Lens Replacement: Over time, Ortho-K lenses may need to be replaced, usually every year or as recommended by your eye care professional.
Risks and Side Effects of Orthokeratology
While Ortho-K is generally safe, there are some risks and potential side effects, including:
- Infection: As with any contact lenses, there is a risk of eye infections, especially if the lenses are not cleaned properly.
- Corneal Staining or Abrasions: If the lenses are not fitted correctly or if they are worn incorrectly, they can cause corneal abrasions or staining.
- Fluctuating Vision: Some individuals may experience fluctuating vision during the early stages of Ortho-K as the cornea adjusts to the reshaping.
Conclusion
Orthokeratology is an effective and safe option for individuals looking for non-surgical vision correction, especially those with myopia or mild astigmatism. It offers a unique benefit of clear, unaided vision during the day, making it an appealing option for active individuals or children at risk of myopia progression. However, it requires commitment to regular lens wear and proper care. Consulting with an eye care specialist can help determine if Ortho-K is the right option for your vision correction needs.
