Who is a Good Candidate for Ortho-K?

Orthokeratology, or Ortho-K, is a revolutionary vision correction technique that has gained significant popularity in recent years. This non-surgical treatment involves wearing specially designed contact lenses that gently reshape the cornea, the clear front part of the eye, while you sleep. By temporarily altering the curvature of the cornea, Ortho-K can correct refractive errors, such as nearsightedness (myopia), and provide clear vision during the day without the need for glasses or daytime contact lenses.
 

What is Ortho-K and How Does it Work?

Ortho-K lenses are custom-fitted, gas-permeable contact lenses that are designed to be worn overnight. These lenses apply a gentle, controlled pressure on the cornea, gradually reshaping it into a flatter, more optimal curvature. This reshaping process takes place while you sleep, and when you remove the lenses in the morning, your vision is typically clear and sharp throughout the day without the need for corrective eyewear.
 

The process of Ortho-K is a safe and reversible procedure, as the cornea gradually returns to its original shape when the lenses are not worn. This makes Ortho-K an attractive option for those seeking a temporary, non-surgical solution to their vision problems.
 

Who is a Good Candidate for Ortho-K?

Ortho-K can be a suitable option for a wide range of individuals, but certain criteria must be met to ensure the best possible outcomes. Here are some of the key factors that determine who is a good candidate for Ortho-K:

• Refractive Error: Ortho-K is most effective for individuals with mild to moderate nearsightedness (myopia), typically ranging from -1.00 to -6.00 diopters. Those with higher levels of myopia or other refractive errors, such as astigmatism or farsightedness, may not be suitable candidates or may require additional treatment.
• Age: Ortho-K is often recommended for children and young adults, as it can be an effective tool for myopia management and prevention. The ideal age range for Ortho-K is typically between 8 and 40 years old, as the cornea is more malleable and responsive to the reshaping process during this time.
• Eye Health: Individuals with healthy eyes and no pre-existing conditions, such as dry eye syndrome or corneal irregularities, are generally good candidates for Ortho-K. A comprehensive eye examination will help determine if your eyes are suitable for the procedure.
• Lifestyle and Expectations: Ortho-K requires a commitment to wearing the specialized contact lenses consistently every night. Individuals who are diligent about their eye care routine and have realistic expectations about the outcomes of the procedure are more likely to experience successful results.

The Benefits of Ortho-K for Myopia Management

In addition to providing clear vision during the day, Ortho-K has also been recognized as an effective tool for myopia management, particularly in children and young adults. Myopia, or nearsightedness, is a growing global health concern, with the prevalence of the condition increasing dramatically in recent years.
 

Ortho-K has been shown to slow the progression of myopia in children by temporarily reshaping the cornea and reducing the eye's axial length growth. This can help prevent or delay the development of more severe myopia, which can lead to an increased risk of eye health complications later in life.
 

By using Ortho-K for myopia management, parents can take a proactive approach to managing this condition and preserving their child's long-term eye health. Regular monitoring and adjustments to the Ortho-K lenses may be necessary to ensure continued effectiveness as the child's eyes continue to develop.
 

Consultation and Getting Fitted for Ortho-K

If you are interested in exploring Ortho-K as a vision correction or myopia management option, the first step is to schedule a consultation with an an optometrist who specializes in Ortho-K.
 

During the consultation, your optometrist will perform a comprehensive eye examination to assess your current vision, eye health, and suitability for Ortho-K. This may include:

• Measuring the curvature and thickness of your cornea
• Evaluating your refractive error and visual acuity
• Assessing the overall health of your eyes

Based on the findings of the examination, your eye doctor will determine if Ortho-K is a suitable option for you and discuss the expected outcomes, potential risks, and the fitting process.
 

If you are deemed a good candidate, the next step is to be fitted for your custom Ortho-K lenses. This involves taking precise measurements of your eyes and creating a unique lens design that will effectively reshape your cornea. The fitting process may require multiple visits to ensure the lenses are properly fitted and adjusted to achieve the desired vision correction.
 

Once your Ortho-K lenses are ready, your eye doctor will provide detailed instructions on how to insert, remove, and care for the lenses. They will also schedule follow-up appointments to monitor the progress of your vision correction and make any necessary adjustments to the lenses.
 

Is Ortho-K Right for You?

Ortho-K is a versatile and effective vision correction option that can benefit a wide range of individuals, from children to adults. Whether you are seeking a temporary solution to your vision problems or a proactive approach to myopia management, Ortho-K may be worth considering.
 

If you're interested in exploring Ortho-K as a vision correction or myopia management solution, schedule a consultation with Kibo Eyecare. Our experts will thoroughly evaluate your eyes and provide personalized recommendations to help you achieve your vision goals. Visit our office in Glastonbury, Connecticut, or call (860) 659-5900 to learn more about how Ortho-K can benefit you or your child.