The Science Behind Ortho-K: How Corneal Reshaping Therapy Works to Improve Vision and Control Myopia

At LivingHope Vision Clinic, we believe that understanding the science behind eye care treatments is key to making informed decisions about your health. One of the most innovative and effective treatments we offer is Orthokeratology (Ortho-K), a non-surgical therapy that uses specialized lenses to reshape the cornea, improving vision and controlling the progression of myopia (nearsightedness).

The Science of Corneal Reshaping

To understand how Ortho-K works, it's essential to understand the role of the cornea in vision. The cornea helps focus light onto the retina, and its shape determines how well we see.

In a healthy eye, light is properly focused on the retina, providing clear vision. However, in myopia (nearsightedness), the eye is often too long from front to back, or the cornea is too curved. This causes light to focus in front of the retina, making distant objects appear blurry.

Ortho-K works by gently reshaping the cornea. The specialized contact lenses apply gentle pressure to the surface of the cornea during sleep, flattening the central part of the cornea. This process redistributes the corneal cells, resulting in a reshaped, more optimal curvature that helps focus light directly onto the retina. As a result, the individual experiences clear vision throughout the day, even without lenses or glasses.

Myopia Control: A Key Benefit of Ortho-K

One of the most exciting aspects of Ortho-K is its ability to control the progression of myopia, particularly in children and young adults. Myopia often worsens over time, with the eye growing longer as a child matures, making vision increasingly blurry. This is known as myopic progression.

Research has shown that Ortho-K lenses slow down or even halt the elongation of the eye, significantly reducing the risk of high myopia in adulthood. By reshaping the cornea and redirecting light toward the retina, Ortho-K reduces the visual stress that contributes to myopia progression.

At LivingHope Vision Clinic, we take a personalized approach to myopia management. With the help of Ortho-K, we can help control the progression of your child’s myopia and reduce the long-term risk of eye complications.

The Fitting Process: Precision for Comfort and Effectiveness

A key component of Ortho-K’s success is the custom fitting of the lenses. At LivingHope Vision Clinic, we use advanced diagnostic tools such as corneal topography and wavefront aberrometry to create a detailed map of your eye's surface. This mapping ensures that the lenses are designed specifically for your eye shape, maximizing both comfort and effectiveness.

The fitting process involves:

1. Comprehensive Eye Exam: We assess the health of your eyes and determine your prescription.

2. Corneal Mapping: Using advanced technology, we create a topographical map of the cornea to ensure a perfect lens fit.

3. Lens Design and Customization: Based on the map, we design Ortho-K lenses tailored to reshape your cornea effectively.

4. Follow-up Visits: Regular follow-ups are scheduled to monitor your progress, adjust the lenses as needed, and ensure that your vision is improving.

   
   

Ortho-K is a safe, effective, and non-invasive solution for both children and adults seeking clear vision without daytime glasses or contacts. It is especially beneficial for children with myopia, as it helps control the progression of the condition and reduces the risk of eye health complications later in life.

Schedule your first Ortho-K consultation

At our Hamilton Eye Clinic!