Table of Contents
- What is orthokeratology?
- 1.1 Non-surgical vision correction method
- 1.2 Enjoy clear unaided vision during the day
- 1.3 Orthokeratology in 1 minute!
- How orthokeratology lenses work
- 2.1 Correcting myopia with orthokeratology
- 2.2 Gradual reshaping of the cornea using orthokeratology lenses
- How does orthokeratology compare to contact lenses, glasses and LASIK?
- 3.1 Key differences between orthokeratology lenses and contact lenses and glasses
- 3.2 Key differences between orthokeratology lenses and LASIK
What is orthokeratology?
Non-surgical vision correction method
Orthokeratology is a non-surgical treatment for myopia and myopic astigmatism.
Approved by the FDA in 2002, its safety and effectiveness have been recognized globally, particularly in Europe and Asia.
Today, it is commonly prescribed not only to correct myopia but also to help control its progression in children.
Enjoy clear unaided vision during the day
Orthokeratology treatment involves wearing specially designed, highly oxygen-permeable hard contact lenses known as “orthokeratology lenses” overnight and removing them in the morning.
While you sleep, the lenses gently reshape the cornea, correcting your vision. Once removed, the cornea retains its new shape for a period of time, allowing you to enjoy clear, unaided vision during the day.
Note: Results can vary from person to person, and some patients may need to wear glasses or contact lenses until their vision stabilizes after starting orthokeratology treatment. Currently, only hard contact lens materials are used for orthokeratology treatment.
Orthokeratology in 1 minute!
To better understand how orthokeratology works, watch this quick one-minute video.
How Orthokeratology Lenses Work
Correcting myopia with orthokeratology
Myopia correction works by altering the way light is refracted, so that it focuses correctly on the retina. Orthokeratology involves wearing orthokeratology lenses while you sleep to gently reshape the cornea, changing the light’s refractive path and allowing it to focus properly on the retina.
Gradual reshaping of the cornea using orthokeratology lenses
Orthokeratology lenses are medical devices designed to correct myopia by reshaping the cornea without the need for surgery. The inside of the lens features several specialized curves that gently alter the cornea’s shape over time during sleep.
The effect lasts for a certain period after removing the lenses in the morning, keeping the cornea in its corrected shape. This allows the wearer to enjoy clear, unaided vision throughout the day.
How does orthokeratology compare to contact lenses, glasses and LASIK?
Click here to see a comparison of the advantages and disadvantages of different myopia treatments.
Key differences between orthokeratology lenses and contact lenses and glasses
Contact lenses and glasses need to be worn throughout the day during active hours. In contrast, orthokeratology works by wearing specially designed lenses at night while sleeping, so that the user can enjoy clear, unaided vision during the day.
Key differences between orthokeratology lenses and LASIK
With LASIK, the cornea’s shape is permanently altered, and it cannot be reversed. However, with orthokeratology, if the treatment is not suitable, the cornea will return to its original shape once the lenses are no longer worn, allowing the option to switch to another treatment.
Therefore, orthokeratology offers a non-surgical way to correct vision, providing the user with a comfortable clear, unaided vision during the day.
