When a patient has myopia, also called nearsightedness, there are various ways to treat it. Often, people get eyeglasses or contact lenses to get their vision correction. However, there is another option that is right for some patients. The use of orthokeratology, also called ortho-k, is a way to correct vision in a different way. When you need to see an optometrist about this form of myopia control, it's time to call Orange County Vision Center in Garden Grove, CA.
What Is Orthokeratology?
Ortho-k lenses are specialty contact lenses that are custom-made for each patient. They are created and fitted so that they will cause a reshaping of the cornea temporarily to improve the patient's vision. These contact lenses are worn only at night. During this time, they will gently reshape the eye's front surface while you are asleep. These benefits are reversible, but you can maintain them by continuing to wear the lenses at night. It is often used for children as an important method of myopia control that can slow the progression of nearsightedness.
One of the main benefits of using orthokeratology is that you don't have to use other methods of vision correction during the day. It doesn't require surgery for you to go without glasses or contact lenses during the day. For many people, vision continues changing through childhood and into a patient's 20s. Ortho-k is often used during that time before the patient is not yet ready for LASIK surgery while the prescription is continuing to change.
How It Works
The cornea of the eye is a clear, flexible tissue that is dome-shaped and sits on the front part of the outside of the eye. This protective layer focuses the light that reaches your retina and helps the eye to focus. When you see your eye doctor, your cornea will be measured and mapped so that the ortho-k lenses can be created just for your eyes.
It is not painful when the measurements are made and the machine never touches your eye. When you get your ortho-k lenses, the center portion of the cornea is flattened so that it changes the way the tissue bends light. These contacts are removed during the day and the eyes retain their flattened shape during that time.
Contact Our Optometrists in Garden Grove, CA
If you are looking to use a myopia control method, ortho-k is often a good choice. You need to call an eye doctor to make an appointment for your eye exam and then discuss this option. If you have questions about ortho-k and live in or around Garden Grove, call our team at Orange County Vision Center today at (714) 894-3353 or reach us through our website by using our online contact form.