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Ortho-K Overnight Vision Correction

Tomball Ortho-K Vision Correction


Your Tomball Ortho-K team at TSO North Spring wants you to understand the basics about orthokeratology (ortho-k) and Corneal Refractive Therapy (CRT). Ortho-k and CRT are specialized lenses which help to shape vision while they are worn at night. Ortho-k, which has been around for many years, offers an effective non-surgical way for nearsighted people to have clear vision without wearing eyeglasses or inserting daytime contact lenses. CRT lenses, made by Paragon and FDA-approved in 2002, are an advanced version of ortho-k lenses constructed from newer materials.

How does it work? Dr. Roof will choose custom-fitted, gentle vision shaping contact lenses that are worn while you sleep. These lenses temporarily reshape the cornea to improve vision during the day. You will be able to see clearly without the need for eyeglasses or contact lenses.
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Ortho-K for Children


Ortho-K Overnight Vision Correction has been shown to slow the progression of children’s nearsightedness.

Nearsightedness, or the technical name Myopia is more and more prevalent in this digital day and age. Ortho-K can slow the progression and give your child the chance to see clearly without the need for glasses or contacts all day long.

Even after years of needing eyewear, CRT can allow your nearsighted child to leave home and view the world, in all its detail, without any eyewear at all. Before bedtime, she’ll need to insert the CRT specialized, gas permeable lenses into her eyes. While sleeping, these contacts will gently mold her cornea into a new shape, correcting the refractive error causing myopia (nearsightedness). Upon awakening, she’ll remove the lenses and enjoy sharp vision. The effects typically last one to two days, so these ortho-k lenses must be worn regularly for consistent results.

Many scientific studies have shown that in addition to correcting vision temporarily, CRT can slow, or possibly halt, the continued progression of myopia in kids – by as much as 90%! By flattening the corneal curvature, CRT can control the further decline of nearsightedness. As long as your child has healthy eyes and mild to moderate myopia, he may be a good candidate for ortho-k.

Ortho-K is safe for children and adults. To see if Ortho-K is right for you, you will need to schedule an Ortho-K evaluation with your optometrist.

Will Ortho-K Work for me?


Ortho-k is very suitable for nearsighted people who are not appropriate candidates for vision correction surgery, such as children. Individuals of all ages with healthy eyes can try ortho-k, namely because it can be discontinued at any point without permanent effects to the eyes.

People who require vision correction and engage regularly in sports or work in extremely dusty, dirty environments will also appreciate the convenience of ortho-k.

Does Ortho-k Really Work?


Success rates for ortho-k are generally higher for more mild vision prescriptions. The ideal goal is to provide 20/20 vision without any need for eyeglasses or contacts during the day.

According to FDA trials conducted on both CRT and VST lenses, more than 65% of ortho-k patients achieved 20/20 visual acuity. More than 90% of ortho-k patients achieved 20/40 vision or better! (this is the legal requirement for driving without vision correction in most states). Your eye doctor will be able to assess whether your vision prescription is within range for successful ortho-k treatment.

Note that although improvement in vision is generally reported within a day or two of wearing ortho-k overnight, the full effects may not be experienced until the lenses are worn for a few weeks. During this transition period, your vision will probably not be as crisp as it was with regular contacts or eyeglasses, and glare or halos around lights may be visible. Until ortho-k works fully, a temporary pair of eyeglasses may be required for specific actions, such as driving at night.

How Does Ortho-k Feel?


Although some people have trouble wearing regular gas permeable contact lenses during the day, ortho-k GP lenses are worn while sleeping – so discomfort and awareness of the lenses in your eyes is generally not an issue.

Ortho-k Cost


Professional fitting for ortho-k requires a series of visits to your eye doctor. A number of pairs of contact lenses are also generally needed. GP lenses that are special for ortho-k are more costly than standard contacts. In sum, the fees for ortho-k add up to a higher total than regular contact lenses.

LASIK after Ortho-k


Refractive surgeries, such as LASIK, are possible after treatment with ortho-k lenses. Yet because ortho-k works to reshape your cornea, you are required to stop wearing the lenses for several months before undergoing LASIK. This allows your eyes to return to their original shape.

It’s important to inform your LASIK surgeon if you’ve been wearing ortho-k lenses, and you will be advised as to how long of a wait is necessary before having the laser procedure.

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