Ortho-k Is the Best Myopia Treatment: Here's Why

Ortho-k Is the Best Myopia Treatment: Here's Why

Ortho-k Is the Best Myopia Treatment: Here's Why

Over the past few decades, myopia has seen a rapid increase in the number of people with it. The number is especially high in children and school-going teens. The phenomenon is happening in the United States and worldwide; according to some experts, it should be considered a global health issue.

 

With the rise of myopia worldwide, researchers have been working to find the best treatments. One of the best ways to reduce the impact of myopia is through management or control of the condition. One of the most popular and effective ways to control or manage myopia is ortho-k contact lenses.

 

What Is Ortho-k?

 

Ortho-k is one of three effective methods of myopia control that slow the onset and reduce the progression rate. Other methods were used, but scientists have found them ineffective. Now, ortho-k contact lenses are considered one of the best methods of myopia treatment, first for children and then for adults.

 

Along with ortho-k, patients can have atropine eye drops and soft-distance centered bifocal lenses. Patients should consider all treatments off-label because they are not yet FDA-approved with indications of myopia control.

 

But according to many eye doctors, ortho-k is the most effective because it takes the shortest time to manifest results. Ortho-k is also the most reliable and consistent of the three options.

 

How Does It Work?

 

Ortho-k contact lenses are gas-permeable lenses by design. But unlike other gas-permeable or soft contact lenses, you wear them when you are going to sleep. They create a temporary change in your vision that usually lasts the entire day. You will have near-perfect vision if you keep using the lenses.

 

In children, ortho-k lenses slow down the progression of myopia while providing great vision throughout the day. The lenses change the cornea's shape gently and slowly while sleeping. Because myopia occurs due to the bulging and elongation of the eyeball, ortho-k lenses gently flatten the cornea's surface, reducing the bulging's effects.

 

In kids, this cornea reshaping slows down the natural elongation and delays it until their vision stabilizes.

 

Why Is It the Best Treatment for Myopia?

 

Several treatments are available for myopia, each with its advantages and disadvantages. The most popular ones are eyeglasses and contact lenses. Compared to these options, ortho-k has some significant benefits that are lacking in all of them. For one, they are the only option that can reduce myopia progression by up to 50 percent. Here are some other benefits of ortho-k contact lenses that make them the best option for myopia treatment.

 

  • Convenience

 

The first reason these lenses are so effective and gaining popularity is convenience. Because you only wear the lenses while sleeping, the rest of your day is free of worry. Other options like eyeglasses and contacts have movement issues that make them less desirable.

 

  • Comfort

 

The second most common reason ortho-k lenses are great for myopia treatment is comfort. Because you only wear them as you sleep, you are unaware of them. During the day, you do not have to keep feeling something moving in your eyes as with other contact lenses.

 

For more about myopia treatment using ortho-k, call Inclima Eye Care at (203) 694-0418 to reach our West Haven, Connecticut office.

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