Myopia and the Design of Orthokeratology Lenses
Are you frustrated with poorly fitted contacts or cumbersome glasses? Orthokeratology lenses—also known as Ortho-K lenses—are the future of vision correction. They gradually reshape your corneas over time so that, eventually, you won’t need to wear contacts or glasses at all! Read on to learn more about this innovative new technology and measuring procedure, now offered by Leonard-Bennett Optometry (formerly Dr. Barry Leonard & Associates).
How Orthokeratology Lenses Work
A traditional contact lens works by refracting light coming into the eye so that it can focus properly and bring objects into focus. Orthokeratology lenses are different. By gradually reshaping the cornea, they actually enable the eye to function correctly without correction and regain clear sight again. These special gas-permeable lenses are worn during the night and correct your vision for the following day. They are most frequently used to correct common refractive issues like myopia.
Ortho-K lenses are perfect for people who don’t want to deal with the hassle of glasses or contacts during the day. Do you find that your contacts get in the way during sports or outdoor activities? Do you have an eye condition that makes traditional contact lenses itchy or painful?
If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, then Ortho-K lenses could be the perfect choice for you. They do all the work while you sleep and are breathable and comfortable. Just wake up in the morning, take out your contacts, and enjoy!
A Better Process
Along with progressively better lenses come better methods for fitting them. At first, the Leonard-Bennett Optometry staff utilized a process known as corneal topography to measure changes in the shape of the cornea. Although this method produced a good fit for most patients, it took many long appointments to shape the lenses into the correct curvature.
Orthokeratology lenses allow ophthalmologists to adjust the shape of the cornea minutely. Because these specialized lenses can show the shape of the cornea down to a single micron, they make this process much more efficient and precise. Adjustments can be made on a minuscule level to create contact lenses that are more comfortable and durable than any you have ever worn!
What does this mean for patients? For one, since the new Ortho-K lenses are easier and more intuitive to measure, it takes fewer appointments to determine the perfect fit. The process is more data-driven, relying less on the ophthalmologist’s skill and more on exact measurements of the eye. After just a few short minutes of measuring, the results can be sent off to a lab and used to formulate a pair of Ortho-K lenses perfectly fitted to your eyes’ curvature.
Plus, these new orthokeratology lenses can be much more precise. Ortho-K lenses used to include only three curves. Now, it is possible to customize them with four or even five curves, fitting the lens more closely to the eye and optimizing its fit even further. Because the lenses are designed to fit the unique shape of your eye, they are more comfortable and produce much clearer vision.
Lens for Orthokeratology
If myopia has kept you from living your best life and enjoying the things you love, then Ortho-K lenses could empower you to have the best kind of life. Call the Leonard-Bennett Optometry office at 818-891-6711 to learn more about this new procedure and find out whether orthokeratology lenses are right for you!