Ortho-K: Is It Right for Me?

Orthokeratology, also known as Ortho-K, is a non-surgical treatment option for correcting refractive error. It involves wearing specially designed gas-permeable contact lenses overnight to reshape the cornea, the clear front surface of the eye. Ortho-K may be the right choice for you if you are looking for a convenient and effective way to correct your vision. 

How Does Ortho-K Work?

Ortho-K works by reshaping the cornea, which is responsible for focusing light onto the retina at the back of the eye. When the cornea is misshapen, it causes light to focus either in front of or behind the retina, resulting in blurry vision. By wearing Ortho-K lenses while sleeping, the cornea is gradually reshaped to the desired curvature. This allows light to properly focus on the retina when the lenses are removed in the morning, resulting in clear and crisp vision throughout the day.

Ortho-K is effective for a wide range of refractive errors, including mild to moderate myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism. It offers an alternative to traditional corrective methods such as glasses or daytime contact lenses.

The Benefits of Ortho-K

• Improved Vision: Ortho-K provides clear vision throughout the day without the need for glasses or daytime contact lenses. This can greatly enhance the quality of life for individuals with refractive errors.
• Non-Surgical: Unlike LASIK or other surgical procedures, Ortho-K is a non-invasive treatment option. This makes it a suitable choice for those who are not comfortable with or ineligible for surgical interventions.
• Reversible: The effects of Ortho-K are reversible. If at any time an individual decides to discontinue the treatment, the cornea will gradually return to its original shape, and the vision will revert to its pre-treatment state.
• Myopia Control: Ortho-K has shown promising results in slowing down the progression of myopia in children. By gently reshaping the cornea, it can potentially reduce the risk of developing high levels of myopia, which can lead to more serious eye conditions in the future.

How to Determine if Ortho-K is Right for You

Before considering Ortho-K, it is essential to schedule a consultation with an optometrist who specializes in this treatment. During the consultation, the optometrist will assess your suitability for Ortho-K based on your eye health, prescription, and lifestyle.

The optometrist will conduct a comprehensive eye examination, measure the curvature of your cornea, and discuss your expectations and goals. They will explain the treatment process, potential risks, and benefits, allowing you to make an informed decision.

It is crucial to provide information about your medical history and any pre-existing eye conditions to ensure the optometrist can determine if Ortho-K is suitable for you. They will also provide detailed instructions on how to care for and clean the Ortho-K lenses to maintain optimal eye health.

Schedule Your Consultation with Drs. Hiura & Hiura Optometrists Today

Ortho-K can be a game-changer for individuals with refractive errors who are seeking an alternative to traditional vision correction methods. By gently reshaping the cornea, Ortho-K offers clear and crisp vision without the need for glasses or daytime contact lenses.

If you are interested in Ortho-K, it is essential to consult with our optometrist who can evaluate your suitability for the treatment and guide you through the process. They will provide personalized advice based on your unique eye health, prescription, and lifestyle.

Schedule a consultation with our optometrist to discover if Ortho-K is the right solution for your vision correction needs, visit Drs. Hiura & Hiura Optometrists at our office in San Francisco, California. Please call (415) 776-2352 to book an appointment today.