Ortho-K for Myopia Management: How Does It Work?

Myopia is a vision condition where distant objects appear blurry while close-up vision remains clear. It’s a growing concern, especially in children, with an increasing number of cases being diagnosed each year. Myopia can lead to more severe eye health issues if left unmanaged. One innovative treatment that’s gaining popularity is Orthokeratology, or Ortho-K.
 

What Is Ortho-K?

Ortho-K is a treatment that uses specially designed rigid gas-permeable contact lenses to temporarily reshape the cornea (the front surface of the eye) overnight. Unlike regular contact lenses, Ortho-K lenses are worn while sleeping and removed in the morning. By flattening the cornea, these lenses correct refractive errors such as myopia, allowing for clear vision during the day without the need for glasses or daytime contacts.
 

How Does Ortho-K Work for Myopia Management?

The key to Ortho-K’s success in managing myopia lies in its ability to reshape the cornea overnight. When worn, the lenses gently apply pressure to the cornea, flattening it and reducing the eye’s focusing power. This temporary change corrects nearsightedness, meaning that during the day, light entering the eye focuses correctly on the retina, resulting in clear vision.
 

But beyond vision correction, Ortho-K is also highly effective at slowing the progression of myopia, particularly in children. Studies have shown that wearing Ortho-K lenses can significantly reduce the rate at which myopia worsens over time. By slowing the eye’s elongation, Ortho-K can help prevent high levels of myopia, which are associated with increased risks of eye conditions like retinal detachment and glaucoma later in life.
 

Benefits of Ortho-K for Myopia Management

•        Non-Invasive and Reversible: Unlike LASIK surgery, Ortho-K is non-surgical and completely reversible. If a patient discontinues wearing the lenses, the cornea gradually returns to its original shape.

•        Daytime Freedom: After wearing Ortho-K lenses overnight, patients can enjoy clear vision during the day without relying on glasses or contact lenses. This is particularly beneficial for active individuals, athletes, and children.

•        Slows Myopia Progression: Ortho-K is not just about vision correction; it’s a proven method for managing myopia progression in children, helping to maintain healthier vision long-term.

•        Improved Quality of Life: For children and adults alike, Ortho-K offers the freedom to see clearly during the day without the hassles of glasses or regular contacts. It’s a game-changer for kids who may struggle with glasses during sports or other activities.
 

Is Ortho-K Right for You or Your Child?

Ortho-K is suitable for patients with mild to moderate myopia. It’s especially effective for children, who are at a critical stage where myopia progression can be managed. It’s also a great option for individuals who are not candidates for LASIK or who prefer a non-invasive solution.
 

At Stratford Eye Care, we specialize in providing customized Ortho-K treatment plans tailored to your or your child’s specific needs. Our comprehensive eye exams and myopia management programs help ensure optimal eye health and vision for the future.
 

Get Started with Ortho-K at Stratford Eye Care Today

Ortho-K offers an excellent alternative for both vision correction and myopia management, giving patients clear, unaided vision during the day and slowing myopia progression, especially in children. If you or your child are dealing with myopia, contact Stratford Eye Care today to learn more about how Ortho-K can help manage your vision effectively and comfortably.
 

Schedule a consultation with Stratford Eye Care to determine if Ortho-K is the right solution for your myopia management journey. Contact our office in Hayward, California, by calling (510) 274-5135 to book an appointment today.