Orthokeratology, more commonly known as Ortho-K, is used to reshape the cornea. It is a non-surgical procedure that involves wearing specially designed rigid gas-permeable lenses which are worn overnight. The purpose of this is to temporarily improve your eyesight, leaving you able to see during the day without the need to wear spectacles or contact lenses.
An innovative treatment, many patients may have queries about how it works and who can use Ortho-K lenses. I wanted to take some time to go through a few of our most commonly asked questions in order to help you understand the procedure better.
1. How does Ortho-K work?
To help you understand, let’s start with what the cornea is. Your cornea is a ‘flexible’ layer at the front of your eye that acts like a window. It allows light pass through and helps to focus light rays onto your retina. This is where the images that you see are formed.
The way that Ortho-K works is by reshaping your cornea. This subsequently changes how light rays are refracted through your eyes and therefore helps to correct any errors that are causing issues with your eyesight.
2. What type of lenses are Ortho-K lenses?
These lenses are a type of rigid gas permeable (RGP) lenses. RGP lenses are more permeable meaning that they allow more oxygen to pass through to the front surface of your eye.
Being a type of RGP lens, Ortho-K lenses are firm enough to be able to reshape your cornea. But it also means that they can let through enough oxygen to keep your eyes healthy and comfortable throughout the night. This is important to avoid them stopping you from having a good night’s sleep.
3. Can the treatment be permanent?
Unfortunately, orthokeratology does not give permanent results. The idea of these lenses is that they allow you to live freely during the day without glasses or lenses. It means that you can go about your day-to-day routine without the restrictions that come with other forms of eyewear.
Ortho-K lenses are removed in the morning (when you wake up). They will leave your cornea temporarily flattened, leaving your vision hopefully corrected, leaving you ready for the day ahead. They are then worn the following night to give improved eyesight the day after. The best long-term results can be achieved if they are worn every night. However, if you were to discontinue using these lenses, your cornea will return to its natural shape within a day or two. This will mean that you will lose any improvement in eyesight that you may have gained.
4. What are the main benefits of Ortho-K?
Ortho-K offers a variety of benefits for many people. These primarily include:
- They are suitable for all ages, including children
- It is a non-surgical and non-invasive treatment
- It allows patients to go a whole day without the need for spectacles or lenses
- It is a great alternative to refractive surgery
5. Who is suitable for Ortho-K treatment?
This treatment is most typically used for people who suffer from short-sightedness. However, they can be used for some of those with far-sightedness as well as those who suffer from astigmatism.
Being a procedure that leaves you able to go about your daily activities without the restraint of glasses, Ortho-K is ideal for those who take part in physical activities. This could include those who enjoy sports, exercises such as yoga and even swimmers.
Because it is a non-surgical treatment it is also the perfect option for those who don’t want to go through surgery. This is especially true for those have considered refractive surgery in the past but were concerned about the risks.
Have more questions?
I hope that you have found this information useful and that it has given you a better insight into what Ortho-K is and how it works. I understand that you may still have some questions. You can find more answers to frequently asked questions on our Ortho-K page.
I am very proud that Nu-Sight is the only opticians in Aylesbury to specialise in this innovative treatment. With our wealth of expertise and experience we can help you further if you do have any additionally questions. We are always here to help and are only a phone call away. You can call us on 01296 398941 .