Orthokeratology
Ortho-K is a non-surgical process which reshapes (flattens) the cornea of the eye using contact lenses to reduce refractive errors (nearsightedness and astigmatism). Accelerated Ortho-K uses reverse geometry contact lenses. Flattening the cornea reduces the focusing power of the eye. Since the amount of corneal flattening can be accurately controlled, it is possible to bring the eye into correct focus and compensate for the refractive error. After the contact lens is removed, the cornea retains its flattened shape for part or all of the remainder of the day. A retainer lens must be used each day to maintain the corneal flattening, or the myopia will revert to the pre-treatment level.
The procedure was first used over 40 years ago when eye doctors noticed that some contact lens wearers' vision improved after wearing their lenses. Initially, only old-fashioned, hard contact lens material (PMMA) was used. A series of lenses were needed, each lens flattening the cornea a small amount until the desired results were attained. This took months to years to accomplish. Now, with the advent of space-age polymers, computer-assisted lathes, and technological advancement in the procedure, it is possible to achieve reduction of myopia in a matter of days.
Children and adults can be treated with Ortho-K because the principle of flattening the cornea is effective for both. Myopia control is used to slow or stop the increase in axial length of the eye that occurs in growing children who are becoming more nearsighted each year. This may result in a lower prescription, so the child won't have to wear the thick lenses he might otherwise require by the time he/she is a teenager.
Children and adults can be treated with Ortho-K because the principle of flattening the cornea is effective for both. Myopia control is used to slow or stop the increase in axial length of the eye that occurs in growing children who are becoming more nearsighted each year. This may result in a lower prescription, so the child won't have to wear the thick lenses he might otherwise require by the time he/she is a teenager.
Benefits
Ortho-K is not only an excellent alternative to the wearing of spectacles, but it also frees the individual from the distractions caused by perspiration, dust, wind, weather and temperature. There are no more blind spots caused by frame or lens edges. It is great to wear "regular" fashion sunglasses, to get up at night or in the morning and see, to go swimming and skiing, to drive in a convertible with the top down, to work in the dust, grass or in the garden, and to be able to see in cases of emergencies. People in occupations that are hindered by the use of glasses or contacts may be good candidates for Ortho-K - pilots, policemen, firemen, etc. Be sure to check with the regulations of you employer prior to undergoing Ortho-K.
Safety
Consider this. Daily wear contacts are worn 12-16 hours per day. Extended wear contacts are worn 24 hours per day. Ortho-K overnight lenses are worn 8 hours per day. Which is safer?
Overnight Ortho-K has been approved by the Federal Drug Administration.
Many lens designs have been approved by the FDA. Several lens materials used for overnight Ortho-K have also been approved. Ortho-K has been practiced safely for over 40 years and overnight Ortho-K for 15 years. Clinical studies to see more data on the risks and benefits of the overnight procedure are underway.
Many lens designs have been approved by the FDA. Several lens materials used for overnight Ortho-K have also been approved. Ortho-K has been practiced safely for over 40 years and overnight Ortho-K for 15 years. Clinical studies to see more data on the risks and benefits of the overnight procedure are underway.
Who Is a Candidate?
People of any age who have low to moderate amounts of myopia or astigmatism. We are comfortable treating myopia of -6.00 diopter prescription or less.
Who Is Not a Candidate?
Acute and subacute inflammation or infection of the anterior segment of the eye.
Any eye disease, injury or abnormality that affects the cornea, conjunctiva or eyelid
Severe insufficiency of tears - dry eyes.
Corneal hyposesthesia - reduced corneal sensitivity.
Any systemic disease that may affect the eye or be exacerbated by wearing contact lenses.
Allergic reaction of ocular surfaces or adnexa which may be induced or exaggerated by wearing contact lenses or use of contact lens solutions.
Any acute corneal infection - bacterial, fungal or viral.
Is Ortho-K in your future?
Only you and Dr. Bridge can decide that.
To find out if you are a candidate for accelerated Ortho-K, contact Dr. Bridge, (an Ortho-K specialist since 2004).
email: goIU@drjackbridge.com
To find out if you are a candidate for accelerated Ortho-K, contact Dr. Bridge, (an Ortho-K specialist since 2004).
email: goIU@drjackbridge.com
