Myopia is becoming a widespread eye condition in the world. Many people notice that they are having a problem seeing things at a distance but wait for it to self-resolve. They do not want the hassle of wearing eyeglasses and contact lenses. Ortho-k manages your myopia without wearing eyeglasses and contact lenses during the day.

What Is Ortho-K?

Ortho-k or orthokeratology is fast becoming the most popular form of myopia management. It uses rigid gas-permeable contact lenses. As you sleep, the lenses reshape your eye curvature to improve your vision during the day.

How Does It Work?

The lenses lie on your cornea and float on the tear film. As you sleep, they apply gentle hydraulic pressure to the front part of the cornea. The pressure flattens the cornea by causing the epithelial cells to move from the center to the periphery.

When you wake up in the morning, the change in the corneal surface allows you to see clearly during the day. With time, it slows the eye elongation and helps control myopia. However, your eyes will regain shape when you stop wearing the lenses.

Reasons to Choose Ortho-k

There are so many reasons why you should choose ortho-k. However, here are three to start you off. Hopefully, they will be enough to convince you to pick it for myopia management.

• Myopia Control

Ortho-k is one of the most effective ways of slowing the elongation of the eyeball, which leads to myopia. The treatment is the most effective in children. In some cases, it completely stops myopia at this age. Thus, it is better than the conventional ways of managing nearsightedness. In these methods, there is a likelihood of a gradual increase in prescription over time.

• No Eyeglasses or Contact Lenses

When you use ortho-k for myopia management, you do not need to wear eyeglasses during the day. Eyeglasses can be cumbersome and limiting. They may not allow you to engage in some activities. Hence, you may miss out on activities like swimming or football where you can’t use your eyeglasses. Contact lenses can also be limiting, and you may lose them if you are not careful.

Ortho-k gives you the freedom to move around during the day without worrying about all the above. Your vision is also clear, so you can enjoy seeing what is around you. Children in school may also endure teasing when they wear eyeglasses. But with ortho-k, they do not have to worry about it. They are free to enjoy school and learn.

• Safe and Noninvasive

Ortho-k is a noninvasive treatment, so you do not need surgery. You do not have to worry about scars or need time to heal. The treatment is also reversible if you decide to return to wearing eyeglasses and contact lenses. Unlike other myopia management methods that may also use medication, you do not need any with ortho-k. It is a safe way to manage myopia and get the best out of it.

For more information on ortho-k, visit Inclima Eye Care at our West Haven, Connecticut office. Call (203) 694-0418 to book an appointment today.