Orthokeratology (or ortho-k) is a procedure that uses specially constructed gas-permeable contact lenses to restructure the surface of the eye's front surface or the cornea. The shape of the cornea influences the quality of a person's eyesight. For example, myopia (nearsightedness) and hyperopia (farsightedness) are "refractive errors" generated by the shape of the cornea and the length of the eyeball. Astigmatism is another disorder induced by anomalies in the eye's curvature, this time by the shape of the cornea. To rectify these refractive defects, the cornea can be reshaped.

What is Orthokeratology?

Orthokeratology has grown in popularity as a method of reshaping the cornea, owing to the fact that it does not require any surgical operation. Orthokeratology is the practice of reshaping the front surface of the eye with custom-designed stiff, gas-permeable contact lenses. Ortho-k lenses are the name given to these sorts of lenses. The patient then wears these lenses overnight, gradually reshaping the cornea. When the patient awakens, he or she removes the lenses and can see properly without glasses or contact lenses for the rest of the day. When the treatment has been stabilized, the altered surface can last for 24 to 36 hours. The patient's eyesight can be preserved by using orthokeratology lenses on a regular basis.

Who Is a Good Ortho-K Candidate?

Orthokeratology is a tried and true approach for treating myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism. It is also frequently used to treat presbyopia, a condition in which the lens in the eye hardens and becomes less elastic (and hence less able to adapt and focus) as the patient matures. Ortho-k can generally provide at least a day's worth of clear vision in people suffering from these diseases. Some people may not even need to wear the lenses every night and can attain relatively normal vision by wearing them for a few hours two or three times each week.

If you have one of the aforementioned diseases, you are most likely an excellent candidate for ortho-k lenses.

Using this form of therapy, you can live your life without wearing contact lenses or glasses during the day. It has also been shown to reduce myopia development. Ortho-k lenses are a life-changing choice for people who participate in sports or have employment where glasses or contact lenses would be an impediment.

Concerns to Be Aware Of

The most significant downside of wearing ortho-k lenses is the lengthy fitting process, which takes longer than most other contact lens fittings. Because the lenses must be specially developed to suit the patient and produce the desired outcomes, numerous office visits are likely to be required to get the proper fit. Even after achieving a perfect fit, the patient should anticipate making regular appointments with a nearby eye specialist to ensure that the lenses are fitting properly. This entire process may be made simple and painless by a qualified eye specialist.

Most patients find that ortho-k lenses are comfortable to use and do not create any complications that could interfere with their sleep. Putting contacts in before going to bed might be difficult for some people because it is the reverse of the usual. Most patients, however, quickly get into the habit.

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EyeConcepts

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