Orthokeratology or Ortho-K is the science of non-surgical treatment that gently and safely reshapes the cornea using uniquely designed gas permeable contact lenses. People with refractive errors like myopia, astigmatism, and presbyopia can use these orthokeratology lenses to improve their vision. Many researchers have proven that the orthokeratology lens design slows the progression of myopia. Yes! It’s true. If you have any vision problem, you can consult your eye specialist and confirm whether you are a suitable candidate to adopt these vision shaping lenses. 
If your eye doctor feels you are a good candidate for orthokeratology, then you need to wear specially designed GP contact lenses at night only. You can visualize the change within one to two weeks of treatment. Make sure that your lenses fit well, and your eyes will become healthier day by day. Ortho-K lenses provide you freedom from constant corrective lens wear. Check the best answers to the most frequently asked questions and recognize the importance of orthokeratology and its lenses.
Orthokeratology and Its Lenses – FAQs
Q.1. What is Orthokeratology?
A.1. Orthokeratology or Ortho-K is the use of therapeutic corneal lenses such as gas permeable contact lenses to reshape the curvature of the front part of the eye called cornea and reduce significant refractive errors.
Q.2. How long should I use the Ortho-K lenses?
A.2. You need to use them till your see better during the day time without any corrective lenses. For best results, wear the Ortho-K lenses every night.
Q.3. Am I a good candidate for wearing Ortho-K?
A.3. Orthokeratology is the best option for individuals with nearsightedness less than -4.00 diopters and those who are too young to undergo LASIK surgery. In most cases, people of any age group can try the Ortho-K procedure, as long as their eyes are healthy. Ortho-K is particularly useful for people who participate in tough sports, or who work in a polluted environment that can make wearing contact lenses difficult.
Q.4. Is there any scarring effect with Ortho-K compared to refractive surgery?
A.4. There is no scarring effect with Ortho-k because it is a non-surgical vision correction therapy, whereas almost all types of refractive surgeries cause certain minimal corneal scarring that may affect your total vision.
Q.5. I am a patient suffering from a dry eyes problem. Can Orthokeratology lenses enhances my eye condition?
A.5. Yes! Absolutely. Patients with the dry eyes can become better with Ortho-K. Since you wear Ortho-K lenses only while sleeping, your closed eyes reduce evaporation, loss of eye tears and improve vision without compromising the ocular surface of the eyes. Many dry eye patients are very comfortable during their waking hours with Orthokeratology soft or gas permeable lenses. It’s better to seek the advice of your eye care professional before you decide to use them.
Q.6. Who fits my Orthokeratology contact lenses?
A.6. Optometrists perform most Orthokeratology lens fittings. But in some cases, Ophthalmologists also perform Ortho-k fittings. In rare cases, Ortho-K may be performed by a contact lens technician under the guidance of an optometrist or ophthalmologist. It’s always better to seek the services of an eye care specialist who has specialization in fitting these contact lenses.
Q.7. Can you specify the best types of overnight reshaping Ortho-k contact lens?
A.7. At present, there are two Ortho-K contact lens brands provided with FDA approval and validation. The first one is Bausch and Lomb’s Visual Shaping Treatment and the second one is Paragon Vision Science Corneal Refractive Therapy (CRT). Usually your eye care professional decides the suitable type of lenses for your vision correction.
Q.8. Why do most people think that Orthokeratology lenses are ideal for certain Athletes?
A.8. Ortho-K benefits most of the athletes by improving their vision without the use of glasses or regular contacts. Sports that include boxing, archery, basketball, climbing, gymnastics, soccer, snowboarding, skiing, swimming, tennis and wrestling require the use of flexible contact lenses like Ortho-k. Most of the athletes who have worn ortho-k lenses have reported good results such as
- Less troublesome eye problems and fluctuating vision
- No worry about glasses or contact lenses getting knocked out during performances.
- Greater confidence because of improved vision.
- Reduces potential risks of refractive surgery that may disturb athletic performance for an extended period of time.
- No need to carry spare contacts or contact lens solutions during practice and sports days.
Q.9. What is the success rate of Orthokeratology vision improvement?
A.9. The success rate is magnificent. Many doctors have reported 20/20 vision in over 90% of their vision correction patients, similar to another refractive surgery like LASIK. However the results depend on your original prescription, treatment goals and individual eye responses. A comprehensive eye exam performed by your doctor who practices Ortho-K will provide better clarity of your success probability.
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