Myopia, or nearsightedness, is a refractive error that causes blurry distance vision while close objects remain clear.
This common eye condition is caused by an elongated eyeball or misshapen cornea that results in light being focused in front of the retina instead of on it. It affects people of all ages, often beginning in childhood and stabilizing in early adulthood.
If left untreated, myopia can lead to serious eye conditions in the future, which is why it’s important to slow its progression with myopia control methods such as Orthokeratology (Ortho-k).
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What is Myopia Control?
Myopia control refers to a combination of techniques and treatments that slow the progression of myopia in children and adolescents. The goal is to decrease the extent myopia worsens over time, which reduces the risk of eye conditions such as retinal detachment, macular degeneration, and open-angle glaucoma.
Ortho-k lenses are an innovative myopia control solution that offers a comfortable and convenient alternative to eyewear while addressing the underlying causes of myopia.
How Do Ortho-k Contact Lenses Work?
Ortho-k contact lenses are worn overnight to reshape the cornea temporarily. They work by gently applying pressure to the cornea, which changes its shape according to the desired prescription. This corrects myopia and allows the wearer to have clear daytime vision without relying on glasses or regular contact lenses.
They also create a myopic defocus in the peripheral retina, which slows myopia's progression by reducing the eyeball's elongation. This makes Ortho-k an ideal intervention for myopia control in children.
Myopia control can only be successful with consistent lens wear and regular follow-up visits with an eye doctor for monitoring and lens adjustments.
What is the Fitting Process for Ortho-K Lenses?
Firstly, your eye doctor will conduct a comprehensive eye examination to determine if you are a suitable candidate for ortho-k. This includes measuring the shape and curvature of your cornea, evaluating your visual acuity, and assessing the overall health of your eyes.
If you are deemed eligible, we will take precise cornea measurements using corneal topography or other mapping techniques. These measurements are essential for creating customized lenses that gently reshape your cornea while sleeping.
Once the lenses are manufactured, you will be provided with a trial pair to wear overnight. Follow-up visits will be scheduled to evaluate the effectiveness of the lenses and make any necessary adjustments. This process continues until the optimal lens fit and corneal reshaping are achieved, resulting in clear vision during the day without the need for corrective eyewear. Regular monitoring and maintenance are crucial to ensure the long-term success of ortho-k treatment.
Benefits of Ortho-k Contact Lenses
Slows Down Myopia Progression
Ortho-k reduces the rate of myopia progression and the risk of associated eye conditions, which promotes healthy vision.
Clear Daytime Vision and Freedom
These lenses offer children sharp and clear vision at all distances without the limitations and discomfort associated with glasses.
Safe and Reversible
Ortho-k is a non-surgical way of correcting vision, meaning your child’s eyes will revert to their regular shape without any complications or permanent changes.
Convenience and Compliance
They’re worn during sleep, which makes them convenient and easier to manage for children who have difficulties with daily contact lens insertion and removal.
Ideal for A Child’s Active Lifestyle
They allow a child to be active without relying on glasses or contacts. A child can engage in contact sports and even swim (which you can’t do with contacts or glasses).