Orthokeratology
Ortho-k
Orthokeratology, also known as Ortho-K, involves the use of custom fitted gas-permeable contact lenses to reshape the cornea in order to improve vision. Ortho-k is most commonly done to correct nearsightedness (myopia), and astigmatism.
How does Orthokeratology work?
Ortho-k treatment begins with your eye care specialist mapping out and measuring the surface of your cornea with a corneal topographer. Your eye care specialist can then design a lens that’s specifically fitted to the outer shape of your eye (cornea).
These specifically fitted and custom-designed lenses are worn overnight. Ortho-k lenses work by flattening the center of the cornea, changing how light is bent as it enters the eye. Being rigid and gas permeable, these lenses are effective at reshaping the cornea, while letting oxygen in to maintain eye health.
While undergoing orthokeratology treatment, you can expect to see better, without glasses or contact lenses, for a day or two. For best results, ortho-k lenses should be worn every night, to achieve sustained vision improvement.
Learn more about Orthokeratology by watching this video:
Corneal Refractive Therapy
Corneal Refractive Therapy (CRT) is a proprietary lens design and fitting methodology developed by Paragon Vision Sciences.
Paragon CRT lenses are worn overnight and work to gently correct the curvature of the cornea while you sleep. Upon waking the lenses are removed and distant objects come into focus with the reshaped cornea. Patients can see clearly without the use of glasses or contact lenses during daytime hours.
What else should I know about Ortho-k?
Getting a comprehensive eye exam is the first step to getting your vision corrected. During your eye exam, your optometrist will determine whether ortho-k may be a suitable option for you, and may recommend further testing or treatment.
The FDA has declared ortho-k lenses are safe for use by people of many ages, including young children and adults – as long as the specialized contact lenses are made from certain highly gas-permeable materials. The risks of ortho-k are very similar to the risks of wearing other types of contact lens correction.
