OrthoK for Myopia Management

OrthoK for Myopia Management Optometrist
Table of Contents

What is Ortho-k Therapy?

Ortho-k treatment, also known as orthokeratology, is a therapeutic  means of correcting myopic progression (nearsightedness) using specialized rigid lenses. 

How Does It Work?

How Does It Work?

The benefits include the following:

  • they correct corneal curvature while you sleep
  • They provide clear daytime vision without needing to wear glasses or contacts during the day. Some individuals may experience improvement for longer periods
  • they benefit those who are involved in physical activity, either recreationally or professionally, and may enjoy a contact-free lens measure
  • they prevent myopic progression

Myopia Vision Simulation

Common Questions

Studies show that orthokeratology can be very effective in slowing myopic progression in children. As with all contact lenses, there is a slight risk factor for infection, so it is essential to maintain all proper procedures for wearing and maintaining contact lenses. As such, they may not be suitable for younger children.
Ideally, they should be worn nightly for maximum effectiveness. Most people attain good vision for a day or two. Following the initial intervention, retainers are used to maintain the vision.
Ortho-Keratology lenses are specialized custom-made hard contact lenses that are worn overnight that gently reshape the front curvature of the eye to temporarily reduce the amount of myopia (nearsightedness) during the day. It actually can take up to 1-2 weeks to get the eye to get to the shape it needs to be in order to see clearly throughout the whole day without any correction. The ortho-K lenses that are worn overnight will mold the cornea in a specific shape such that then when light enters the eye it lands properly on the retina allowing the patient to see clearly, whether they have nearsightedness or astigmatism.
That depends on the individual. Depending on individual factors, one form of intervention may be more suitable for your child. Speak with your child's optometrist to determine the best intervention.
As an elective treatment not covered by most insurance plans, the cost can vary between $1500 and as high as $4000.
One of the measures includes a process of corneal topography to map the ocular surface.
Additional options include low-dose atropine therapy, contact lenses, and glasses. Refractive surgery is not considered an option for children.
Ortho-Keratology lenses are specialized custom-made hard contact lenses that are worn overnight and use a reverse geometry lens design. Ortho-K lenses gently reshape the front curvature of the eye to temporarily reduce the amount of myopia (nearsightedness) during the day. It can take up to 1-2 weeks to get the eye to get to the shape it needs to be in order to see clearly throughout the whole day without any glasses or contact lens correction. The ortho-K lenses that are worn overnight will mold the cornea in a specific shape such that then when light enters the eye it focuses properly on the central and peripheral retina allowing the patient to not only see clearly but this helps to slow down the progression of myopia. According to the peripheral defocus theory, the whole issue with progressing myopia is that light does not land properly at the peripheral retina, resulting in a biochemical feedback loop to cause the eyeball to elongate and increase in myopia. But, with this corneal reshaping therapy this ensures that light will then land properly at the peripheral retina, thereby reducing the signal for the eyeball to elongate and essentially slowing down the progression of myopia. Thus, ortho-K lenses don’t just help you see clearly but they also help in slowing down the progression of myopia.
Ortho-Keratology lenses are specialized custom-made hard contact lenses that are worn overnight that gently reshape the front curvature of the eye to temporarily reduce the amount of myopia (nearsightedness) during the day. It can take up to 1-2 weeks to get the eye to get to the shape it needs to be in order to see clearly throughout the whole day without any correction. The ortho-K lenses that are worn overnight will mold the cornea in a specific shape such that then when light enters the eye it focuses properly on the central and peripheral retina allowing the patient to not only see clearly but this helps to slow down the progression of myopia. According to the peripheral defocus theory, the whole issue with progressing myopia is that light does not land properly at the peripheral retina, resulting in a biochemical feedback loop to cause the eyeball to elongate and increase in myopia. But, with this corneal reshaping therapy this ensures that light will then land properly at the peripheral retina, thereby reducing the signal for the eyeball to elongate and essentially slowing down the progression of myopia.
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Orthokeratology For Myopia in Children

Ortho-k treatment offers the benefit of a non-surgical intervention to improve daytime vision in children and to slow myopic progression. It accomplishes this without the aid of glasses. As an early intervention for children this can go a long way to preventing ocular disorders in adulthood, such as glaucoma, cataracts, macular degeneration, and retinal detachment. Speak with your child's optometrist to find out if orthokeratology is viable for your child.

Visit a Myopia Management eye center at a Specialty Vision practice near you:
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