When it comes to the treatment of eyes, then there are various ways for eyesight rectification and one of them is orthokeratology. It is also known as ortho-k or Corneal Refractive therapy, and overnight vision correction. In this technique, the therapist makes use of specifically designed lenses which are made of gas permeable contact lenses to reshape the cornea in order to reduce any type of refractive errors. The best way to describe these lenses in layman language we can compare this to orthodontics for eyes or as braces for our eyes. Since these lenses are responsible for reshaping our cornea they can often be explained with these popular terms.
 |
| Myopia or Short-sightedness |
Now that we know about orthokeratology treatment, let us understand the working of the ortho-k lenses. The right person to connect in this case is the ophthalmologist who will assist you in the process of placement of these lenses. It is used for rectification of myopia or near-sightedness or short sightedness. The process begins with measuring the cornea of your eye using a corneal topographer. Through this map, he will be able to understand the amount of light that is reflected by your cornea to your retina. After getting a clear map the optometrist then designs a lens specifically according to the shapes and curves if your cornea.
In the therapy of orthokeratology, we find that the first task of the lens is to flatten the centre of the cornea to change how light is bent when it enters your eyes. Upon getting the lens you have to wear it overnight. The lenses work overnight and allow oxygen to seep in to ensure healthy eyes. These are also stiff hence they are easy to sleep on. However, you should note that once you stop wearing these lenses your cornea may retract to the same shape before and may cause your refractive error to return. Therefore, it is very important that you wear these lenses for the stipulated time to ensure that you can effectively correct your refractive error.
Advantages of Using Orthokeratology Lenses
As you have seen above the technology of the ortho-k lenses have gained a lot of popularity in the society. Hence you can understand that there are many advantages that we can get from using such lenses.
 |
| Ortho-K Lenses |
- One of the reasons people are opting for orthokeratology is because it frees you from the burden of wearing lenses. This becomes beneficial for sports person and the people who work in the dusty and dirty environment.
- It is a non-surgical method. This is one of the greatest benefits that we get from undergoing such therapy. We are all familiar with the various risks that are associated with surgeries for our eyes. Hence taking this therapy might ease our mind and also correct our refractive errors.
- Another great advantage that we get from using such lenses is that these are great for our kids. We all know how difficult it becomes to control myopia in this digital age. Hence with the help of orthokeratology, we can successfully slow down the progression of myopia in kinds. It has been proven in many studies.
- With these ortho-k lenses, you no longer have to wear contacts throughout the dat. You can easily wear these at night and go throughout the day without facing any difficulties as these reshape the cornea overnight and make it possible for you to see clearly during the day.
Therefore, as you can see that these are some of the major advantages that we get from undergoing orthokeratology. However, you must know here that this method works well for those who are suffering from mild myopia or astigmatism, for those with higher correction need, must opt for other methods of treatment.