With an increasing number of people with vision problems, there is also an increase in the number of innovative treatments. Orthokeratology, or ortho k, is one method that helps you get rid of prescription glasses.
While laser eye surgeries and contact lenses are popular – orthokeratology has given a new dimension to eye treatment. It might seem like a complicated procedure, but it holds immense importance in the long run.
This article helps you understand the procedure in detail!
What is Ortho K?
Orthokeratology is a non-invasive and non-surgical procedure that fits customised lenses into the patient’s eyes. These lenses act like dental braces that correct your vision overnight and help you see clearly during the day.
However, this improvement is temporary and reversible. The correctness of the vision can be maintained for as long as you continue to wear the custom lenses. Additionally, there is no age limit to qualify for the procedure. Even a tiny kid with a minor vision error can receive orthokeratology treatment.
Are you a good candidate for ortho K?
While anybody is eligible for orthokeratology, the two primary reasons are mild vision errors and the progression of eyesight errors in kids.
It is an excellent option for people with myopic prescriptions, farsightedness, and age-related hardening of the cornea. Additionally, kids with a family history of vision problems can correct their vision at a young age.
Many people who perform heavy physical activities and cannot wear eyeglasses go for procedures such as ortho k to correct their vision every night. However, this might be the ideal treatment for you if you work in an industry that sees much dust and dirt exposure.
How does Ortho K work?
In simple terms, you can call them overnight lenses to correct your vision every night. Since the cornea is a flexible tissue, it is easy to reshape them using gas-permeable lenses. Hence, with a change in the shape of the cornea, there is also a change in the way light enters and refracts inside the eye.
After removing the lenses, your cornea remains flat for some time to allow good vision. However, this correction lasts for a short time, and the cornea returns to its original shape. Hence, you might not need to wear the lenses throughout, but they will be required during the night.
Is orthokeratology safe?
Just like regular lenses, you are prone to catching eye infections while using these lenses. Additionally, it might be risky for kids who don’t necessarily practice good hygiene regularly.
Thus, if you don’t look after hygiene and continuously suffer from an eye infection, it might severely impact your vision. However, the best way to get an orthokeratology lens is by consulting with an experienced ophthalmologist. They will guide you and clarify if these lenses are suitable for you.
Initially, you might have to undergo multiple tests to determine the current status of your eyes. During this phase, an expert will examine your eyes and check the retina and outer region of the eye.
Another test involves mapping the cornea using a topographer. This is an essential tool that estimates the current shape of the cornea and gives an idea about the treatment you need.
Wrapping up
Therefore, getting rid of your glasses and using orthokeratology lenses might be exciting. However, it comes with its limitations of being temporary. While this is an appealing option for many professionals, it also increases your vulnerability to catching an eye infection.
Hence, if you consult an orthokeratology expert, follow the guidelines for maximum safety.
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