Orthokeratology and Corneal Reshaping: Essential Facts

Have you ever heard of orthokeratology or ortho-k for short? It’s a breakthrough approach to vision correction that doesn’t require surgery or daytime eyewear. Essentially, it’s a method of gently reshaping the curvature of your eye while you sleep. This results in crystal clear vision without eyeglasses or contact lenses during the day. In this blog post, we discuss how ortho-k works and how it can benefit you.

What Is Ortho-K?

Ortho-k is a unique form of vision correction that doesn’t involve surgery or daytime eyewear. Instead, specially designed contact lenses are worn during sleep to gradually and gently alter the cornea’s shape—the eye’s clear outermost layer. This method can be beneficial, particularly for people with myopia (nearsightedness).

The Science Behind Ortho-K

The cornea plays a significant role in how we see. It refracts or bends light that enters the eye onto the lens, then focuses it onto the retina. If the cornea is irregular, the light doesn’t refract properly, thus leading to vision problems. Ortho-k works by temporarily reshaping the cornea so that the light is refracted properly, allowing for better vision.

The Process for Ortho-K

Ortho-k begins with a comprehensive eye examination conducted by an optometrist. Based on the results, gas-permeable contact lenses are custom-designed to fit your eyes. You’ll wear them while you sleep. Over time, they gently reshape your cornea. In the morning, you remove the lenses and go about your day with improved vision.

Benefits and Risks of Ortho-K

Ortho-k is a non-invasive method with two key benefits. It offers temporary vision correction and can slow down myopia progression in children. However, there are some considerations to make before opting for this method. Some people may experience initial discomfort and a small risk of eye infection. Proper care of the lenses reduces these risks significantly.

Now that you better understand ortho-k, it could be time to explore if this vision correction method is right for you. At Vienna Eyecare Center, we specialize in these methods and guarantee a seamless, worry-free experience. Call us at (703) 938-7633 or visit our contact page to book a consultation.