Orthokeratology Houston: Ortho-K, Benefits & Process

Orthokeratology in Houston, TX

Orthokeratology, also known as ortho-k, is a technique that involves the use of specially designed contact lenses that are fitted to a patient to temporarily reshape the cornea to improve vision. Ortho-k is used primarily to improve myopia (near-sightedness).

Correct Your Vision with Orthokeratology While You Sleep!

Ortho-k lenses are typically worn at night to reshape the cornea while you sleep. Ortho-k lenses can help improve your vision as long as you keep wearing the lenses as directed by your doctor.

If you have myopia or some other visual problems, you can correct your vision by wearing ortho-k lenses while you sleep.

What visual problems can ortho-k correct?

Ortho-k is used primarily to improve myopia or near-sightedness (ability to see near objects more clearly than far objects)

It can also be used to correct;

Hyperopia or farsightedness (seeing objects that are far away more clearly than objects that are closer)

Astigmatism (an imperfection in the curvature of the eye's cornea or lens, causing blurry vision)

Presbyopia (inability of the eyes to clearly see things that are close by).

The vision of some children can continue to change into adulthood. Vision correction surgeries like laser eye surgery (LASIK), or photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) are not recommended until vision is stable. Ortho-k can be used to correct vision problems in children instead of vision correction surgeries.

How ortho-k works

The cornea is the clear, dome-shaped window in the front of your eye. The cornea, along with the sclera, helps protect your eye. It focuses light onto the retina and is responsible for most of the eye’s ability to focus.

To design ortho-k lenses, an instrument called a corneal topographer will be used to map and measure the surface of your cornea. The cornea map is created by reflecting light off the surface of your eye.

An ophthalmologist sees the shape and curves of your cornea with the corneal topography map. After that, the ortho-k lenses will be designed for your eye. The lenses work by flattening the center of the cornea. It changes how light is bent as it enters the eye.

Most ortho-k lenses are worn overnight to flatten the cornea and removed during the day. When ortho-k lenses are removed during the day, the cornea stays flattened for a while and your vision is corrected, and there’s no need for glasses. You have to continually wear the ortho-k lenses at night to keep your vision corrected. If you stop wearing the ortho-k lenses at night, your eyes will eventually go back to how they used to be, and your vision problems will return.

Orthokeratology age limit

Orthokeratology lenses are safe for both old and young. There is no specific age limit for orthokeratology. Most children experience vision changes into adulthood. Ortho-k lenses can be used by children as young as five years old.

Who is a candidate for ortho-k?

Ortho-k is ideal for both young and old. Children who are aged five and above with progressive myopia are ideal candidates for ortho-k. It is also ideal for teens, adults, and older people with low to mild myopia.

Ortho-k is a better alternative for people who want to correct their vision without relying on corrective lenses or undergoing surgery. It is ideal for individuals who have difficulty wearing glasses or contact lenses during the day.

Ortho-k: Great for Sports

Ortho-k is great for athletes and people who engage in any form of sports. It is an excellent option for athletes as the lenses are only worn over the night and removed during the day. As an athlete with a vision problem, you can’t put on corrective glasses during sports. This makes ortho-k lenses particularly great for athletes.

You can only wear ortho-k lenses over the night and remove them during the day. After removing the lenses during the day, your cornea stays flattened for a while and your vision is corrected. You no longer need to wear corrective glasses during the day.

Ortho-k is great for individuals who participate in sports, as they don’t need to wear lenses during sports. They can run, move around, or perform sporting activities without any discomfort or interference from wearing glasses.

The Orthokeratology Process

The process of designing ortho-k lenses is painless. An ophthalmologist will use an instrument called a corneal topographer to map and measure the surface of your cornea. The cornea map is created by reflecting light off the surface of your eye.

The ophthalmologist sees the shape and curves of your cornea with the corneal topography map. Custom-designed ortho-k lenses will be created based on the cornea map and measurements of the surface of your cornea.

Orthokeratology and Myopia Control

Ortho-k lenses are primarily used to correct myopia (near-sightedness). Myopia is a condition whereby you can see objects that are close to you more clearly than objects that are far away.

Ortho-k has been shown to slow the progression of myopia better than standard glasses or contact lenses. It corrects blurred vision from myopia and also slows down its progression.

Ortho-k controls myopia by changing the way that light is focused inside the eye. It corrects myopia by gently flattening the cornea in a controlled manner. The cornea works like a lens, and while it’s being flattened, its focusing power is modified to redirect light rays to focus in front of the retina, ultimately correcting myopia.

It focuses peripheral light rays in front of the retina. Peripheral light rays are light rays that enter towards the edge of the cornea. To achieve a clear vision, the light rays must be focused in front of the retina. Ortho-k helps to focus peripheral light rays in front of the retina. This is believed to act as a stop signal to eye growth, which slows myopia progression.

What results can you expect from ortho-k?

You will notice small, gradual changes in your vision when you start wearing ortho-k lenses. When these changes will occur varies based on your unique vision problems and the amount of correction you need.

First day: You’ll likely notice some improvements in your vision after wearing ortho-k lenses for the first night. You will need to see your eye doctor after wearing the lenses for the first night to check the performance of the lenses and whether it fits well.

First week: After wearing the lenses for a week, you may notice more improvements in your vision. You may experience some blurriness or halos around lights, especially in areas with low light. These are common side effects that usually resolve on their own within a few days.

First month: After wearing the lenses for the first month, you should achieve full correction of your vision problem. You should have a clear and stable vision. You may need to visit your eye doctor after a month of wearing the lenses to assess your vision.

Three months: At wearing the lenses for three months, your vision should be very clear and stable. You may need to visit your eye doctor again to assess your vision and to make necessary adjustments. Plan to visit your eye doctor every 3-6 months for follow-up and adjustments based on your vision needs.

FAQS

How much do orthokeratology lenses cost?

The cost of ortho-k lenses, including follow-up care, can vary depending on the type and degree of vision error. The cost of ortho-k lenses generally ranges from $1,000 to $4,000. Ongoing costs for follow-up exams, replacement of lenses, and lens care can range between $300 and $500 a year. The cost of ortho-k lenses may be covered by some health insurance providers.

How long does it take for maximum ortho-k effect?

How long it will take to experience the maximum effect of ortho-k varies from person to person, depending on your unique vision problems and the amount of correction you need.

Some people can achieve full correction and excellent vision within a week or two. It can take up to a month for some others to achieve excellent and stable vision.

Can I have LASIK after ortho-k?

Yes. You can have laser eye surgery (LASIK) after you’ve had ortho-k. LASIK is a surgical procedure used to permanently correct vision.

Is Ortho-k right for my child?

Ortho-k is ideal for children with progressive myopia. If your child has progressive myopia, you can visit an eye doctor to get ortho-k lenses for your child.

Is ortho-k cheaper than LASIK?

LASIK is more expensive than ortho-k. LASIK is a surgical procedure, and it’s typically more expensive than ortho-k. You should consider getting ortho-k if you’re looking for a cheaper method of correcting your vision problem.

Does ortho-k permanently fix vision?

Ortho-k doesn’t fix vision permanently. You need to continually wear the ortho-k lenses every night to correct your vision. Your vision will return to how it used to be if you stop wearing the lenses.

When should I stop using Ortho-K?

You can’t stop using ortho-k lenses unless advised by your eye doctor. It corrects your vision for as long as you continue wearing it.

What is the success rate of ortho-k lenses?

Ortho-k lenses are very effective in correcting myopia and slowing down the progression of myopia. It is more effective than most other treatments for myopia.

Pupila Family Eye & Ear Care: Ortho-K Optometrist in Houston, TX

Pupila Family Eye & Ear Care is a leading eye clinic in Houston, Texas. We provide a series of treatments for people experiencing various vision problems. We have highly trained and experienced eye specialists who provide highly effective treatments for vision problems.

We provide ortho-k lenses for people with myopia. We also offer follow-up care, replacement of lenses, and ongoing lens care.

If you have myopia or any other vision problems, we encourage you to contact us or Book an Appointment.