Understanding Ortho-K
Our optometrists prescribe Orthokeratology (Ortho-K) contacts to help patients suffering from a variety of eye issues. These specialty contacts are worn at night, the opposite of traditional contacts. As a result, you will be able to see clearly during the day without needing to wear any lenses. At Pearland Eye Care in Houston, we will determine if you're a good candidate for these contact lenses during a comprehensive eye exam.
What Is Orthokeratology?
Orthokeratology uses a specialty contact lens to reshape the cornea while you sleep to correct refractive errors. Wearing Ortho-K lenses overnight results in corrected vision the next day. No lenses or glasses are needed during the day after using these lenses. In order to sustain the vision correction, the wearer needs to wear their Ortho-K lenses each night.
Benefits of Ortho-K Lenses Over Other Contact Lenses
There are several reasons why orthokeratology is recommended for a patient. Ortho-K is an option for some who may have considered LASIK or other vision correction surgery but are not proper candidates or are apprehensive about the invasive procedure. It may also be an option for people who have had trouble with traditional contacts because of dry eyes or other complications with standard contact lenses. Since Ortho-K lenses are not worn during the active part of the day, wearers do not need to worry about daily activities becoming obstacles for optimal vision performance.
How Orthokeratology Works
The main purpose of Ortho-K is to correct refractive errors by reshaping an otherwise misshapen cornea. The cornea sits on top of the eye's natural lens. When the cornea is not shaped correctly, light does not reflect off the retina in the back of the eye as it should. The result is that an object can appear blurry far away (nearsightedness or myopia), blurry close up (farsightedness or hyperopia), or blurry at both distances (astigmatism).
Ortho-K for Kids
Sometimes, orthokeratology is recommended as a treatment for myopia in children. Because their eyes are still growing and developing, this form of vision correction will have long-term benefits for children who participate in Ortho-K at an early age. Ortho-K reduces myopia and decreases the odds of other vision-related issues occurring later in life.
Whether you are suffering from refractive errors yourself or want to learn more about the best way to treat your child's vision problems, our team is here to help. Orthokeratology can properly manage vision issues while you sleep, so you don't have to worry about them affecting you during the day. If you are looking for a way to see clearly during the day without needing contacts or glasses, schedule an appointment with us at Pearland Eye Care in Houston for an Ortho-K consultation. To learn more about how we can help you and your family, contact us at (713) 991-4100 today.
