The Benefits Of Ortho-K For Myopia Management

**Collaborative post**

Myopia is a very common eye condition that affects both children and adults. Also called short-sightedness, myopia is a type of refractive error that is characterised by not being able to see objects in the distance clearly. There are several ways in which myopia can be managed, with pros and cons to them all.

In this article, we will be discussing the benefits of orthokeratology (ortho-k) for myopia management. Ortho-k is a non-surgical treatment option for myopia and other refractive errors. Many opticians across the UK including opticians group R Woodfall offer ortho-k treatment for their patients. 

What exactly is ortho-k? 

Ortho-k are specially designed contact lenses that are much more rigid and durable than usual corrective lenses. If you begin ortho-k treatment, you will be instructed to wear these contact lenses overnight. This means you can go without glasses or contacts during the day. 

Ortho-k works by temporarily reshaping your cornea to improve vision. Myopia occurs due to light not being able to focus properly, so by ortho-k reshaping the cornea, you’ll be able to see much more clearly.

What are the benefits of this treatment plan?  

Ortho-k offers several unique benefits to any other kind of myopia treatment. Below are these benefits in detail. 

Freedom from contacts and glasses during the day

One of the biggest advantages to ortho-k lenses is that they eliminate daytime use of eyewear such as glasses and contact lenses. This allows you the freedom of clear vision without wearing any lenses during the day, reducing your dependence on them. This means you’ll be able to do activities such as sports without worry.

Convenience

As you’ll only be wearing your ortho-k lenses at nighttime, this makes things a lot more convenient for you during the day. As mentioned above you’ll be able to participate in activities such as sports without the concern of wearing contact lenses and not being able to wear glasses if that’s your preferred eyewear option. This is convenient for those with an active lifestyle who do not want to undergo eye surgery. Ortho-k lenses are also very easy to use, as you just have to pop them in before bed and take them out in the morning, you don’t have to think about them during the day until you go to bed again.

Slows the progression of myopia

It has been shown that ortho-k lenses can actually slow the progression of myopia down by 50%. By temporarily reshaping the cornea, these lenses can help slow down the progression of near-sightedness (as it worsens over time if left untreated). This is especially promising for children with myopia. 

Non surgical option  

Some people with refractive errors such as myopia are not open to the idea of laser eye surgery. Ortho-k provides a temporary non-surgical solution, allowing you the freedom of clear vision without the need for an operation. 

Overall, ortho-k is a great option for many people with refractive errors. These specialist lense provide a non-surgical albeit temporary solution to common eye conditions. If you’re interested in ortho-k lenses, why not talk to your local eyecare providers for more information?