Orthokeratology, also known as orthokeratology or corneal reshaping, is an innovative procedure that uses specially designed contact lenses to temporarily reshape the cornea overnight and correct vision without glasses or contacts during the day. This procedure is gaining popularity as an alternative to vision correction surgery or wearing glasses and contacts. Here is an in-depth look at orthokeratology and what it can offer patients with nearsightedness.
How Orthokeratology Works
Orthokeratology works by using gas-permeable rigid contact lenses, also called orthokeratology lenses, that are thinner and stiffer than traditional soft contact lenses. These specialized lenses are precisely designed for each patient’s eye prescription and are worn overnight while sleeping. As the patient sleeps, the lenses gradually reshape the corneal surface into a more flattened curve.
This temporary reshaping, known as corneal refraction, counters and cancels out the effects of nearsightedness. By morning, the corneas have remodeled themselves into a flattened shape, resulting in temporary clear vision without glasses or contacts. The effects usually last throughout the day or even up to a week. When the temporary reshaped corneas “relax” back to their original shape overnight, the lenses are worn again to maintain clear daytime vision.
Benefits of Orthokeratology
Orthokeratology offers several advantages over traditional vision correction methods:
– Independence from glasses or contacts during waking hours: Patients can enjoy crisp, clear vision all day without the hassle of wearing glasses or contacts. This allows for greater freedom and comfort.
– Potential slowing of nearsighted progression in children: Some studies have shown orthokeratology may help slow the progression of myopia (nearsightedness) in children, unlike glasses or contact lenses which do not address underlying refractive error progression.
– Reversibility: The corneal reshaping effect is temporary and fully reversible once orthokeratology lens wear is discontinued. This provides an opportunity to take breaks from lens wear when needed.
– Enhanced nighttime comfort: Orthokeratology lenses are worn only at night while sleeping, avoiding the discomfort that can occur from wearing traditional soft contact lenses throughout the waking day.
– Alternative to refractive surgery: It offers visual correction without the risks, difficulties or high costs associated with LASIK or other refractive surgeries. Orthokeratology may also be preferable for those not yet ready for permanent surgery.
Candidate Selection and Fitting Process
Not everyone is a good candidate for orthokeratology. The fitting process is also more involved than for traditional glasses or contact lenses. Eye care professionals consider several factors to determine suitability, including:
– Refractive error: Orthokeratology works best for low to moderate nearsightedness (up to -6.00 diopters). Higher prescriptions may not receive full daytime correction.
– Corneal health: Patients must have healthy corneas with no disorders that could interfere with reshaping.
– Lens fitting: A trial process is required to precisely fit the lenses and ensure optimal corneal molding without discomfort. Multiple follow-up visits are usually necessary.
– Lifestyle: One must be willing and able to properly handle and care for the orthokeratology lenses on a daily basis as directed.
– Expectations: Patients should understand orthokeratology provides temporary rather than permanent vision correction.
When properly fitted by an experienced practitioner, orthokeratology lenses can provide clear uncorrected daytime vision within a few weeks of consistent overnight wear. Careful follow-up is important to ensure the cornea reshaping process remains stable.
Side Effects and Risks
As with any contact lens wear, orthokeratology does carry some risks, though complications are generally minor if the lenses are properly fitted and cared for. Potential side effects can include:
– Mild discomfort during the initial adaptation period as the cornea adjusts to the lenses. Topical lubricants may help. Discomfort usually decreases significantly over time.
– Temporary increased light sensitivity, halos or stars around lights at night during adaptation. This resolves as the cornea stabilizes.
– Superficial corneal abrasions from improper lens handling can occur but are easily treated and do not cause lasting damage.
– Rare risks include infection (<1% of cases) if lenses are not cleaned properly or worn too long between replacements. Proper hygiene can prevent this.
– There is a small chance orthokeratology may not fully reverse if lens wear is discontinued, resulting in permanent refractive error change. However, this is unusual with proper follow-up.
Overall, risks are minor and managed well by adhering to practitioners’ care and replacement schedules. Orthokeratology remains a very safe procedure with close monitoring.
Conclusion
As a non-surgical option for nearsighted vision correction, orthokeratology is gaining popularity as a comfortable alternative to glasses, contacts or surgery. For the right candidate, it provides stable uncorrected vision throughout the day simply by wearing specialized lenses overnight. With proper fitting, follow-up care and maintenance of lenses, orthokeratology delivers refractive benefits with minimal risks. As research continues, this innovative approach may become a preferred frontline treatment for low to moderate myopia in both children and adults.
*Note:
1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it
