Who is a Good Candidate for Ortho-k?

Who is a Good Candidate for Ortho-k?

Ortho-k or orthokeratology is a myopia treatment that involves the use of overnight contact lenses. The lenses work by reshaping the cornea, allowing the patient to see well without eyeglasses or traditional contacts. Patients wear them at night, and they help improve vision for people with myopia or nearsightedness.

Ortho-k Contact Lenses
 

Orthokeratology or ortho-k is an innovative treatment solution that uses fitted, custom-made lenses. Patients wear the lenses overnight, reshaping the cornea. 

The lenses gradually reshape the eyes as the patient sleeps, providing clear and sharper focus throughout the day. Corneal reshaping is temporary and reversible when one stops wearing the lenses. For many patients, reshaping results can hold for 24 to 36 hours. 

Good Candidates for Ortho-k

Orthokeratology is not for everyone, but some patients can benefit from ortho-k lenses. A good candidate for the treatment is someone with mild to moderate myopia or nearsightedness. Myopia management effectively prevents or delays the disease's progression in children. 

Children below 10 years and adults with low or moderate astigmatism can get ortho-k lenses. Physically active individuals can enjoy the vision correction option that does not involve wearing glasses or contact lenses. 

Who Can Benefit from Ortho-k?

If you work in an environment where wearing eyeglasses or regular contacts is inconvenient, you may be a good candidate for ortho-k. Some farsighted individuals and those with high levels of astigmatism may not respond well to ortho-k treatment. 

However, eye doctors prescribe them for patients with presbyopia or age-related eye lens hardening. Patients who do not want to undergo refractive surgery can benefit from customized lenses. The lenses are ideal for all ages.

Fitting of Ortho-k Lenses
 

Ortho-k treatment usually requires multiple visits to get a perfect lens fitting. It may take a series of ortho-k lenses to get the desired prescription. Patients with precise corneal reshaping require up to three pairs of lenses to get the desired vision correction. 

Getting the perfect fit is vital for vision correction. When the corneas attain the desired curve, the patient will wear retainer ortho-k lenses according to the doctor's recommendation. 

Results of Ortho-K Treatment
 

Corneal reshaping with ortho-k lenses works through hydraulic forces. The process is not painful and does not involve squeezing the cornea. The lens creates a vault of fluid over the eye that varies in thickness. Some parts of the cornea become dehydrated and thinner, while others are hydrated and become thicker. 

It causes the eye cornea to take the shape of the lens, correcting the curvature issues. It usually takes a few weeks to experience the optimum vision correction results from ortho-k treatment. However, many patients experience improvements within days. 

The effects of ortho-k treatment can last two days, during which time the patient is free of vision issues. The effect is temporary, especially in the early stages, and it is crucial to wear the contacts every night. 

For more on who a good candidate for ortho-k is, visit Justice Vision Clinic at our Duluth, Georgia office. Call (770) 626-7883 to schedule an appointment today.