The Benefits and Risks of Orthokeratology: A Non-Surgical Approach to Vision Correction
Lawrenceville Family Eyecare is an optometry practice located in Lawrenceville, GA that offers a wide range of eye health and vision care services to meet the needs of our patients. Our optometrist, Dr. Mehdi Kazem, speaks both English and Farsi to better serve our diverse community, and we offer contact lenses for patients of all ages. Dr. Kazem is a contact lens specialist and helps people with astigmatism and post-surgical complications successfully wear contact lenses.
If you are in the Lawrenceville, GA area and would like to learn about a non-surgical method to correct your vision, we can help. We offer several types of contact lenses, and we provide orthokeratology, which is a non-surgical method for correcting vision in people who have refractive errors. Learn more about orthokeratology in this article!
Orthokeratology
Orthokeratology, also known as corneal reshaping or ortho-k, is a non-surgical method for correcting vision in individuals who suffer from myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism. This procedure involves the use of special contact lenses that are worn overnight, allowing the wearer to see clearly throughout the day without the need for glasses or traditional contact lenses.
The ortho-k process begins with a thorough eye examination to determine the appropriate lens prescription. The lenses are then customized to the individual’s specific corneal shape and curvature. These lenses are designed to gently reshape the cornea while the wearer sleeps, allowing for improved vision when they awake in the morning.
Benefits of orthokeratology
One of the major benefits of ortho-k is that it offers a more comfortable and convenient alternative to glasses and traditional contact lenses. The overnight wear of the lenses means that the wearer can enjoy clear vision throughout the day without wearing eyeglasses or contact lenses to see. This can be especially beneficial for individuals with active lifestyles or those who participate in sports and other outdoor activities.
In addition to the convenience and comfort factor, ortho-k can also provide long-term vision correction. While the lenses must be worn consistently to maintain the desired level of vision correction, many individuals who undergo the procedure experience a gradual improvement in their vision over time. This means that the need for glasses or traditional contact lenses can potentially be reduced or eliminated altogether.
Risks of orthokeratology
Of course, like any medical procedure, ortho-k does come with some potential risks and side effects. The most common side effects include temporary dryness and discomfort in the eyes, as well as an increased sensitivity to light. These side effects typically resolve within a few days as the wearer adjusts to the lenses. In rare cases, some individuals may experience an allergic reaction to the lenses, resulting in redness, swelling, and other symptoms.
Overall, orthokeratology offers a safe and effective option for individuals looking to improve their vision without the need for glasses or traditional contact lenses. By gently reshaping the cornea overnight, this non-surgical procedure can provide clear vision and a more comfortable and convenient way to correct common vision problems.
If you are in the Lawrenceville, GA area and are interested in orthokeratology, we encourage you to visit Lawrenceville Family Eyecare. Dr. Mehdi Kazem is a contact lens specialist and has the expertise to provide orthokeratology services for patients of all ages. Book an appointment today!
