How Does Ortho-K Help with Myopia Management?

Myopia, commonly known as nearsightedness, is a refractive error in which the eye has difficulty focusing on distant objects. This condition occurs when the eyeball is too long or the cornea (the clear front part of the eye) is too curved, causing light to focus in front of the retina instead of directly on it.
 

The Importance of Myopia Management in Children

Myopia typically begins in childhood and can progress rapidly during the school-age years. Symptoms of myopia include blurred vision when looking at distant objects, eye strain, headaches, and difficulty with activities like driving or playing sports. If left unchecked, myopia can lead to more serious vision problems later in life, such as increased risk of retinal detachment, glaucoma, and cataracts.
 

Effective myopia management is crucial for children to maintain good vision and prevent the development of more severe refractive errors. By addressing myopia early on, you can help slow its progression and reduce the risk of associated vision problems in the future.
 

What is Ortho-K?

Orthokeratology, or Ortho-K, is a non-surgical vision correction technique that uses specially designed rigid gas-permeable contact lenses to temporarily reshape the cornea. These lenses are worn overnight while you sleep, and they gently mold the cornea into a flatter shape, improving your vision during the day without the need for glasses or daytime contact lenses.
 

Ortho-K lenses are designed to flatten the central portion of the cornea, which is the part responsible for refracting light and focusing it onto the retina. By flattening the cornea, the lenses can correct mild to moderate myopia, allowing you to see clearly during the day without any visual aids.
 

How Ortho-K Works to Slow the Progression of Myopia?

Ortho-K lenses work by temporarily reshaping the cornea, but they also have the potential to slow the progression of myopia in children. Myopia is often associated with a phenomenon called "peripheral defocus," where the peripheral part of the retina receives blurred images. Ortho-K lenses help reduce this peripheral defocus, which may signal the eye to slow down its axial elongation and the resulting increase in myopia. By flattening the central cornea, Ortho-K lenses reduce the overall refractive power of the eye, which can help slow the progression of myopia.
 

With Ortho-K, children can enjoy clear, comfortable vision during the day without the need for corrective lenses. This can lead to improved academic performance, reduced eye strain, and better overall visual function, all of which contribute to a slower progression of myopia.
 

Who Else Can Benefit from Ortho-K?

While Ortho-K is primarily used for myopia management in children, it can also be beneficial for other individuals:
 

·        Adults with Myopia: Ortho-K can be an effective option for adults with mild to moderate myopia who want to reduce their dependence on glasses or daytime contact lenses.

·        Athletes and Active Individuals: Ortho-K lenses can be a convenient alternative to glasses or contact lenses for those who participate in sports or other physical activities, as they eliminate the need for visual aids during the day.

·        Individuals with Dry Eyes: Ortho-K lenses can be a good option for those who experience discomfort or irritation with traditional contact lenses due to dry eye syndrome.

·        Patients with Astigmatism: In some cases, Ortho-K lenses can be used to temporarily reshape the cornea in individuals with mild astigmatism.
 

The Process of Getting Fitted for Ortho-K

If you're interested in exploring Ortho-K as a myopia management solution, the first step is to schedule a consultation with an optometrist who specializes in this treatment. During the initial appointment, your eye doctor will perform a comprehensive eye examination to assess your current vision and determine if you're a good candidate for Ortho-K.
 

Your eye doctor will use a specialized instrument called a corneal topographer to create a detailed map of the surface of your cornea. This information is used to design the custom Ortho-K lenses that will best fit your eyes.
 

Once the lens design is finalized, your eye doctor will fit you with the Ortho-K lenses and provide instructions on how to properly insert, remove, and care for them. Once you've successfully adapted to the Ortho-K lenses, you'll need to continue wearing them nightly and visit your eye doctor regularly for check-ups and lens replacements as needed.
 

Taking Control of Myopia with Ortho-K

Myopia is a growing concern, especially among children, but with effective management strategies like Ortho-K, you can take control of your vision and reduce the risk of long-term eye health issues. By temporarily reshaping the cornea and slowing the progression of myopia, Ortho-K offers a non-surgical, reversible solution that can help you or your child maintain clear, comfortable vision throughout the day.
 

If you're interested in exploring Ortho-K as a myopia management solution, contact Centennial Family Eyecare. We can assess your or your vision and determine if Ortho-K is the right choice for your visual needs. Visit our offices in Las Vegas or Henderson, Nevada. Call (702) 941-7800, (702) 803-2020, or (702) 299-6200 to book an appointment today.