At Northern Virginia Doctors of Optometry, our goal is to help you have better vision with the help of our reliable vision correction options. Apart from eyeglasses and contact lenses, we also offer orthokeratology or ortho-k. This corneal reshaping treatment was primarily developed to control nearsightedness or myopia progression.
Here’s how it works:
What Is Ortho-K?
The ortho-k process involves having to wear corneal molds while you’re sleeping. They are specially engineered to reshape your cornea, eliminating or at least reducing the surface or shape irregularities that are causing your myopia. When you wake up the next day, you may remove the ortho-k lenses and enjoy clear vision at varying distances without having to use prescription glasses or contact lenses.
In 2011, a group of Japanese researchers found that orthokeratology helped suppress the elongation of children’s eyes, which is one of the major causes behind nearsightedness. Your eye doctor adds that a Spanish study in 2012 also suggested that children who used ortho-k lenses had reduced eye elongation and less myopia progression, compared to kids who wore eyeglasses for nearsightedness correction.
Why Try Ortho-K?
Apart from data showing ortho-k’s effectiveness in controlling myopia progression, this vision correction option is also convenient. As you’ll only have to wear them while you’re sleeping, you get to enjoy natural vision during your waking hours. The sharper vision lasts for a day or two – sometimes, even longer. Ortho-k effects are temporary, which means lower risk of image distortions. You have the freedom to undergo more permanent procedures in the future, such as LASIK.
Who Can Get Ortho-K?
Anyone at any age can use ortho-k lenses. Whether you’ve been dealing with myopia for some time or it was just recently diagnosed, your optometrist may recommend them. Orthokeratology has a particularly high success rate at correcting mild to moderate myopia, with or without astigmatism. It’s also effective at managing hyperopia (farsightedness) and presbyopia. Children who are too young for LASIK or those who are not ideal for any refractive surgeries may try them as well. They are a great option for those who habitually engage in contact sports, love water activities or work in dusty environments.
For trusted eye care, turn to Northern Virginia Doctors of Optometry. Apart from ortho-k, we also provide low vision therapy, medical eye care and more. Call us at (703) 467-9080 for Reston, or complete our form to request an appointment. We serve residents in Reston and nearby Virginia communities.
