Myopia is a refractive error that affects a significant portion of the global population. This condition occurs when the eye's focusing power is too strong, or the eyeball is too long, causing light rays to converge in front of the retina instead of directly on it. As a result, distant objects appear blurred, while near objects remain clear.
 

The Importance of Myopia Management

While corrective lenses like glasses or contact lenses can help improve vision, they do not address the underlying cause of myopia or slow its progression. Myopia management is crucial because it can potentially slow down the progression of myopia, reducing the risk of developing sight-threatening complications later in life.
 

Effective myopia management strategies not only improve your current vision but also aim to reduce the rate at which your eyeball elongates, thereby minimizing the progression of nearsightedness. By addressing myopia early on, you can potentially:
 

• Maintain better visual acuity and reduce the need for stronger corrective lenses over time.
• Lower the risk of developing more severe eye conditions associated with high myopia.
• Improve overall eye health and quality of life.

What is Orthokeratology?

Orthokeratology, commonly known as Ortho-K, is a revolutionary myopia management technique that has gained significant attention in recent years. This non-surgical treatment involves wearing specially designed rigid gas permeable (RGP) contact lenses overnight while you sleep.
 

During the overnight wear, the Ortho-K lenses gently reshape the cornea to temporarily correct refractive errors like myopia. This reshaping process is known as corneal remodeling.
 

How Ortho-K Works

The principle behind Ortho-K's myopia control mechanism is based on the concept of peripheral defocus. Research has shown that when the peripheral retina experiences a specific pattern of defocus, it can slow down the elongation of the eyeball, thereby reducing the progression of myopia.
 

Ortho-K lenses are designed to create a specific optical zone in the center of the cornea to correct refractive errors, while also inducing a controlled amount of peripheral defocus. This peripheral defocus is believed to send signals to the eye that inhibit excessive elongation, thus slowing down the progression of myopia.
 

The Benefits of Ortho-K for Slowing Myopia Progression

Ortho-K offers several compelling benefits for those seeking to manage and potentially slow down the progression of myopia:
 

• Effective Myopia Control: Numerous studies have demonstrated the ability of Ortho-K to significantly reduce the rate of myopia progression in children and adolescents compared to traditional corrective lenses.
• Freedom from Daytime Glasses or Contact Lenses: After removing the Ortho-K lenses in the morning, you can enjoy clear vision throughout the day without the need for glasses or daytime contact lenses.
• Improved Quality of Life: By slowing down the progression of myopia, Ortho-K can help maintain better visual acuity and reduce the risk of developing more severe eye conditions associated with high myopia, ultimately improving your overall quality of life.
• Reversible and Non-Surgical: Ortho-K is a non-surgical and reversible treatment. If you discontinue wearing the lenses, your cornea will gradually return to its original shape.
• Potential for Myopia Stabilization: In some cases, Ortho-K has been shown to stabilize myopia progression, potentially reducing the need for stronger corrective lenses in the future.
• Convenience and Comfort: With proper fitting and adaptation, Ortho-K lenses are comfortable to wear overnight, allowing you to enjoy clear vision during the day without the hassle of glasses or daytime contact lenses.

Schedule a Consultation with Palo Alto Eyes Optometry Today

As the prevalence of myopia continues to rise globally, effective myopia management strategies like Ortho-K offer a promising solution for slowing down the progression of nearsightedness. By addressing myopia early on and taking advantage of the latest advancements in orthokeratology, you can potentially maintain better visual acuity, reduce the risk of developing more severe eye conditions, and improve your overall quality of life.
 

If you or your child are experiencing myopia, schedule a consultation with Palo Alto Eyes Optometry to explore the benefits of Ortho-K. Visit our office in Palo Alto, California, or call (650) 321-2015 to book an appointment today.