January 31, 2021

Orthokeratology, or Ortho K for short, has changed the way in which eye doctors’ approach and treat refractive eye conditions. No longer are patients restricted to glasses or contact lenses or the permanence and expense of laser vision correction. Ortho K makes it possible to correct patient vision simply using specialty contact lenses. These specialty lenses are worn overnight and reshape the cornea while you sleep so that it takes on a more regular shape. When you wake, you can remove the contact lenses and your corneas will retain their new shape for hours, giving you clear vision with absolutely no visual aids. The effects are temporary, and Ortho K lenses must be worn consistently every night to maintain them, but this gives patients complete control over their vision.

 

Before you can start using Ortho K lenses, you will need to be assessed for your candidacy for these specialty contact lenses. This involves a consultation with your eye doctor in Puyallup, WA at East Main Vision Clinic who will look at your prescription and eye health, as well as the shape of your eyes, in order to determine if Ortho K is the best course of treatment for you. They will also discuss your goals and expectations for the treatment with you.

 

People who are good candidates for Ortho K treatment usually meet one or more of the following criteria.

 

• They are nearsighted (myopia) which means that they can see nearby objects clearly, but those that are far away are blurred.

• They are farsighted (hyperopia) which means that they can see objects that are far away, but those that are nearer to their face are blurred.

• Their myopia or hyperopia falls within specific parameters.

• They have low to moderate astigmatism, which is where light is focused on various areas within the eyes due to an uneven corneal curvature.

• They have been diagnosed with presbyopia, which is where the lens of the eye becomes less flexible with advancing age. This can make it harder to focus on nearby objects.

• They don’t want to undergo laser vision correction surgery or have been disqualified as a candidate for any of the laser vision correction techniques (LASIK, PRK, LASEK, SMILE).

• They have a job or enjoy a hobby that makes it difficult or impossible to wear glasses or contact lenses, for example, they may be a lifeguard/enjoy swimming.

• They have a family history of high levels of myopia, which is something that puts them at an increased risk of developing complications in the future, such as glaucoma and retinal detachment.
  
   

If you can relate to any of these criteria, it could be that you are a suitable candidate for Ortho K.

 

Ortho K and Children

Ortho K is also increasingly more frequently recommended for children with myopia. The number of children being diagnosed as being nearsighted is rapidly increasing, which many experts put down to spending more time indoors and on digital devices. The trouble is that myopia is progressive, and this means that the earlier a child develops myopia, the worse it can potentially progress. In fact, children who have untreated myopia are more likely to go on to need high prescriptions and be at risk of myopia-related complications such as glaucoma, macular degeneration, and retinal detachment.

 

The good news is that Ortho K is safe and effective for use in children too. If you think that your child would benefit, schedule a consult with Dr. Day at East Main Vision Clinic.

 

Learn more about the benefits of Ortho K Lenses and if you are a good candidate, contact East Main Vision Clinic in Puyallup, WA at (253)-780-0700.