Orthokeratology Q&A

If you’re nearsighted or have difficulty seeing objects that are far away, a simple solution is within reach at Alamo Eye Care in San Antonio, Texas. Melanie Frogozo, OD, FAAO, FSLS, Swati Kumar, OD, FAAO, and their experienced team offer orthokeratology treatment to change the shape of your eyes, perfect your vision, and decrease nearsightedness. Call the office to schedule an appointment or book one online today.

What is orthokeratology?

Orthokeratology (ortho-k) is a treatment commonly used for nearsightedness. You wear gas-permeable, rigid contact lenses to improve the curvature of your eyes and reshape your corneas. This type of lens slows the elongation of nearsighted eyes, which reduces vision problems in adults and children.

What are the benefits of orthokeratology?

Some of the many benefits associated with orthokeratology treatment for nearsightedness include:

• Clear vision

• No surgery

• Reduced blurred vision

• Better quality of life

• More success at work or school
  
  

Orthokeratology helps you see better while driving, reading street signs, and looking at a chalkboard in school. With orthokeratology, you can wear contact lenses at night while you sleep to reshape your eyes and improve vision.

How does orthokeratology work?

Ortho-k works by flattening the center of your cornea, changing the way light bends as it enters your eye. Orthokeratology lenses are gas-permeable and sturdy enough to reshape your cornea while allowing oxygen to enter. Wearing the lenses regularly at night keeps your vision corrected without the need for glasses.

Your ophthalmologist first maps the surface of your cornea using specialized instruments and designs lenses that fit your eyes comfortably.

Is orthokeratology right for me?

To find out if you’re a candidate for orthokeratology treatment, your eye doctor reviews your symptoms and eye health history. Then, they complete an eye exam to evaluate the health of your eyes and vision testing to see how well you can see from short and long distances.

What should I expect during orthokeratology treatment?

You begin wearing your contact lenses when you sleep; they may be uncomfortable initially but should get easier over time. If you wear the lenses as directed by your eye doctor, you can retrain the new shape of your cornea. Continue wearing the lenses regularly at night to reduce your risk of future vision impairments.

See your eye specialist regularly so they can evaluate your vision and eye health and make changes to your treatment regimen as needed.

To learn more about orthokeratology and determine if it’s the right vision correction treatment for you, call the Alamo Eye Care office or schedule an appointment online today.