People with poor vision have probably explored different types of corrective treatments. Eyeglasses and contact lenses have been a great help but some people want to see clearly without the use of these types of lenses. A noninvasive vision treatment option which is known as orthokeratology has been available for people who think that LASIK is too invasive for their preferences.
Orthokeratology is also known to be Corneal Refractive Therapy (CRT), Ortho-K, or Overnight Vision Correction which is a treatment that uses gas permeable contact lenses that can temporarily reshape your cornea. Refractive issues including far-sightedness, near-sightedness, and astigmatism are reduced when the cornea is being reshaped.
During the year 1940, glass lenses can reshape a cornea which is discovered by optometrists. Decades have passed and eye doctors developed different kinds of lenses that can correct eye problems not just improving vision.
Corneal topography was invented in 1990 which allows eye professionals to examine the curvature of the eye to create custom lenses that can reshape the cornea successfully. At the time that rigid gas permeable lenses were invented, orthokeratology was used for a night time treatment. Dry eye and similar irritations can be prevented because the base material enables more oxygen to pass through.
In the present time, people can wear FDA-approved lenses while sleeping to see clearly when they wake up without the use of glasses or contacts. The results depend on your prescription and the rigidity of your eye. It takes about four weeks to see the results.
Requirements to Be an Ideal Candidate for Orthokeratology
LASIK and other corrective procedures have listed qualifications because not everyone is an ideal candidate for the treatment. To qualify for orthokeratology, you must meet the following:
- Have near-sightedness in low or moderate amount
- Have refractive issues that are not higher than -6.00
- Have astigmatism that is no greater than -1.75
A comprehensive eye exam should be scheduled to determine if you are a good candidate for orthokeratology. If you are a good candidate, your eye doctor will educate you about orthokeratology.
Side Effects of Orthokeratology
It is important to clean Ortho-K lenses properly and regularly because you face the same risks as traditional contact lenses. The side effects that you may experience are dry eyes, inflammation, eye injury, and allergies. There are also vision-related side effects during the first month of treatment which include double vision, starbursting, and ghosting. Remember to follow care instructions to avoid serious eye problems.
