There is a lot of interest in slowing down the progression of nearsightedness or myopia. The interest stems from the increasing prevalence of nearsightedness. It is happening not just among adults but also among children.

What Is Nearsightedness?

Myopia or nearsightedness is a refractive error that causes objects at a distance to appear blurry. This focus happens when the shape of the eye becomes elongated with time. It causes light rays to focus in front of the retina instead of directly on its surface. Although it has no cure, there are treatments and strategies to manage it.
 

Treatment for Nearsightedness

Treatment of nearsightedness aims at improving your vision. It helps focus light on your retina. One of the more common treatments is prescription lenses. These can be in the form of eyeglasses or contact lenses.
 

Another option is refractive surgery. However, refractive surgery is not suited for children. It is also an invasive treatment that could result in complications. Due to this, doctors opt for refractive surgery as a last resort. Researchers have made great strides in other treatments. One of these therapies that have shown great promise is orthokeratology.

 

Orthokeratology (Ortho-k)

Orthokeratology or ortho-k involves the use of rigid, gas-permeable contact lenses. The lenses reshape your cornea as you sleep. They then allow you to see well without using prescription glasses or lenses. Ortho-k is mainly effective in adults with mild myopia and children.

 

How Ortho-k Works

Ortho-k’s rigid gas-permeable lenses allow oxygen to circulate on your eye as you sleep. They are thus safe and comfortable to wear. The lenses are for use only at night for six to eight hours as you sleep. You then remove them in the morning.
 

Ortho-k lenses create a circular multifocal shape effect on the cornea. They do this by flattening the cornea. They redistribute cells, causing the peripheral part of the cornea to become thicker. It bends light and refocuses peripheral light rays back to the surface of the retina.
 

When the light rays refocus, vision improves, peripheral blur decreases, and eye elongation slows down. Hence, the whole process slows down the progression of nearsightedness.

 

Fitting for Ortho-k Lenses

For the best results, the lenses are custom fit to an individual. The eye doctor takes measurements of your cornea. This allows them to make lenses set to the unique shape of your eye. Just before going to sleep, you wear the lenses. During the night, they flatten the center of your cornea.
 

It allows you to enjoy clear vision during the day. There is no need to wear eyeglasses or contact lenses. Your eyes will see clearly on their own. For best results, wear your ortho-k lenses every night.

Reasons to Pick Ortho-k

Ortho-k slows down the progression of myopia and the development of worse eye-related health risks. These include glaucoma, cataracts, retinal detachment, and macular degeneration. It is non-invasive and thus safe and suitable for all ages.
 

Finally, ortho-k lenses will give you self-confidence and freedom from the hustle of lenses. Contacts and prescription eyeglasses can be burdensome. On the other hand, you only wear ortho-k lenses at home and leave them there.
 

For more information on how to slow the progression of nearsightedness, visit Alpha Eye Group at any of our offices in Philadelphia, Wyomissing, Bethlehem Township, or Doylestown, Pennsylvania. You can call (215) 698-7760, (610) 376-7272, (610) 866-1000, (215) 878-7181, or (215) 230-4060 today to schedule an appointment.