At Envision Optical, we want you to have the clearest vision possible so you can enjoy the most precious moments in life. Based on your individual needs and lifestyle, our optometry team offer various vision correction treatments, including an advanced and effective solution known as orthokeratology.
What Is Ortho-K?
Orthokeratology, or ortho-k for short, involves using specially designed contact lenses to improve your vision. Ortho-k temporarily reshapes the cornea, the front surface of the eye, while the wearer sleeps. Think of ortho-k like orthodontic night plates - but for your eyes. The lenses reshape the cornea while you sleep, giving you clearer vision in the morning.
How Does Ortho-K Work?
Your optometrist will map the surface of your cornea using a corneal topographer. This non-invasive diagnostic device does not touch the eye; it simply reflects light off of its surface. Our team uses the results from the corneal topographer to design your custom ortho-k lenses.
The ortho-k lenses flatten the center of the cornea, altering how light bends as it enters the eye. Most ortho-k lenses are worn at night and removed during the day. Overnight lenses are sturdy enough to reshape the cornea while maintaining your eye health.
When a person removes the ortho-k lenses, the cornea stays flattened and corrects the person’s vision without the need for glasses. However, ortho-k’s vision improvements are reversible, so you must wear the lenses as instructed by our optometrists.
Who Are Candidates for Ortho-K?
The cornea is the transparent, flexible outer layer of the eye that focuses light and enables clear vision. It is understood that the cornea’s shape, curve, and thickness can affect a person’s ability to see clearly.
People with myopia, or near-sightedness, are usually successful candidates for ortho-k. One of the benefits of ortho-k is that it’s non-invasive and doesn’t require surgery. With ortho-k, a person’s vision can improve without the need to wear glasses or regular contact lenses all the time. Ortho-k may be recommended for children suffering from Myopia, if suitable.
What Can You Expect from Ortho-K?
At first, you may understandably notice that you’re wearing lenses when you fall asleep, but most patients get used to that feeling and find them more comfortable with time. Once the corneas develop the desired curve, your optometrist may recommend using retainer lenses to maintain your vision.
Ortho-k can be used for years, as long as your eyes remain healthy and you maintain your regular checkups with our optometrists.
Are You Ready to See More Clearly with Ortho-K?
If you are interested in learning more about vision correction treatments like ortho-k, we invite you to contact our team in Burleigh Waters or Tweed Heads. We always welcome new patients, offering eyecare consultations and vision correction suitable for the entire family.
We look forward to welcoming you to our eye clinic soon!