Here at Personal Care Optometry, we are proud to offer ortho-k for our patients.
Many people prefer to avoid surgery if possible. However, if you are looking to improve your vision as dramatically as surgery would, you may be interested in orthokeratology, commonly known as “ortho-k”.
Ortho-k involves temporarily reshaping the cornea through the use of specialized contact lenses, which are designed to be worn while sleeping. Although these lenses are not very common and most people still prefer laser surgery, this reshaping method is gaining more popularity as the procedure continues to be improved. Today’s ortho-k lenses are very effective and a great option for children who are already nearsighted at a young age and don’t want to continue to need stronger and stronger glasses or contact lenses as they go through their teen years.
LASIK surgery is not an option until they eyes are stable for at least a year, which usually happens by early to mid 20’s. The advantage of ortho-k for those destined to be significantly nearsighted is a slowing or stopping of the progression. Studies show there is a 95% chance the myopia will be one third less than for a patient who just wears glasses or contacts and a 70% chance that it will not progress beyond the level when Orthokeratology is started. Therefore, when an ortho-k patient reaches their 20’s and wants to have LASIK they are correcting far less myopia than had they not gone through this process.
If you have more questions about orthokeratology, don’t hesitate to contact us today at (818) 348-1266.