Orthokeratology, commonly known as ortho-k, is a non-surgical procedure that involves the use of specially designed contact lenses to temporarily reshape the cornea. This innovative treatment has been a game changer in the field of optometry, offering an effective and safe alternative to glasses, regular contact lenses, and refractive surgery.
 

Understanding How Ortho-K Works

Ortho-K works by gently reshaping the cornea, the clear front part of the eye, while you sleep. The cornea's shape is crucial to how light enters the eye and is focused on the retina. In conditions like myopia, the cornea is too steep, causing light to focus in front of the retina and resulting in blurry distance vision. Ortho-K lenses counteract this by flattening the cornea, allowing light to focus directly on the retina, which leads to clear vision.
 

The lenses used in ortho-k are gas permeable, which means they allow oxygen to pass through, ensuring the comfort and health of your eyes. You wear these lenses overnight, and they gently reshape your cornea while you sleep. When you wake up and remove the lenses, your cornea retains its new shape for the day, allowing you to see clearly without the need for glasses or contact lenses.
 

Who Can Benefit from Ortho-K?

Ortho-K can be an effective solution for a range of individuals. Primarily, it's an excellent option for individuals with myopia. Ortho-k can not only correct myopia but also slow its progression in children, a concept known as myopia control. This is particularly significant, as high levels of myopia can lead to serious eye health issues later in life.
 

Besides myopia, ortho-k can also benefit people with low to moderate levels of hyperopia (farsightedness), astigmatism, and presbyopia (age-related difficulty in seeing close objects). Additionally, individuals who are not suitable candidates for laser eye surgery, either due to age, corneal thickness, or other health reasons, can also consider ortho-k as an alternative.
 

Ortho-K is also a great choice for those who lead active lifestyles. Athletes, outdoor enthusiasts, and those who work in dusty environments often find glasses and regular contact lenses cumbersome and limiting. With ortho-k, they can enjoy clear vision without the constraints of eyewear.
 

Consultation Process with an Optometrist for Ortho-K

The journey towards clearer vision with ortho-k begins with a consultation with an optometrist. During this appointment, the optometrist will conduct a comprehensive eye examination to assess your visual acuity, eye health, and suitability for ortho-k. They'll also explain the procedure in detail, addressing any questions or concerns you may have.
 

If you're deemed a good candidate for ortho-k, the next step involves taking precise measurements of your cornea using a process called corneal topography. This non-invasive procedure creates a detailed map of your cornea's surface, which is then used to design your custom ortho-k lenses.
 

Once your lenses are ready, the optometrist will instruct you on how to insert, remove, and care for them. You'll then begin wearing the lenses overnight, with follow-up appointments scheduled to monitor your progress and ensure your eyes are responding well to the treatment.
 

Is Ortho-K Right for You?

Ortho-K is a revolutionary procedure that offers a safe, effective, and non-surgical solution to refractive errors like myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism. It's a great alternative for those who find glasses or regular contact lenses inconvenient and for those who are not suitable candidates for refractive surgery.
 

If you're interested in exploring the benefits of ortho-k, schedule a consultation with our optometrist at Palo Alto Eyes Optometry at our office in Palo Alto, California. We provide quality eye care, convenient eye health services, and optometric expertise to all our patients. Call (650) 321-2015 to schedule an appointment today.