ORTHOKERATOLOGY
Ortho-K Treatment: Non-Surgical Vision Correction for Myopia Control at Orthokeratology Sydney
As anyone living with short-sightedness knows, the effects of myopia can be both frustrating and serious.
For parents of children with progressive myopia, yearly trips to the optometrist are inevitable, with their child’s prescription becoming stronger as their uncorrected distance vision deteriorates. Adults with myopia also face an increased risk of blindness as their vision decreases over time.
Laser eye surgery is one option for myopia control, but many patients view surgery as a daunting prospect.
Fortunately, there is a non-surgical alternative to daytime contact lenses and glasses. Many optometrists recommend orthokeratology for myopia control, as it offers an effective solution without the need for further vision correction or surgery.
Extensive research worldwide has shown Orthokeratology has the greatest effect on the slowing of myopia progression. More than a decade ago, several eye care professionals suggested that Ortho-K lenses could potentially be used to prevent the development of short-sightedness. This theory was later proved true by the Children’s Overnight Orthokeratology Investigation (COOKI) pilot study, in 2004, and the Longitudinal Orthokeratology Research in Children (LORIC) study, in 2005.
A study on myopia progression published in 2015 fitted 26 myopic East Asian children with Ortho-K lenses in one eye and conventional rigid gas-permeable (GP) lenses for daytime wear in the other eye. By the end of 12 months, there was no change from baseline in axial length in the Ortho-K eye, whereas in the GP eye, the increase in axial length was significant. This means Ortho-K inhibited axial eye growth and completely stopped myopia progression compared to conventional lenses. There was also an apparent shortening of axial length, which may reflect the contribution of Ortho-K-induced corneal thinning, combined with choroidal thickening. This suggests that Ortho-K may be able to partially reverse myopia in some cases.
How Does Ortho-K Work?
Ortho-K lenses are worn while you sleep, and during this time, they gradually reshape the surface of your cornea. This reshaping corrects refractive errors, such as myopia, so that you can wake up with improved vision that lasts throughout the day. Ortho-K is ideal for those who want freedom from glasses or daytime contacts without undergoing surgery.
Who Can Benefit from Ortho-K?
Ortho-K is suitable for people of all ages. It is especially beneficial for:
Children: Ortho-K can help slow the progression of myopia in children, offering a non-surgical solution to managing vision health.
Adults: Whether you have mild to moderate myopia, hyperopia, or astigmatism, Ortho-K provides an excellent alternative to glasses, daily contacts, or laser eye surgery.
Advantages of Ortho-K Treatment
- Non-surgical: Ortho-K offers vision correction without the need for surgery.
- Reversible: Unlike permanent solutions like LASIK, Ortho-K is fully reversible.
- Freedom from Glasses: Wake up with clear vision and enjoy your day without the need for eyewear.
- Safe for Children: Ortho-K is a proven method to manage and control the progression of myopia in children.
The Ortho-K Treatment Process
At Orthokeratology Sydney, we follow a comprehensive approach to ensure the success of your Ortho-K treatment:
- Initial Consultation: We assess your vision and determine if you are a good candidate for Ortho-K.
- Custom Lens Fitting: Your lenses will be custom-designed to fit the unique shape of your corneas.
- Overnight Lens Wear: You’ll wear your Ortho-K lenses while you sleep, and our team will monitor your progress to ensure optimal results.
- Ongoing Care: Regular check-ups ensure your vision remains stable and that your lenses continue to fit correctly.
