Who Is a Candidate for Ortho-k?

Ortho-k or orthokeratology is a non-invasive form of corneal refractive therapy. It involves wearing a contact lens overnight that gradually reshapes your cornea while sleeping. The reshaping of your cornea is not permanent. It can revert to its former shape once you stop wearing the contact lenses. Ortho-k is only ideal if you fall within the following categories.
 

Adults With Vision Problems

Orthokeratology can help with several vision issues. A person with nearsightedness of approximately -9.00 can benefit from these contacts. Depending on your level of astigmatism, you may require this prescription. It has better results with lower astigmatism than with higher.

A person with farsightedness experiences different outcomes with this treatment. Ortho-k is also ideal for a person with presbyopia. You may still have to wear glasses when reading, but your nearsightedness will reduce.

People with dry eye syndrome can also benefit from ortho-k since invasive eye surgery can complicate the condition.
 

Children With Myopia

Ortho-k is ideal for children between the ages of 7 to 18. You can rest easy knowing that the lenses never leave home. They wear them only at night and take them off when they wake up. Doing this makes it easier for you to supervise their wearing habits.

Updating the prescription is simple with every eye exam. Children with quickly escalating myopia can benefit from the preventive effects of ortho-k. It is ideal for children with hereditary and non-hereditary vision problems.
 

People With a Family History of Myopia

If your family has a history of nearsightedness, your chances of developing future vision problems increase. Some of these eye problems include retinal detachment and glaucoma. Ortho-k helps slow the advancement of myopia in both adults and children.
 

Athletes

Ortho-k is advisable for athletes who choose not to wear contacts or spectacles during their sporting activities. It is predominantly helpful for children under 18 since they are not old enough for refractive surgery.

Wearing the lenses keeps them free from eyeglasses and helps them engage in their sporting activities effortlessly. The sports that are ideal for ortho-k include water and contact sports.
 

People Unable to Undergo Elective Eye Surgery

There are several reasons why you may not qualify for elective surgery. For some, it may be fear of going under the knife or disqualification on medical grounds. Ortho-k also gives you an option for future eye surgeries. Allergies are also an ideal reason to opt for these lenses. Another advantage of orthokeratology is that it is cheaper than any other form of laser vision correction.

Your working environment can require you to opt for ortho-k lenses. Dirty or dusty environments can wreck spectacles and contacts. There is no higher age limit for the procedure. Unlike laser eye surgery, orthokeratology is reversible. The individual can stop wearing at any point without any ill effects.
 

Who Is a Bad Candidate for Ortho-k?

Despite the procedure being safe and affordable, it is not suitable for everyone. You must undergo a comprehensive eye exam to qualify for it. Some eye conditions can disqualify you from ortho-k. They include:

• Cataracts

• Glaucoma

• Eye infections like keratitis and ocular herpes

• Large pupils

• Keratoconus
   

For more on being a candidate for ortho-k, visit Marshall EyeCare at our office in Aberdeen, New Jersey. You can also call (732) 837-0988 to book an appointment today.