Orthokeratology, also known as ortho-k, is a treatment technique used for correcting myopia without surgery. If you want to know more, visit one of our skilled optometrists at Child & Family Eyecare in Wichita to see if ortho-k is the best option for your eyes.

What Is Ortho-K?

If you have minor nearsightedness, you have several options to correct your eyesight. You may wear contact lenses or eyeglasses throughout the day, opt for laser eye surgery, or choose orthokeratology.

This last procedure requires you to wear rigid gas permeable (GP) contact lenses overnight instead of during the day. The lenses slowly and painlessly push your corneas back into a shape that normalizes your vision throughout the following day. While you will need to wear the lenses regularly at night to maintain your corrected vision, you can forego glasses or contacts at work, school, or during play.

Signs and Symptoms That You Need Orthokeratology

Most often, eye doctors will only recommend ortho-k for those with mild or moderate nearsightedness (myopia). If you have a prescription of -4 diopters or less, you may qualify for ortho-k.

Sometimes, optometrists will recommend ortho-k for those who do not want surgery or must wait for LASIK surgery until after their eyes stop developing in their 20s. In a few studies, eye doctors use ortho-k to slow the rate of childhood myopia and prevent a child from needing glasses later in life.

How an Eye Doctor Determines the Need for Orthokeratology

To determine if you are a good candidate for orthokeratology, you will need an eye exam first. The optometrist can assess the strength of your vision to see if you can benefit from the corrective ability of ortho-k lenses. You will also undergo procedures to find the correct size and shape of corrective lenses. Many people will need soft contacts during the day for the first couple of weeks as the ortho-k lenses move your corneas into the correct shape.

What Makes Ortho-K Treatment Important

Orthokeratology is a good alternative to surgery. In fact, many people opt for this procedure because it costs roughly half the amount of LASIK for standard lenses. However, the cost may increase if you need stronger prescription lenses or additional fittings. Some people may prefer LASIK in the future as a more permanent solution.

For those who play sports and cannot wear glasses or contacts during play, ortho-k is a good solution to maintaining sharp vision on the field.

Failing to get ortho-k or another form of treatment for nearsightedness could affect your ability to see clearly enough to work, drive, or participate in school.

See Us at Child & Family Eyecare in Wichita for Ortho-K

Find out of orthokeratology can solve your vision issues. Phone our clinic at Child & Family Eyecare in Wichita at (316) 721-8877. You can schedule your eye exam with us to find out if you need corrective lenses and if ortho-k can replace your need to wear glasses or contacts during the day.