If you want clearer vision without glasses or contact lenses, but are not a candidate for laser eye surgery (or simply do not want to have laser eye surgery), you have other options. A particularly exciting option is ortho-keratology, or “Ortho-K,” and it is available with the team at Linda Vision. Read on as Dr. Linda Vu, and Dr. Jenny Soo Hoo answer the most frequently asked questions about Ortho-K.
What is Ortho-K?
Ortho-K, or corneal refractive therapy, is a method to decrease mild to moderate nearsightedness and astigmatism and reduce the need to wear glasses or contacts during the day. At night, patients wear rigid gas-permeable contact lenses; the lenses gently reshape the cornea while they sleep. Reshaping the cornea allows light entering the eye to properly focus on the retina for clear vision. When patients wake up, they take out the contact lenses and can see clearly for the rest of the day!
Is Ortho-K safe?
Yes. Linda Vision uses Paragon CRT lenses, which are FDA approved for safety.
Who is a candidate for Ortho-K?
Candidates for Ortho-K are individuals who have myopia (nearsightedness) or astigmatism and want excellent vision without the use of glasses or contact lenses. Ortho-K is very helpful for individuals who have physically demanding jobs (e.g., first responders, professional athletes) or active hobbies like swimming, biking or snorkeling. The nighttime lenses can also be very useful for parents with small children that do not want to rely on glasses or contacts to see clearly during the day.
Do children qualify for Ortho-K?
Yes, children can benefit from Ortho-K, particularly children who are prone to losing or damaging their contacts or glasses. Children as young as 7 or 8 years old are able to put in the lenses by themselves.
Some studies indicate that using Ortho-K can actually prevent a child’s nearsightedness from worsening over time.
How long does it take to see results?
According to Dr. Vu, she can usually help patients achieve a functional range of vision within a week of using Ortho-K.
How do I learn more about Ortho-K?
To learn more, please schedule an appointment at Linda Vision. Please call us at (626) 382-2020 or send us an email at [email protected].