AOK Articles

What are the problems with being nearsighted? The obvious one is easy to see, you can't see well. Did you know that being nearsighted also cause more serious problems as we age? Nearsightedness is also called Myopia, and may lead to problems with the retina, macula, and glaucoma. Controlling the progression of myopia has been a very challenging task for both Optometrists and Ophthalmologist world wide. One method that has been shown to have some success is the use of Atropine eye drops. The problem with these drops are many. Atropine is a strong drug with risky side effects, it blurs the near vision so the use of bi-focal eyeglasses is required even in children, it cause extreme sensitivity to light and increase the potential of UV related damage to the eye. Atropine eye drops are not used very often because of all their side effects. Fortunately there is another method that has been shown in recent pilot studies to also slow down the rapid change in myopia for kids. Optometrists are now leading the way for a solution. A drug free method has been show to slow or stop the progression of myopia in children. It not only helps control the nearsightedness, it also temporarily reduces it. This means that children who are candidates usually stop using glasses and contacts as a result of the treatment. Orthokeratology, first developed in the early 1960's has been modernized to a state of the art specialty for Optometrists. Innovations in retainer design and materials allow Othokeratologists to treat patients in an efficient and more predictable way than ever before.
\tAccording to The Children's Overnight Orthokeratology Investigation (COOKI) Pilot Study,
“About 25% of the U.S. adult population is myopic, yet only 2% of the children entering elementary school are nearsighted. About 15% of children become myopic between the ages of 6 and 14 years, and myopia progression generally continues until about age 15 years for females and 16 years for males. Slowing the progression of myopia in this age group could ultimately impact the lives of roughly 42 million adults in the United States, because there are fewer ocular health risks associated with low myopia”. For the purpose of this article I will try to keep it less technical. The important points I want to make are:
•\tThe treatment is drug free
•\tAOK retainers are used during sleep
•\tVision is clear with or without the retainers
•\tSafety is similar to contact lenses
•\tTreatment is temporary and reversible

\tNow I get to tell you why AOK retainers are even better! Aside from the long term health benefits of keeping myopia low, just imagine how a nearsighted child would benefit. Glasses and contact lenses would be put away and almost never needed again. Sports like Ice Hockey and Swimming would become a pleasure. Most all other sports would also benefit. Social development and confidence improves without the stigma of glasses (even with today's cool eyewear).
\tAOK (Advanced Orthokeratology) is also for Adults. It is a safer alternative to LASIK. AOK is also a better choice than LASIK for women in child bearing age. Women may have a change in their prescription during pregnancy. Currently the FDA has approved this treatment for myopia and astigmatism for any age.

We also offer C-AOK (Custom Advanced Ortho-K) the most detailed lens designs avaible. For more information about this procedure. http://www.wavecontactlenses.com/orthok.htm

Is your child's vision getting worse every year?