Can Ortho-k Lenses Cure Myopia?

The number of people with myopia (nearsightedness) is rising worldwide at an alarming rate. Statistics show that 40 percent of North Americans have myopia, and the condition is rapidly progressing. Eye doctors prescribe eyeglasses and contact lenses to slow down myopia progression. However, experts believe that correcting nearsightedness is not enough.

Thanks to modern optometry, eye doctors now recommend a better way to manage myopia. This is using ortho-k (orthokeratology) lenses. According to studies, patients using the ortho-k lenses have a 35-55 percent slower progression of myopia than other treatment options. 

The Science Behind Ortho-k Lenses 

Eye specialists known as optometrists use ortho-k lenses to change the shape of the cornea of myopic patients. The ortho-k lenses are rigid gas permeable (RGP) contact lenses. You can wear these lenses at night when sleeping. They change the corneal curvature by flattening the cornea, allowing light to enter and refract properly. The following morning, the patient would have a clear and sharper vision. 

While they may induce temporary changes, ortho-k lenses are unique because they are therapeutic lenses. Unlike corrective lenses, ortho-k lenses help reshape the cornea at night. It then provides patients with perfect vision during the day. Patients do not have to wear contacts or eyeglasses during the day after wearing ortho-k lenses the previous night. 

Why Ortho-k Lenses Are Becoming Popular

Since the inception of ortho-k lenses in the early 21st century, myopia treatment has continued to gain popularity for several reasons. Thanks to innovation, scientists work tirelessly to improve the design and effectiveness of these lenses, making them more accessible to both adults and children. How is ortho-k changing the lives of myopic people?

 

• Non-invasive

Myopic people have the option of undergoing vision correction surgeries such as LASIK to reshape their cornea. However, this type of treatment is not reversible. Ortho-k lenses are a better alternative since they are less risky than surgery. Children make the best candidates for ortho-k lenses since patients younger than 18 years cannot undergo eye surgery. 

 

• Freedom

Ortho-k lenses are safe for all ages. They are ideal for myopic people who find eyewear inconvenient. The best feature about these lenses is that you can wear them at night only, so there is no risk of damaging and losing them. 

They are ideal for myopic children since they give them the freedom to go about their day without worrying about sterilizing the contacts regularly. Ortho-k lenses are also suitable for people with active jobs.

 

• Consistency

As mentioned earlier, ortho-k lenses slow down myopia progression. This means that these lenses maintain consistent vision correction results, so patients do not have to get stronger prescriptions. Since they are only worn at night, they are an effective treatment for dry eye. Dry eye is common in people who wear contact lenses.

Note: Ortho-k lenses help slow down myopia progression, but they do not stop it. There is still no cure for myopia yet. However, patients can manage their condition and slow down its progression through different types of myopia treatment.

For more information on ortho-k lenses, visit Atlanta Eye Group at our offices in Atlanta or Kennesaw, Georgia. You can call (770) 727-0772 today to schedule an appointment.