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Myopia (nearsightedness) occurs when distant images come to focus in front of the retina as opposed to on the retina. Typically this condition is optically corrected by using contact lenses or glasses to slightly diverge the rays of light in order to move the focal point further back onto the retina. Myopia can also be corrected with eye surgery (lasers used to cut the cornea flat) and a non surgical procedure called ORTHOKERATOLOGY.
Orthokeratology or ORTHO K; has been performed safely to reduce or eliminate myopia since the 1950’s. It has only been in the last few years however that significant advances in materials, design and computer assisted manufacturing has made Ortho K a viable option for a much wider segment of the population.
Ortho K utilizes highly oxygen permeable contact lenses (called Ortho Sphere) to gently reshape the corneal curvature while you sleep. The contact lenses are inserted just before you go to bed and removed shortly after you wake up. Over a period of a few days (in most cases) the contact lenses slowly and gently reduce the corneal curvature to correct your vision. Should you awaken during the night, the Ortho- Sphere lens is designed to provide clear vision while being worn.
Unlike refractive surgery, Ortho K is a totally non-invasive procedure and is entirely reversible with in 1 to 2 weeks of not wearing the lenses. The fit and Rx of the Ortho- Sphere lens can be altered to account for any possible Rx changes which may occur in the future. During the day clear vision is enjoyed without the use of glasses or contact lenses. In some cases this may open up specific job opportunities which require unassisted clear vision.
The procedure of corneal reshaping will typically occur within 1 to 10 days (average of 5 days) during which time disposable soft contact lenses are provided for daytime use to provide clear vision as the myopia is eliminated. Once the end point has been achieved, the visual acuity will remain clear and stable all day long.
Your eye care practitioner, who specializes in contact lens fitting, will determine if you are a good candidate for Ortho K. Careful measurements of Rx, corneal curvature, corneal thickness, corneal diameter, pupillary dilation and tear film quality/quantity are some of the basic tests and observations required. All of these tests are non-invasive. Typically low to moderate amounts of myopia with low levels of astigmatism are optically ideal for the procedure.
Ortho K is an excellent vision correction option, especially for young people when their near sightedness is increasing.
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