Myopia, or nearsightedness, is an eye condition caused by an elongated eyeball or concave lens which prevents light from focusing correctly on the retina. For children with myopia, distant objects appear blurry, while close-up vision remains clear.
Although it can be corrected with eyeglasses and contact lenses, this doesn't stop myopia from worsening and potentially damaging eye health in the long run.
Fortunately, EyeC Optometry in Gilroy offers Ortho-K, a non-surgical treatment that helps manage myopia and protect eye health.
How Does Ortho-K Work?
Orthokeratology (Ortho-K) is a revolutionary, non-surgical treatment for myopia management. It involves wearing specially designed contact lenses overnight to gently reshape the cornea.
When the overnight contact lenses are removed in the morning, the reshaped cornea allows for clear vision throughout the day without the need for glasses or daytime contact lenses.
This is what makes Ortho-K appealing for children and adults who need an effective way to correct vision.
Benefits of Ortho-K for Myopia Management
Here are some of the key benefits of Ortho-K as a myopia management option:
1. Non-Surgical and Safe
One of the primary advantages of Ortho-K is that it provides non-surgical vision correction. This means for underage patients who are unable to qualify for refractive surgeries, it offers a safe alternative.
It’s also an ideal option for adults who want clear vision without LASIK.
2. Daytime Freedom from Glasses or Contacts
Since Ortho-K lenses are worn only at night, you or your child can enjoy clear, glasses-free vision throughout the day.
This allows ultimate visual freedom for active individuals and athletes, without the limitations of glasses or the discomfort of daytime contact lenses.
3. Slowing Myopia Progression in Children
The most significant benefit of Ortho-K is its ability to slow and sometimes completely stop myopia progression.
This is important for children because early intervention leads to better outcomes. It prevents high myopia in childhood, which can reduce the chances of your child developing more serious eye conditions such as retinal detachment, glaucoma, and cataracts later in life.
4. Ortho-K is Reversible and Adjustable
Unlike surgical procedures, Ortho-K is fully reversible. If you decide to stop wearing the lenses, your cornea will return to its original shape, and your vision will revert to its previous state. This flexibility is appealing for parents and individuals who prefer a non-permanent solution.
Who's A Candidate for Ortho-K?
Ortho-K is suitable for a variety of candidates. Here’s who can benefit the most:
- Children with Progressive Myopia: As previously stated, Ortho-K lenses can significantly slow down the progression of myopia in children. This means children can maintain better long-term vision health.
- Active Adults: It's an ideal alternative for adults who lead active lifestyles or for those in physically demanding jobs. The convenience of clear vision without the need for daytime correction is a major benefit.
- Individuals Seeking Non-Surgical Vision Correction: If you don't qualify for refractive surgeries or want to avoid them altogether, Ortho-K is recommended. Children can also enjoy clarity without any long term effects.
- Those with Dry Eye Issues: Since they are only worn at night, they reduce the discomfort associated with daytime contact lens wear. This is beneficial for dry eye patients.
- Adults Looking to Delay Age-Related Vision Changes: Ortho-K can potentially delay the need for reading glasses in adults by correcting other refractive errors like myopia, allowing adults to enjoy clear distance vision for longer.
Request A Ortho-K Consultation in Gilroy
If you are looking for a safe, effective way to manage myopia for you or your child, Ortho-K may be the perfect solution. Schedule a consultation today with our vision care specialist at EyeC Optometry in Gilroy.
