Am I a Candidate for Ortho-K?

August 8, 2022

More than 150 million Americans rely on corrective lenses for clear vision. Prescription glasses and contact lenses are effective at correcting vision however using them daily can present challenges. Fortunately, Ortho-K is a fantastic alternative.

Imagine waking up every morning with excellent eyesight that serves you well throughout the day. That sounds too good to be true for many people with a refractive error, but this is exactly what Ortho-K lenses can accomplish. 

Ortho-K at a Glance

Ortho-K, or Orthokeratology, is one of the most effective treatments for myopia. It involves fitting contact lenses specially designed to reshape the cornea and uses gas-permeable lenses worn overnight instead of during the day. 

While you sleep, the lenses gradually and gently reshape the surface of your eye. When you wake up and take them off, you get to enjoy clearer eyesight throughout the day without using eyeglasses or contact lenses. 

Eye doctors can use Ortho-K to treat and sometimes eliminate conditions such as astigmatism, hyperopia, and myopia. Furthermore, this treatment is appropriate for all ages. So, you might be a good candidate for this treatment. Nowadays, Ortho-K is one of the most effective methods of slowing myopia progression in kids.

Good Candidates for Ortho-K

Besides treating myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism, Ortho-K is a proven method for treating presbyopia. Orthokeratology might deliver at least a full day’s worth of clear vision if you suffer from any of these conditions. You can achieve relatively good eyesight just by wearing these lenses for a few hours three times a week. Good candidates for these lenses include:
 

People Who Engage in Water Sports or Contact Sports

A refractive error should not deprive you of the freedom of playing your favorite sport. With Ortho-K lenses, you do not need to worry about your contact lenses falling out or getting damaged. You wear these special lenses while you sleep. When you take them off in the morning, you will have perfect eyesight on the court, field, or pool during the day. 
 

People Working in Dirty or Dusty Environments

Dirty or dusty environments can damage your eyeglasses or contact lenses. If you need to work in these kinds of environments, Ortho-K lenses will allow you to get on with your job without using regular glasses or contact lenses. 
 

People With Eye Allergies or Dry Eyes

Do you spend long hours working on your computer or in an air-conditioned room? Do you suffer from dry eyes and allergies? If so and you do not wish to wear contact lenses or glasses, Ortho-K is an excellent solution to your problems. 
 

Kids With Progressive Myopia

Ortho-K lenses are an ideal option for kids with progressive shortsightedness. Studies prove that they can potentially halt or dramatically slow myopia progression in children, and the lenses can also positively impact children’s long-term eye health. 

There is no age limit or restriction for Ortho-K. Kids as young as five can safely and successfully receive this corneal reshaping treatment. Also, adults who are not good candidates for refractive eye surgery may be candidates for Ortho-K. If you are considering this treatment, consult your eye doctor and an eye exam may determine whether you are a candidate for Ortho-K.

For more on Ortho-K, visit Eye Associates of New York at our Midtown East, New York office. Call (212) 650-4888 to schedule an appointment today.