Orthokeratology Vision Correction: What You Need to Know
If you’re looking to correct myopia, you may have heard of orthokeratology, or Ortho-K for short. This vision correction method relies on custom contact lenses to correct myopia while you sleep. When you wake up, you can take out the contacts and find your vision has been substantially improved. If you want to learn more about Ortho-K, it’s smart to talk with an eye doctor or optometrist about these specialty contacts and general eye care. Visit Eye Luv Lucy in San Jose to learn more.
Using Ortho-K Specialty Contacts to Correct Your Vision
Orthokeratology temporarily reshapes your cornea. Problems with your cornea, specifically its shape, are among the most common causes for various vision impairments, including myopia. In case you’re unfamiliar with the term, myopia means nearsightedness. People with myopia can see nearby objects clearly, but objects that are far away will appear blurry.
Myopia is typically caused by the shape of your eye. An irregularly shaped eye refracts light incorrectly. When this happens, images are focused in front of your retina instead of on your retina. While the science is rather complex, suffice to say, myopia can limit your vision.
With orthokeratology, an eye doctor can use contact lenses to reshape your eyes. Used correctly, these specialty contacts will ensure that light is properly reflected in the eye, eliminating, or at least reducing myopia.
Determining if Ortho-K Specialty Lenses Are Right for You
Orthokeratology is great for correcting mild to moderate myopia. Ortho-K may also be beneficial for people with more severe myopia, but other treatment methods may also be needed.
Many people turn to orthokeratology because they’re worried about LASIK surgery. In some rare cases, people have lost their vision after LASIK. If you have any concerns about eye care and surgery, feel free to contact our optometrist.
Ortho-K specialty lenses are also useful for people participating in sports. Wearing contacts while playing sports can be difficult and if you get hit in the eye, it could cause some problems. You can wear specialty sports vision eyeglasses, but these can be rather cumbersome.
Special ortho-K lenses may also be useful for people suffering from keratoconus. People suffering from keratoconus have eye pupils that bulge outward, making it difficult to use traditional contacts. Specialty lenses, however, can sometimes still be used.
Speak with Our Optometrist about Ortho-K Lenses Today!
If you’re still confused about how orthokeratology works, you’re not alone. This treatment method is a bit complex, and there are some drawbacks. For example, your myopia will slowly return after you take the contacts out. Generally speaking, if you don’t wear your specialty lenses, your vision will return to normal in about 72 hours.