Orthokeratology and Active Lifestyles: Clear Vision Without Daytime Contacts or Glasses
Traditional vision correction options like glasses and contact lenses are limiting, inconvenient, and potentially hazardous for individuals with active lifestyles or those who work in specific labor-intensive jobs. Orthokeratology, or Ortho-K, offers a unique solution that addresses these limitations to allow patients to participate fully in their daily activities.
What is Orthokeratology, and How Does it Work?
The clear dome at the front of the eye is called the cornea, and it is responsible for focusing external light onto the retina. When this dome is curved a certain way or the length of the eye is shorter or longer than normal, it can cause refractive errors such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. The tissue that makes up the cornea is malleable and can be reshaped using Orthokeratology lenses.
Orthokeratology lenses are custom-made rigid gas-permeable (RGP) lenses worn overnight. These lenses gently flatten the cornea while you sleep, altering how light enters the eye even when the lenses are removed. After removal, you will have significantly improved vision that lasts throughout the day.
Refractive errors like nearsightedness are usually managed with contact lenses or glasses, but these options can be complicated for people who regularly participate in sports or work in industrial environments. Glasses can be broken or scratched, and lenses can trap dirt and dust or lead to infection if they come into contact with unsterilized water.
What are the Benefits of Orthokeratology?
Freedom From Daytime Contacts And Glasses
The most appealing factor for many patients who choose Orthokeratology is not relying on traditional vision correction options daily. With Ortho-K lenses, you can enjoy clear vision throughout the day, eliminating the risk of losing or damaging expensive glasses and lenses.
The freedom provided by Orthokeratology is also ideal for children who struggle with keeping track of their glasses or taking care of their contact lenses. Because Ortho-K lenses are only worn at night, parents can monitor their children and ensure that the lenses are cleaned, stored, and worn correctly to minimize the chance of infections.
Related post: What You Can Expect After You Start Wearing Ortho-K Lenses
Improved Comfort and Safety
For people who regularly participate in physical activities like swimming, martial arts, and running, glasses can be inconvenient and may even increase the risk of injury should they break during an event. Certain factors, like dust, sweat, and water, can contaminate traditional lenses and lead to infections that further interfere with day-to-day activities.
Non-Surgical Vision Correction
Surgical options like LASIK can provide vision correction, but not all patients are good candidates for surgical intervention. This type of procedure can only be done after 21 years of age in the US. Orthokeratology lenses are convenient, and the results are entirely reversible, making them an excellent option for youngsters.
Slow The Progression of Myopia in Children and Teenagers
Myopia (nearsightedness) can progress quickly in children, and Ortho-K lenses have been shown to greatly reduce the progression of the disease. Myopia can lead to severe complications later in life, such as glaucoma, cataracts, macular degeneration, and retinal detachment. Orthokeratology is becoming an increasingly popular option for younger patients so they can participate in sports and play while still reducing the risk of serious disease as adults.
Who is the Ideal Ortho-K Candidate?
Orthokeratology is suitable for people with Myopia, Astigmatism, and Presbyopia, which can worsen over time. Other patients that can benefit from Ortho-K lenses include:
- Athletes who participate in contact sports
- Children with progressive Myopia
- Patients who cannot undergo refractive surgery
- Individuals with dry eye syndrome
Who is Not an Ideal Candidate?
Patients with the following conditions are considered unsuitable candidates for orthokeratology:
- Keratitis
- Keratoconus
- Glaucoma
- Cataracts
What Can You Expect from Ortho-K?
The initial phase of Orthokeratology involves wearing Ortho-K lenses at night. Additional vision correction may be necessary during the day during the early transition phase. Once you have reached the ideal correction level, you will not need any vision correction during the day. Occasionally patients to need to have their initial lenses adjusted before reaching the ideal result.
You will notice significant vision improvement within the first few weeks of wearing Orthokeratology lenses every night. There may be slight halos around lights in the first week, but this effect won’t last. You will have follow-up appointments with your eye care practitioner to ensure the lenses fit properly and work as intended.
After the first month of wear, your vision will be clear and stable throughout the day. With daily wear and stringent hygiene, you may only need to visit your optometrist every three to four months to monitor the treatment progression of myopia.
Ortho-K: The Smart Choice for Modern Living
Orthokeratology is an excellent alternative to traditional vision correction methods. Ortho-K lenses offer numerous benefits for individuals with lifestyles incompatible with wearing glasses or soft contacts. While not suitable for everyone, Ortho-K is a safe and convenient way to manage refractive errors without surgery, making it ideal for professional athletes and children.