At Myopicare, we offer a wide range of vision correction services to meet the many needs of our patients.
With a unique one-on-one approach to patient care and use of advanced treatment methods, we are proud to be the choice eye and vision care provider in the Bay Area. Through the use of Orthokeratology or Ortho-K, we are excited to offer patients an alternative to surgical vision correction treatments.
The Ortho K Process
The ortho-k treatment utilizes specially designed GP lenses that are conveniently worn at night while you sleep. Over the course of just a few weeks, the lenses work to gradually reduce your nearsightedness. Because your vision will be slowly changing during the treatment, you will also need to wear disposable soft lenses during the day to help you see better. After the initial 1 to 2-week treatment phase, you will only need to wear the GP lenses at night and should be able to see well during the day without corrective soft lenses.
Depending on your vision needs, you may only need to wear the corrective lenses every other night or as little as 2 to 3 times a week as time goes on. Additionally, during the Orthokeratology treatment process, you will need to make regular visits to our optometry office to make sure that the GP lenses are fitting properly and that your eyes are adjusting to a safe and healthy rate.
Are You a Good Candidate for Ortho-K Lenses?
Generally, a good candidate for Ortho-K vision correction treatment includes children ages 8 to 12 who have progressive myopia (nearsightedness) and most adolescents and adults. In fact, Ortho-K lenses are so safe that children, athletes and those who have a fear of surgery are great candidates for this type of vision correction treatment. However, Ortho-K treatment often yields best results for patients under the age of 40.
Ortho-K Lenses are also great for patients who may be too young for LASIK surgery or those who have a fear of surgery, anyone who has a prescription that will continue to change and athletes who cannot wear eyeglasses or contacts. Additionally, Ortho-K lenses are usually recommended for treating low to mild nearsightedness and astigmatism. While those with more advanced vision issues may benefit from other vision correction treatments offered by the team at Myopicare. Other vision and eye health conditions that may exclude patients from Orthokeratology corrective treatment include:
- Dry Eye Syndrome
- Enlarged Pupils
- High Myopia
Ortho-K is Great for Athletes
Children who are highly active in sports also make ideal candidates for Ortho-K lenses. In fact, anyone who is active in sports will love the convenience of Orthokeratology treatment. Because you don’t have to worry about wearing eyeglasses or contacts —which can both distract from gameplay— once your Ortho-K treatment is completed, you’ll be able to focus your energy on playing the best game possible with clear vision.
Pros and Cons Associated with Ortho-K Treatment
While every patient is different, there are some clear pros and cons that you should consider before asking our eye doctors about Ortho-K.
Orthokeratology Pros
- Non-Surgical Vision Correction
- Great for Patients of Many Ages
- Freedom from Contact Lenses and Eyeglasses
- Gradual Vision Improvement
Orthokeratology Cons
- Longer Wait Time for Results
- Not a Permanent Corrective Solution
- Higher Initial Cost (when compared to contacts and eyeglasses)
- Currently Available for Myopia Patients Only