Orthokeratology, or ortho-k, is a non-surgical approach to reshaping your cornea. It generally allows patients to return to normal vision without eyeglasses or daytime contact lenses. The ortho-k process uses specialized contact lenses worn while sleeping. They function like retainers or braces for the eyes by reshaping the cornea to allow normal vision. If you live in or near Mission Viejo and are looking for an eye doctor, consider working with one of our optometrists at Advanced Optometry of Mission Viejo.
How Does Orthokeratology Work?
We can see because light passes through our corneas and lenses before striking the retina at the back of the eye. The shape of the cornea is the main factor determining whether the light hits the retina correctly. Nearsightedness, farsightedness, and other refractive errors are primarily due to irregularities in the cornea's shape.
Wearing specialty contact lenses while you sleep reshapes the cornea so light lands on the retina correctly. The result is that you do not need corrective lenses during the day. However, ortho-k's results are temporary, so the lenses are typically worn daily or at least regularly to maintain the cornea's desired shape.
Will Orthokeratology Work for Me?
Ortho-k is commonly used to treat nearsightedness and may work for other refractive errors, but it is not generally used to treat keratoconus. It is considered an alternative for those who do not want to wear corrective lenses or have eye surgery. Additionally, your insurance provider may consider ortho-k an elective treatment, requiring you to pay more for your treatment.
Obtaining Ortho-K Lenses
The first step is an eye exam to ensure contact lenses will work for you. If you can wear contacts, your optometrist will likely use a corneal topographer to reflect light off your eyes and map your corneas. The mapping results help design sets of custom lenses worn while sleeping that reshape your corneas over several weeks. Once your corneas achieve their target shape, you can wear your maintenance ortho-k lenses nightly or as your optometrist prescribes.
Get Ortho-K Lenses at Advanced Optometry of Mission Viejo
If you want to enjoy the benefits of orthokeratology or are looking for "keratoconus treatment near me," contact Advanced Optometry of Mission Viejo, serving Mission Viejo, CA. To start the process, schedule an eye exam by calling us at (949) 770-8505 or using our online form.
