The Mechanics of Ortho-K: How It Helps Control Myopia Progression

The Mechanics of Ortho-K: How It Helps Control Myopia Progression

Myopia is a refractive error that affects a significant portion of the global population. This condition occurs when the eye elongates, causing light to focus in front of the retina instead of directly on it, resulting in blurred distance vision. Ortho-K has emerged as a promising solution, offering a non-surgical and reversible approach to controlling myopia progression while providing clear, comfortable vision during the day.
 

The Importance of Myopia Management

While traditional methods like glasses and contact lenses can correct refractive errors, they do not address the underlying cause of myopia progression. Myopia management aims to slow or halt the progression of myopia in children and adolescents, reducing the risk of developing high myopia and its associated complications. By implementing effective interventions during the critical years of eye growth and development, individuals can potentially maintain better visual acuity and reduce their risk of vision-related problems later in life.
 

What is Ortho-K?

Orthokeratology (Ortho-K) has emerged as a revolutionary approach to myopia management, offering a non-surgical and reversible solution for controlling myopia progression. This innovative technique involves the overnight wear of specially designed rigid gas permeable (RGP) contact lenses that gently reshape the cornea, temporarily correcting refractive errors.
 

During the day, individuals can enjoy clear vision without the need for corrective lenses, as the reshaped cornea provides the necessary refractive power. The process is reversible, and the cornea gradually returns to its original shape if Ortho-K lens wear is discontinued.
 

The Mechanics of Ortho-K Lenses

Ortho-K lenses are meticulously designed to apply controlled pressure to the central and peripheral regions of the cornea. This pressure causes the central cornea to flatten, reducing its refractive power, while the peripheral cornea is gently reshaped to create a desired curvature.

The precise design of Ortho-K lenses is critical to achieving the desired refractive outcome and promoting myopia control. Advanced computer-aided design (CAD) and manufacturing techniques ensure that each lens is tailored to the individual's unique corneal topography and refractive needs.
 

During the initial fitting process, your eye care professional will carefully monitor the corneal changes and make necessary adjustments to the lens design to achieve optimal visual outcomes and ensure the safety and comfort of lens wear.
 

Benefits of Using Ortho-K for Myopia Control

Ortho-K offers numerous benefits for individuals seeking effective myopia management:

•        Slows Myopia Progression: Numerous clinical studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of Ortho-K in slowing the progression of myopia in children and adolescents. By reshaping the cornea and providing a peripheral defocus, Ortho-K lenses have been shown to reduce the rate of axial elongation, which is the primary cause of myopia progression.

•        Improved Visual Acuity: With Ortho-K, individuals can enjoy clear, sharp vision during the day without the need for corrective lenses. This can enhance their overall visual experience and quality of life, particularly for those engaged in sports or other activities where traditional corrective lenses may be inconvenient or pose a risk of injury.

•        Reversible and Non-Surgical: Unlike refractive surgeries like LASIK, Ortho-K is a non-surgical and reversible treatment option. If individuals decide to discontinue Ortho-K lens wear, their corneas will gradually return to their original shape, allowing for other treatment options to be explored.

•        Improved Self-Esteem and Confidence: For children and adolescents, the ability to enjoy clear vision without the need for glasses or daytime contact lenses can boost self-esteem and confidence, potentially improving their social interactions and overall well-being.

•        Reduced Risk of Complications: By slowing myopia progression, Ortho-K can potentially reduce the risk of developing high myopia and its associated complications, such as myopic maculopathy, retinal detachment, and glaucoma.
 

Navigating Myopia with the Help of University Optometric Center

As the prevalence of myopia continues to rise globally, the importance of effective myopia management strategies cannot be overstated. Ortho-K has emerged as a promising solution, offering a non-surgical and reversible approach to controlling myopia progression while providing clear, comfortable vision during the day.
 

By reshaping the cornea and creating a peripheral defocus, Ortho-K lenses have demonstrated their ability to slow the rate of axial elongation, the primary driver of myopia progression. This innovative technique not only improves visual acuity but also has the potential to reduce the risk of developing sight-threatening complications associated with high myopia.
 

If you or your child are struggling with myopia progression, schedule a consultation with our experienced opometrists to explore the potential benefits of Ortho-K. Take the first step towards better vision management and a brighter future. Visit University Optometric Center at our office in Irvine or Newport Beach, California. Please call (949) 216-8900 or (949) 476-2870 to book an appointment today.