Myopia Management for Adults with Orthokeratology
Myopia, or nearsightedness, is a common vision condition that affects a significant portion of the adult population. It occurs when the eye is too long relative to the focusing power of the cornea and lens, causing light rays to focus at a point in front of the retina rather than directly on its surface. This results in distant objects appearing blurry while close objects can be seen clearly. For adults, the onset of myopia can affect daily activities such as driving, watching TV, or recognizing faces from a distance, impacting both professional and personal lives. Fortunately, advancements in eye care have led to innovative treatments like Orthokeratology, offering a non-surgical solution to manage myopia effectively.
Understanding Orthokeratology (Ortho-K)
Orthokeratology, often referred to as Ortho-K, is a non-surgical treatment that uses specifically designed contact lenses to temporarily reshape the cornea. These lenses are worn overnight and removed in the morning, providing clear vision throughout the day without the need for glasses or regular contact lenses.
How Ortho-K Works
- Custom-Fit Lenses: Ortho-K lenses are custom-made to fit the unique shape of each patient’s cornea. The optometrist takes detailed measurements of the eye to design lenses that will gently reshape the cornea overnight.
- Overnight Wear: The patient wears the Ortho-K lenses while sleeping. The lenses apply gentle pressure to the cornea, temporarily reshaping it to correct myopia. This process is painless and safe.
- Daytime Vision: Upon waking and removing the lenses, the cornea retains its new shape for the day, allowing the patient to see clearly without the need for glasses or contact lenses.
- Maintenance: The effects of Ortho-K are temporary, so the lenses must be worn every night to maintain clear vision. Regular follow-up visits with the optometrist are essential to monitor the eye’s health and ensure the lenses are working effectively.
Benefits of Orthokeratology
- Freedom from Daytime Eyewear: One of the most attractive benefits of Ortho-K is the ability to go through the day without the need for glasses or contact lenses. This is particularly appealing for adults who are active and prefer not to deal with the hassles of daytime corrective lenses.
- Non-Surgical: Ortho-K provides a non-invasive alternative to surgical options like LASIK. For adults who are hesitant or medically ineligible for surgery, Ortho-K offers a safe and reversible option.
- Slows Progression of Myopia: Research indicates that Ortho-K can slow the progression of myopia in some cases. This is especially beneficial for adults who experience late myopia progression, helping to preserve vision long-term.
- Convenience: The overnight wear schedule of Ortho-K is convenient for many adults who have busy days and prefer not to worry about managing their vision correction during waking hours.
- Enhanced Quality of Life: Clear unaided vision can significantly enhance quality of life, providing adults with greater flexibility in their daily activities and potentially boosting confidence and social interactions.
What to Expect from the Treatment Process
Initial Consultation
The Ortho-K journey begins with a comprehensive eye examination by Dr. Cordell. During this consultation, Dr. Cordell will assess the health of your eyes and determine if you are a good candidate for Ortho-K. This includes measuring the curvature of the cornea and the prescription needed to correct your vision.
Custom Lens Fitting
Once deemed a suitable candidate, precise measurements of your eyes will be taken to design your custom Ortho-K lenses. This process ensures that the lenses will fit perfectly and provide the desired vision correction.
Trial Period
After receiving your Ortho-K lenses, a trial period follows where you will begin wearing the lenses overnight. You may experience noticeable vision improvement after the first night of use, but it may take a few days or weeks to achieve optimal results.
Follow-Up Care
Regular follow-up visits to see Dr. Cordell and the 20/20 Vision team are critical during the initial stages of Ortho-K treatment. These appointments allow Dr. Cordell to monitor the fit of the lenses and the health of your cornea, making adjustments as necessary. Once the ideal vision correction is achieved, follow-up visits may become less frequent.
Ongoing Care
Maintaining the health of your eyes while undergoing Ortho-K treatment includes adhering to strict lens care and hygiene practices. It’s important to clean and store the lenses according to Dr. Cordell’s instructions to prevent infections and ensure the lenses function correctly.
20/20 Vision Optometric Center in Westminster, CA is Here to Support You
Orthokeratology offers a compelling option for adults struggling with myopia, providing a flexible, reversible, and non-surgical method to achieve clear vision. With the benefits of not needing daytime eyewear and potentially slowing the progression of myopia, Ortho-K is not just about enhancing vision but also about enhancing the quality of life. If you are considering alternatives to traditional glasses or contact lenses, call 714-775-4454 and schedule a consultation to see if Ortho-K is suitable for you. Together with this innovative treatment, we could open the door to a new, clearer world without the constraints of corrective lenses.
