Orthokeratology Treatment

How Orthokeratology Works?

Ortho-K lenses are worn overnight, gently reshaping the cornea while the patient sleeps. The cornea is the clear front surface of the eye that focuses light onto the retina. By altering its shape, these lenses correct the way light enters the eye, thus improving vision. Upon waking and removing the lenses, the patient can enjoy clear vision throughout the day without the need for additional corrective eyewear.

The Ortho-K Fitting Process

The fitting process for Ortho-K involves several steps:

Comprehensive Eye Exam: The eye doctor performs a thorough eye examination to determine the patient's suitability for Ortho-K. This includes measuring the corneal topography, which maps the surface curvature of the cornea.

Lens Selection and Fitting: Based on the corneal measurements, the eye doctor selects or customizes Ortho-K lenses to fit the patient's eyes precisely. The patient is then instructed on how to insert, remove, and care for the lenses.

Initial Overnight Wear: The patient wears the lenses overnight and returns to the clinic the following day for an evaluation. The eye doctor assesses the corneal reshaping and visual acuity, making any necessary adjustments to the lenses.

Follow-Up Visits: Regular follow-up visits are essential to monitor the cornea's shape, ensure proper lens fit, and assess vision improvement. These visits help ensure the treatment is effective and safe.

What you need to know when undergoing Ortho-K treatment?

Before starting orthokeratology treatment, you must undergo a series of tests. Your optometrist will test your cornea, retina, and other parts of your eyes to determine if you are a candidate. They will also map your cornea with a tool known as a topographer. This is similar to a road map showing the curvature of your cornea with all the ups and downs. Apart from the information from the mapping of your cornea, your doctor also needs to know the size of your cornea, and the prescription needed to correct your vision. This data allows the lab to design and create the best fit Ortho-K lens for your eyes.

You will be given the necessary instructions on how to insert your vision retainers. You will also be given instructions on how to remove and take proper care of it. It is important that your doctor sees you after wearing your lenses for the first night. This is because your fit and corrected vision has to be re-evaluated and monitored. Your optometrist will be mapping your cornea at each visit to ensure the desired effect of the lenses is achieved and maintained.

Your eye doctor has to monitor the health of your cornea and the improvement of your vision. They also have to monitor the effectiveness of the treatment all through the initial fitting period and on a regular basis afterward. You usually have to be seen one day, two weeks, three months, and six months post-wear.

Myopia Control with Orthokeratology

What is myopia and how is it managed?

Myopia, commonly known as nearsightedness, is a refractive error of the eye where distance objects are blurry. This occurs when the eyeball is too long or the cornea (the outermost layer of the eye) is too curved, causing light rays to focus in front of the retina instead of directly on it. As a result, the image formed on the retina is out of focus, leading to blurry vision for distant objects.

Myopia management is a treatment program prescribed by eye doctors to stop or slow down the progression of myopia. A recent study predicted that by the year 2050 half of the world's population will be classified as myopic, or near-sighted. Of that portion of the population, 10% will develop myopia of 5.00D (diopters) or stronger. Childhood myopia can cause eye disorders and pathologies later in life, some of which are sight-threatening. With that in mind, research has been ongoing into ways to manage, mitigate, and minimize the effects of myopia, particularly in children when caught early enough.

Assessing your child's risk for developing Myopia

The aim of the program is to use specialized therapy to control myopia progression in children. The therapy involves using tools such as specialized glasses lenses, contact lenses, or medications (eye drops). As part of the treatment program, specific equipment is utilized to test and monitor the growth of the eye at frequent follow-ups.

• Reducing myopia progression can benefit individuals by:
• Reducing the dependency on corrective lenses with lower prescription

Reducing the risk of myopic eye disease, which is caused when the eye elongates in myopia. This stretching of the tissues of the eye causes weakness to occur in the back of the eye. Increasing the risk of retinal detachment and myopic macular degeneration, as well as increases the risk of Glaucoma and cataracts.

What can parents expect when using Orthokeratology to manage their child's myopia?

Every child's needs and adaptation tendencies are different, which are taken into consideration when fitted with Ortho-K lenses Toronto.

As part of the treatment plan, several follow-up visits with the optometrist are scheduled following the initial evaluation appointment. The first follow up visits are done after the first night wear as well as after two weeks to assess for the success and viability of the treatment. After the initial follow-up visits, the child will be seen by his optometrist every four to six months for regular myopia progression monitoring and treatment management. During those follow-ups, several tests are performed including measuring the axial length of the eyes to monitor for elongation. Your optometrist will discuss with you the results at each visit and any needed changes on an ongoing basis.