Help for Your Eyes Naturally
How You Can Improve Your Vision Without Glasses, Drugs, or Surgery
By Dr. Stanley A. Appelbaum
What is myopia and astigmatism?
Myopia (nearsightedness), the most common vision problem, is a condition where light is focused in front of the retina causing blurred distance vision. Myopia is a progressive condition beginning at ages 8-12. Ortho-K reduces the corneal curvature moving the light focus back to the retina for normal vision.Astigmatism is an irregular corneal curvature causing multiple points of focus on the retina. Blurred vision, headaches, and eyestrain are the result. The irregular cornea is reshaped to a more normal shape with Orthokeratology.
What is Ortho-K?
Ortho-K is a non-surgical process which reshapes the cornea of the eye utilizing special contact lenses thereby reducing the dependence upon eyewear. An office treatment program of Vision Therapy can enhance the benefits of Ortho-K.
Is this a new procedure?
Yes, and no. Many of the principles date back to 1962, but the technology is from the computer age. The lens materials available today far exceed even soft contact lenses for providing the eye with the oxygen necessary for healthy vision.
How safe is Ortho-K?
Many people have been able to eliminate their dependence upon their glasses and standard contacts with no adverse effects or eye damage. Unlike surgical radial keratotomy, the corneal tissue is not scarred causing poor night vision and compressing corneal metabolism and the flow of oxygen. However, as with all contact lenses, care must be taken to maintain eye health.
Who can benefit from Ortho-K?
Ortho-K works best on nearsightedness and astigmatism, but lens designs for farsightedness are also being developed.Is Ortho-K for Me?
Ortho-K does not work on everyone. Diagnostic Testing will determine if you are a candidate.
Will I still have to wear glasses or contacts?
Once the desired level is obtained, the final lenses act as retainers to maintain that level, whatever that level is. This short period of daily or weekly wearing time is customized for each patient. Regular contact lenses are generally not needed. Glasses may be needed for reading or other part time use.
How long does it take to be able to see well without glasses?
Changes in vision can be appreciated within hours to days. Many cases take from three to six months to have stable functional vision.
Can Ortho-K be performed on someone who has had surgical radial keratotomy or refractive laser surgery (LASIK)?
Yes, in most cases Ortho-K can help uncorrected refractive error from RK, LASIK, and astigmatism caused by the surgery. Ortho-K cannot repair the corneal scarring or help the night vision problems associated with surgery.
A child's vision changes. Can Ortho-K help children and teenagers?
Absolutely, Ortho-K is used to retard the progression of nearsightedness and other refractive errors, and leave children and teenagers with a brighter future.
How much does Ortho-K cost?
Generally, the cost is less than 1/2 the cost of PRK. The actual cost will depend on the complexity of the case. For simple cases the cost can range from $2500 to $3500 depending on length of treatment and the number of lenses needed.
Is Ortho-K Permanent?
After treatment and maximum results are achieved, retainer lenses are worn to stabilize the new corneal shape. Failure to wear the retainer lens on an ongoing basis will result in the return to the pre-existing prescription. Retainers may be prescribed during day or night. Combining Ortho-K with Vision Therapy enhances the benefits.
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