How It Controls Myopia Progression
Ortho-k can be defined as a technique where the cornea is progressively reshaped using specially made contact lenses, thereby reducing myopia. New technology has significantly accelerated the reshaping of the cornea. However, unlike LASIK, ortho-k does not lead to permanent change. Ortho-k is a treatment for reducing myopia, and it is NOT a cure. The myopia reduction effect is only temporary and the patient needs to continue to wear the lenses to maintain the effect. Our research study on myopia control with ortho-k lenses has shown that eyeball elongation in myopic children was about half the elongation observed in myopic children wearing spectacles. Effectively, this means that the progression in myopia in children undergoing ortho-k was slower by about 50% when compared to children wearing spectacles.
Some Frequently Asked Questions
Can ortho-k reduce myopia?
A1: In general, ortho-k can reduce myopia of up to about 4.50D. In some cases, reduction of up to 6.00D myopia has been known to be possible. However, it is very patient-dependent.
Can it reduce astigmatism?
A2: With most of the current lens designs, the treatment can only reduce myopia. However, new lens designs like 5 curve lenses are currently being developed for correcting astigmatism.
Can ortho-k control myopia progression?
A3: The results of recent research show that myopic progression is slower by about 50% in the children wearing overnight ortho-k lenses compared to children wearing spectacles.
How do I know if I am suitable for this treatment?
A4: You will need to consult an optometrist who will carry out a thorough eye examination to determine if you are suitable to attempt this treatment. Rapport between you and your optometrist is very important.
Physicians have said that ortho-k will hurt the eyes. Is this true?
A5: If not used properly, yes. Some discomfort (due to lens sensation) may be experienced during the adaptation period but the treatment should not hurt the eyes if properly fitted, used and managed.
My friend and I both have ortho-k treatment. Why is it that my friend can have clear vision after removing the lenses but I cannot?
A6: It depends on the amount of myopia you both have and the success of the treatment. Ortho-k is dependent on the individual. For some patients, myopia can be reduced very quickly while for others, reduction may be very slow. For example, patients with significant pre-ortho-k astigmatism, post-ortho-k vision will be poorer compared to another individual with no significant astigmatism
Why do I have ghosting/blurring of vision during the daytime?
A7: This may be due to different reasons:
the lens/lenses was/were not centering well
the retention time was not long enough
myopia was not completely reduced
presence of significant residual astigmatism
Since this problem is likely to be related to lens fitting, you need to consult your practitioner as soon as possible. Problems related to poor lens fitting may result in other ortho-k complications such as corneal staining.
Will the results of the treatment or the eye be affected if my child rubs his/her eyes during sleep?
A8: Possibly. If the rubbing dislocates or decentres the lens, vision may not be as good the next morning after lens removal .Mild rubbing may lead to superficial corneal abrasion which usually heals within a few hours after lens removal. The severity of injuries inflicted in such cases will depend on how hard your child rubs his/her eyes.
Will the results be affected if I sleep less than 6 hours a day?
A9: Inadequate sleep is not healthy for your eyes, whether you wear ortho-k lenses or not. Inadequate sleep would also cause discomfort, e.g. dry or sore eyes which may affect lens wear. Also, if you sleep less than 6 hours with your ortho-k lenses, optimal myopia reduction and retention effect may not be achieved .
Do I need to wear spectacles before achieving the reduction target?
A10: You may need to wear temporary glasses during the treatment procedures as reduction is not instantaneous but progressive. Your optometrist will be able to advise you on this.
Can I throw away all my glasses after achieving the reduction target?
A11: It is advisable to keep your glasses as there may be occasions when you may need to stop lens wear for a few days and you will then need to wear glasses. Example, if you lost a lens, you will need to stop lens wear for a few days to wait for the new lens to be delivered
4 comments:
To my slowing myopic progression is one of the most inviting features of corneal molding. Clear View Eye Care
Corneal molding or orthokeratology is a good alternative to LASIK. This is true for a number of reasons.
1. COST: The initial investment for corneal molding is about 1/2 that of LASIK. During our current recession this opens a door for those who would avoid LASIK because of its cost.
2. DRY EYES: The LASIK procedure requires that a flap is cut in the cornea (the front part of the eye). Regardless of the method used to cut the flap, the process severs nerves that regulate tear flow. Often this leads to dry eye syndrome that can be discomforting in the form of burning and stinging.
3. NON-SURGICAL: Corneal molding is non-surgical. If prescription changes then the mold can easily be adjusted. There is no anesthesia needed, it is not permanent and that is a plus for those who avoid surgery at all costs.
4. PRE-ADULTS: Young people can have this procedure done because it is non-surgical. The risks of corneal molding is equivalent to that of wearing rigid contact lenses. Kids who are active in sports can be great candidates for orthokeratology.
Corneal molding is a viable alternative to LASIK. Clear View Eye Care can answer any more questions you might have about the procedure.
Myopia is a common refractive error of the eye. Ortho-k is the technique where this error of the eye can be control by using contact lenses.
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