Lots of people get tired of needing stronger glasses or contacts every year because their nearsightedness keeps getting worse. But there’s a solution to slow down the progression called ortho-k (short for orthokeratology). It’s not surgery, and it’s reversible. Ortho-k provides freedom from glasses and contacts during the day while also helping to slow down the progression of nearsightedness. In this blog, we’ll talk about what myopia is and how ortho-k offers a new way to manage and even improve this vision problem.
What is Myopia?
Myopia is a common eye condition where distant objects appear blurry while close-up objects can be seen clearly. It usually starts during childhood and tends to progress over time, often stabilizing in early adulthood. However, high levels of myopia can increase the risk of serious eye conditions such as glaucoma, cataracts, and retinal detachment, which is why it’s important to address it early.
What is Ortho-K?
Orthokeratology, or ortho-k, is a non-surgical and reversible method for myopia control. It involves using specially designed contact lenses worn overnight. These lenses gently reshape the cornea, the front surface of the eye, while you sleep. When you wake up and remove the lenses, your cornea retains this new shape, allowing you to see clearly without the need for glasses or contact lenses during the day.
How Does it Work?
Well, ortho-k lenses change the shape of your cornea so that light focuses directly on your retina instead of in front of it. An eye doctor customizes these lenses to match your specific eye prescription. You wear them at night while you sleep, and they gently reshape your cornea. When you wake up, you take the lenses out, and your vision stays clear all day.
Who Can Benefit from Ortho-K?
Ortho-k helps many people, including kids and adults with eyesight problems. It’s great for those who can’t have eye surgery. To see if it’s right for you, talk to an eye doctor.
Many people need stronger glasses every year because of myopia. If this sounds like you, ortho-k may be the solution! Contact us today and learn how ortho-k can help with bad eyesight.