Orthokeratology is a form of corneal refractive therapy that is effective in lessening myopia. You wear these gas-permeable contacts as you sleep, and they reshape your cornea over time. If you are contemplating orthokeratology (ortho-k) as a treatment for your myopia, you may want to know its benefits—more so if you have experienced many inconveniences and frustrations from wearing conventional contact lenses or eyeglasses.

Here is more about the benefits of ortho-k for myopia (nearsightedness) control. Discover why it could be a perfect option for you.

Offers Clear Daytime Vision

The main reason myopic patients prefer ortho-k is that they get to enjoy clear vision during the day. They will not need to wear any glasses or contact lenses during this time. The myopia control entails wearing the rigid gas-permeable lenses as patients sleep. In doing so, the lenses gently reshape the surface of the patients’ eyes (cornea). 

This eliminates or reduces the need to wear corrective contacts or eyeglasses during the day. It means you do not have to rely on them to have a clear vision during the day. You can participate in activities like sports or occupations that require sharp vision.

Offers Effective Myopia Control in Children

Recent research shows that ortho-k is very effective in controlling myopia in children. The lenses suppress eye growth as they mold the cornea. As a result, it prevents your little one's eyes from elongating and growing. 

This prevents their nearsightedness from exacerbating. Furthermore, kids under 18 years old are not candidates for refractive surgeries like LASIK. Ortho-k offers a perfect alternative for the condition.

Treats Multiple Conditions

While ortho-k is a form of treatment for myopia, it is also a solution for other eye issues. It can effectively treat mild cases of astigmatism, hyperopia, and presbyopia. Corneal topography maps your cornea, creating personalized ortho-k contacts for treating these conditions. Consult your optometrist for more information.

It Is Safe and Comfortable

Another benefit of orthokeratology is that it is a safe option for myopia management and control. The rigid gas-permeable contacts allow oxygen to pass through your eye. It is an essential factor in maintaining the health of your cornea. Moreover, ortho-k is noninvasive and nonsurgical. This means you do not have to worry about other treatments' side effects or complications.

It Is Very Effective

Studies show that children who use ortho-k lenses have a significantly slower rate of myopia progression. This is in comparison to those who use only conventional contacts or eyeglasses. Ortho-k treatment is more effective in slowing down or even stopping myopia progression. The cornea's constant reshaping reduces the axial's elongation, the leading cause of nearsightedness.

It Is Cost Effective

Ortho-k is relatively cost-effective for myopia control. The fitting and lenses are typically less costly than conventional contacts, eyeglasses, or laser eye surgery. Although laser eye surgery is a one-time procedure, ortho-k is still more cost-effective over time, despite requiring new lenses every year or two.

For more on the benefits of orthokeratology, visit Memorial Vision at our Houston, Texas, office. Call (281) 496-1635 to schedule an appointment today.