Categories: Eye Care

Important Ortho-K Facts You Need to Know

If you have a refractive error like nearsightedness or farsightedness, eyeglasses or contact lenses are probably an unavoidable part of your daily life. But did you know there’s a way to enjoy sharp visual acuity without the burden of corrective eyewear? Orthokeratology (ortho-k) is an innovative, non-invasive method for managing refractive errors that has changed people’s lives.

Read on as your eye specialist from Vienna Eyecare Center shares some important facts you need to know about this revolutionary vision correction option.

Orthokeratology Uses Advanced Optometry Science to Improve Your Vision

Ortho-k is a non-surgical method of correcting refractive errors. It involves wearing special gas-permeable lenses while you’re sleeping. Throughout the night, these ortho-k lenses gently reshape your cornea to correct the structural irregularities responsible for your refractive error. When you wake up the next morning, you can enjoy clear vision throughout the day.

Orthokeratology Was Developed to Halt Myopia Progression

Ortho-k contact lenses were initially developed to slow or halt the progression of myopia (nearsightedness). Since then, research has shown that ortho-k is also effective at managing other forms of refractive errors, including hyperopia (farsightedness) and astigmatism.

There Are Two Accepted Ortho-K Brands on the Market

Currently, the Food and Drug Administration has approved two ortho-k brands. Paragon Vision Sciences’ Corneal Refractive Therapy (Paragon Z CRT®) was launched in April 2002. In December 2004, Bausch and Lomb’s Vision Shaping Treatment (VST) lenses entered the market.

Ortho-K Offers Many Benefits

With ortho-k, you’ll experience immediate results. After wearing the lenses for just one night, you’ll wake up to sharper vision the following day. You can enjoy clearer eyesight for the remainder of the day without having to wear corrective eyewear, giving you freedom and a feeling of normalcy. During your eye exam, we’ll determine whether you’re a good candidate for ortho-k therapy.

For more information about orthokeratology, you can reach us at (703) 938-7633 or fill out our form. We serve Fairfax, Reston and Tysons Corner, VA.

Dr. Richard Snively

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