What is Orthokeratology?
Orthokeratology is a gentle overnight corneal reshaping therapy. The rigid gas permeable contact lenses are applied before bedtime and removed in the morning upon awakening. Orthokeratology lenses temporarily alter the corneal curvature to correct myopia and eliminate the need to wear glasses or contacts during the day.
What is the average treatment effect?
Multiple studies show a 40-60% reduction of myopic progression compared to standard glasses and contacts.
How long does it take for vision to be corrected?
Depending on the baseline degree of myopia, it may take anywhere from 1 week to 1 month to fully correct myopia following overnight wear.
How long should my child sleep in their lenses?
Lenses should be worn for a minimum of 7 hours per night.
What happens if my child misses a night of treatment?
Missing a night of treatment will cause vision to be blurry the next day. The orthokeratology lenses temporarily correct myopia, but without nightly treatment, the cornea will return to its original shape. In the event you lose a lens, we recommend having a backup pair of lenses.
What are the risks associated with orthokeratology?
The possible risks associated with contact lens wear are eye irritation and infections. However, those risks are significantly reduced by proper cleaning of your contact lenses. Orthokeratology lenses are FDA approved, but are used off-label for myopia management.
What are the benefits associated with orthokeratology?
Benefits include freedom from daytime glasses or contacts and reduced risk of visual impairment later in life. By reducing the progression of myopia, there will be lower rates of retinal detachment, myopic macular degeneration, glaucoma and cataract.
Contact Austin Eye at 512-250-2020 to schedule an appointment and learn more about our treatment options
