If your optometrist has recommended orthokeratology for you, there are a few things you need to expect. Orthokeratology, or Ortho-k, is a fairly new procedure meant to correct myopia and other vision problems. They are perfectly safe for children as well, which is why most patients that need it start the procedure in their adolescent years.
Orthokeratology can be an effective alternative to prescription glasses or contact lenses but, like its more traditional counterparts, their proper use also needs to be followed religiously and with respect. Let our specialists at Alderwood Optical & Canyon Park Vision Clinic explain what happens when you get your first pair of Ortho-k lenses.
Your optometrist will recommend Ortho-k for various eye conditions like hyperopia or astigmatism, but they are commonly used for myopic patients. Ortho-k lenses are designed quite literally to “re-shape” the corneas of your eyes, making minute adjustments that can temporarily correct shortsightedness. The effects last for a good three to five days, during which no lenses need to be worn.
After an eye exam, your doctor will take all necessary measurements to help design a pair of Ortho-k lenses that’s right for your needs. These lenses are gas-permeable and are meant to be worn while you’re asleep. They work by making small adjustments to the cornea at night. These changes last after the lenses are removed and wear out after a few days.
You’ll likely wear your Ortho-k lenses for about 7-10 days or as your optometrist prescribes. Once finished, you’ll need to return to your doctor for another eye exam and to get a new re-adjusted pair that will work better with the effects of your previous pair.
Get your first pair of Ortho-k lenses from our specialists at Alderwood Optical & Canyon Park Vision Clinic, your trusted eye care provider. Give us a call at (425) 771-8472 if you are in the Lynwood area, or (425) 485-0430 if you are in the Bothell area. You could also fill out our contact form to request a consultation with our specialists today. We serve patients in Bothell, Lynnwood and Shoreline, WA.
