Vision: Myopia (or known as near-sighted) and Astigmatism eyes.
Ortho-K typically treats individuals up to -4.50 of Myopia and -1.50 of astigmatism. We at Spectrum Optometry utilize the latest technology, and we have successfully help patients with prescriptions as high as to -10.00D of Myopia and -4.50D of Astigmatism!
Ortho-K is perfect for individuals with increasingly worsening vision, thereby control myopia progression.
Freedom & Convenience: Anyone who wants to be free of glasses or contacts for any sports such as swimming is a great candidate for Ortho-K Therapy. Why so important to prevent Myopia (Nearsightedness)? Myopia is also known as "near-sighted" or "short-sighted." The World Health Organization (WHO) projects 2.5 billion near-sighted people by year 2020. Myopia is a progressive visual disorder that results poor distance vision. If the myopia is severe, it will impair near vision as well. In addition to weakening vision, it also changes the physical structure of the eye. It can steepen the front surface of the eye and/or stretch the retina. These changes increase the risk of future eye disease. It is one of the leading causes of blindness around the world and has a direct association with retinal detachments and glaucoma. How does Ortho-K work? Ortho-K therapy involves changing the curvature of the cornea by temporarily molding its shape using a gas permeable contact lens. The central portion of the lens fits closer to the eye than a standard contact lens - exerting a gentle pressure. The outer part of the lens surrounds the central visual zone and is farther away from the cornea allowing room for the cornea to change shape. By changing the curvature of your cornea, Ortho-K therapy refocuses light onto your retina, resulting in clearer vision. Recent studies on Myopia Control CANDY(Controlling Astigmatism and Nearsightedness in Developing Youth) The study showed myopic progression of -.37D per year in normally corrected myopes and -.03D per year in Ortho-K patients. LORIC ( The Longitudinal Orthokeratology Research in Children) The study was conducted in Asia, and found a much slower rate of myopia and axial elongation(47%) among young progressive myopes who underwent corneal reshaping compared to those who wore eyeglasses. CRIMP (Corneal reshaping inhibits myopia progression) It was a ten year retrospective study out of Australia that demonstrated control of myopia progression over a ten year time frame. Fully 70% of all participants in the corneal reshaping control group did not progress in degree of myopia over the period studied. “How safe is it?” Ortho-K therapy is very safe and we utilize FDA approved materials. The most prevalent risk is no more than your conventional contact-lens usage which is easily avoidable by good hygiene/lens care. In addition, Ortho-K therapy is completely reversible and non-invasive; if you stop wearing the lenses, your cornea will return to its original shape. “Do all eye doctors perform Orth-K therapy?” No, Ortho-K therapy does not work on every patient and needs to be performed in a very exact and meticulous manner. And not all eye doctors have the training or certification to prescribe Ortho-K therapy. Our doctors have performed this technique since 1997 and have extensive training and experience. In addition, we have the necessary diagnostic equipment, computer software to perform Ortho-K therapy. Talk to your eye care professional today and find out if Ortho-K therapy is right for you.
