Is Ortho-k Right For Me?
Ortho-k, also known as orthokeratology, is a process involving gas permeable hard lenses that correct your vision while you sleep so you can enjoy clear vision during the day. These customized lenses reshape the surface of the eye so that light focuses appropriately on the retina. In the morning, you can remove the lenses and will be able to see clearly all day long. Ortho-k is a surgery-free way for some people to leave their glasses behind and not have to wear contact lenses all the time.
To help you take advantage of this treatment, the experts at Opsis Eye Care have written down a few points to help you figure out if ortho-k is viable for you.
How does ortho-k work?
The cornea is a clear, dome-shaped window in the front of your eye that focuses light onto the retina and is responsible for most of the eye’s ability to focus. Its tissue is very flexible. After a Corneal Topography is done, a pair of customized shaping lenses (or gas permeable hard lenses) are ordered according to the parameters. When worn, these lenses then work by flattening the center of the cornea, changing how light is bent as it enters the eye.
Three benefits of ortho-k
a. Clear vision during the day without the use of glasses, contact lenses, or surgery
b. Studies have shown that orthokeratology can stabilize or slow the progression of myopia in children
c. Orthokeratology is reversible as it only temporarily reshapes the cornea. It is an excellent option for those who are not ready for LASIK surgery.
Challenges faced by clients
Learning to insert and remove the lenses can be challenging at first. There is an adaptation period when you start using ortho-k lenses. It can be uncomfortable initially, and the vision may take a few days or weeks to be fully clear. But once you get used to them, you will be able to enjoy clear vision during the day.
Are you a viable candidate?
Orthokeratology is appropriate for all ages and can effectively treat myopia (nearsightedness -1.00D to -5.00D) and astigmatism (up to -1.00D). Candidacy also depends on your corneal shape, tear secretion, rigidity of your cornea, and the health of your eye. Our doctors will make sure you’re a viable candidate for ortho-k during the initial evaluation and consultation.
A digital scan called a Corneal Topography is done to map and analyze the cornea (surface of the eye). A Biomicroscope exam is done of the cornea and eyelids, and a tear film assessment is also carried out. Do not be stressed or confused by these words. Our doctors will thoroughly explain the orthokeratology process and suitability for this treatment before actually beginning it.
What to expect after the initial evaluation and examination
Lens handling: A pair of customized shaping lenses are ordered according to the parameters of the initial evaluation. We will guide you through the Dos and Don’ts of lens handling, as well as teach you how to insert and remove the lenses from the eye. An initial follow-up appointment is made after the first night of wear to ensure the lenses were used properly and the eyes are working well.
Corneal health assessment: Another corneal topography will be performed to see the response of the lens on the cornea. A vision check is also performed to see how much the prescription is corrected after one night of wear (usually -0.75D to -2.00D).
Additional follow-ups: This will be needed to evaluate the fit of the lens and corneal health with continued overnight wear (maximum results are generally achieved within one to four weeks depending on your corneal shape and prescription). This process may require more than one pair of custom lenses to find the optimal fit and correction. Yearly replacement of lenses is vital as normal wear and tear and protein or lipid deposits may adversely affect the treatment and oxygen flow of the cornea.
We at Opsis Eye Care have been providing ortho-k to our patients since we opened. Our doctors are experienced with fitting ortho-k lenses for kids and adults. We have over a hundred and fifty patients on ortho-k. Currently, there are no other products better than ortho-k that can correct your vision while you sleep. If you are looking for optometrists or eye doctors in Markham, Ontario, reach out to us at Opsis Eye Care. We have a team of optometrists dedicated to providing the best patient experience and finding solutions for your eye care needs. For a seamless experience, our clinic can provide all your eye care needs. From your eye health to your glasses, contacts, eye drops, supplements, and solutions, we have it all. We offer optometry services like eye exams, contact lens fitting, Optomap, laser (LASIK) eye surgery consultation, and ortho-k (orthokeratology). We have patients visiting our eye clinic from Markham, Richmond Hill, North York, Scarborough, Vaughan, Thornhill, and the surrounding areas. Visit our website to learn more, or get in touch with us by clicking here.