How Can Orthokeratology Help With Myopia Management in New York City, New York?

Is your child stuck wearing glasses or contact lenses? Is the prescription increasing at a rate that you can barely keep up with? Orthokeratology, or “Ortho-K,” is an overnight process to correct vision, leaving you glasses and contacts free during the day. Along with the convenience of not having to wear glasses or contacts during the day, Ortho-K is a proven method of slowing slow down or even stopping the progression of myopia.

"Ortho-K also means that your child is protected from significant risks of serious vision conditions later in life such as macular degeneration and retinal detachment. At the same time, he or she is freed from corrective lenses during the day."

What Is Myopia?

Myopia or “nearsightedness” begins in childhood and continues into the teenage years. It is both extremely prevalent and on the rise worldwide. Myopia results when the eye begins to lose its spherical shape and becomes elongated as a child grows. This causes light from distant objects to land in the front, rather than at the center of the cornea, causing blurred and distorted vision. While glasses or regular contact lenses adjust for this distortion, they don’t address the underlying problem, which will continue to worsen into young-adulthood. Orthokeratology, however, DOES address myopia and keeps it from progressing.

What Is Orthokeratology?

Orthokeratology goes by a few names but is mostly referred to as:

Ortho-K
AOK (Advanced Orthokeratology)
CRT (Corneal Reshaping Therapy)
Gentle Vision Shaping System (GVT or GVST)
Vision Shaping Treatment (VST)
Corneal Molding

Regardless of the name used, Ortho-K is an established non-surgical method of vision correction that has been safely used for over 20 years. A custom-fitted and specially designed rigid gas permeable (RGP) molds are worn overnight to gently and painlessly correct the shape of the cornea. This corrects vision during the day AND reduces or even stops the progression of myopia.

More About Ortho-K

At Eye Q Optometrist, we provide state-of-the-art orthokeratology services to gently reshape your child’s cornea and correct their vision, while protecting their eyes for the future. Dr. Zlatin will assess your child's vision and custom-fit the Ortho-K lens for your child to wear overnight.

The Ortho-K contact lenses gradually mold or focus the cornea while you or your child sleeps, leaving your distance vision sharp and accurate upon waking — thus not needing to wear daytime glasses or contact lenses throughout the day. This allows you or your child to experience the clear vision required to go about daily tasks such as reading, writing, driving, and so forth.

This process is repeated daily.

The Ortho-K lenses are safe, reliable, and very effective. Orthokeratology also remains an excellent alternative for adults who either don’t want or don’t qualify for LASIK surgery or other surgical vision correction options. At Eye Q Optometrist, we have years of experience fitting Ortho-K for young children, teens, and adults for patients throughout New York City, New York, and beyond.

Who Can Benefit From Orthokeratology?

Both children and adults can benefit from the vision correction provided by Ortho-K. While it is too late to slow the progression of myopia in adulthood (and thereby mitigate the long-term risks of myopia) there are many people who can benefit from the vision correction it offers. Being free of glasses or contact lenses during the day is beneficial for different kinds of people and situations. This includes:

Adults who don’t qualify for laser surgery
People who want to avoid the complications of surgical correction
Athletes (both children and adults)
Professionals who work in hazardous conditions and require non-prescription protective eyewear (law enforcement, military, construction workers, etc.)
People with severe eye sensitivities, dry eye, or allergies that are exacerbated by wearing regular contact lenses.

Brother and Sister Benefiting from Ortho-K

Ortho-K For Children

Ortho-K is the ideal solution for children that are nearsighted, as it slows down the rate at which your child's myopia deteriorates. Furthermore, your child's risk of eye disease and their need for a new prescription is also reduced. In addition to the benefits of reducing long-term eye health risks and not needing to wear glasses during the day, children will experience improved visual performance during school and sports.

Ortho-K As A LASIK Alternative

Many adults want the benefits of LASIK eye surgery, but either they are unwilling to undergo the procedure, are concerned about complications, or have conditions that do not allow them to have LASIK. For many adults, Ortho-K is a great alternative, which leaves them glasses and contact lens free during the day, without the need for surgery.

Long-jumper after using ortho-k for myopia

Ortho-K For Athletes & Professionals

Many professional athletes, soldiers, law enforcement personnel, and construction workers choose Ortho-K lenses because they improve eye safety and visual acuity while playing sports or doing physical labor. For example, law enforcement and military personnel require excellent vision, but are limited by traditional glasses and contact lens options that may move during strenuous physical activity.

What Is The Process For Getting An Ortho-K Fitting?

Girl wearing sunglasses after orthokeratology

At our New York City, New York Ortho-K clinic, patients undergo a full Ortho-K assessment before any fitting is made. Dr. Zlatin will assess the health of your eyes, determine your exact corrective prescription, and will ascertain whether or not you are a good candidate.

Once you have been approved and assessed, the Ortho-K process works more or less in three stages:

The Ortho-K Fitting

The Eye Q Optometrist uses advanced technology to map out your specific corneal topography in order to get the exact custom shape of the lenses required to best match your eyes.

Diagnostic Shaping Lens Trial

After the initial fitting, patients will be provided with detailed instructions on how to insert, remove, and care for their Ortho-K lenses. After a few brief intervals, the Myopia Management optometrist will perform check-ups to evaluate changes in refraction and corneal topography. We will also verify that the lenses continue to fit properly and effectively, and adjustments will be made as required.

Long-Term Ortho-K Treatment

Once we have established that the initial fitting is successful, you will be required to occasionally have the progress of the Ortho-K assessed with an occasional checkup. Any minor changes or adjustments can be made in order to ensure maximal comfort and success.

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Cute little boy wearing eyeglasses for Myopia

Ortho-K Is An Investment For A Lifetime!

As the saying goes “Education is the Best Legacy.” It is very important that you give your child sound, proper education. Unfortunately, an eye defect like myopia can hinder a child from reading, writing, and learning. Orthokeratology offers a fast and effective solution to this eye defect.

By improving your child’s vision, you will be increasing his or her chances of learning and succeeding. This is definitely a lifetime investment for you and your child. The Orthokeratology procedure at Eye Q Optometrist is your best chance of controlling myopia.

Frequently Asked Questions About Ortho-K

How Is My Daytime Vision After Wearing Night-Time Ortho-K Contacts?

Usually, when you use Ortho-K overnight, your daytime vision is better than it would have been with glasses or contacts. Furthermore, you will enjoy the added benefits of full peripheral vision, no glare from glasses, and the freedom from glasses.

How Long Does It Take To Achieve Fully-Corrected Daytime Vision With Ortho-K?

The time required depends on factors such as the patient's age and prescription, as well as the patient’s specific vision needs. Children tend to see results almost immediately, while it may take two to four weeks to experience the same in adults.

Is My Vision Correction With Ortho-K Permanent?

Patients who wear their Orthokeratology lenses overnight will be able to achieve great vision throughout the day, well into the evening. Consistent use for children will likely stop the myopia from deteriorating. However, if a child stops wearing the Ortho-K lenses completely, they will have achieved some risk reduction for eye disease. In adults, however, eyes will revert to the way they were before they wore Ortho-K night-time contacts.

Can I See While Wearing My Orthokeratology Lenses?

Yes, the lenses allow you to see just in the same way as regular contact lenses. You can feel free to use your Ortho-K lenses to go about your typical evening routine, such as watching television or reading in bed before sleep.

What Is The Success Rate Of Orthokeratology?

Ortho-K has a high success rate. However, factors such as the patient’s original prescription, treatment goals, and corneal topography will affect the outcome and effectiveness. During your initial consultation, the eye doctor will provide you with detailed information regarding possible outcomes.

Are Ortho-K Lenses Safe?

Yes, Ortho-K lenses are very safe and reliable. As with any contact lenses, there is a relatively low risk of contracting minor infections or experiencing abnormal blood vessel growth. Proper use and care of the lenses will minimize these risks. Ensure that you disinfect the lenses as instructed. We recommend occasional checkups after your fitting with our Ortho-K specialist.

Is It Easy To Put In Or Take Your Ortho-K lenses?

Yes, Ortho-K lenses are very easy to insert or remove and are not substantially different than a regular contact lens in this respect.

How Often Do I Need To Replace My Retainer Lenses?

Depending on your condition, we may recommend that you replace the lenses. This becomes necessary if there is a buildup of mold or deposits, or if the lenses have become warped.

What If I Lose A Lens?

Ortho-K lenses work overnight. Without one or both of your lenses, your vision could be impaired as early as the next day. If you lose a lens, it is advisable to get a replacement lens immediately. It is often recommended that you have backup of Ortho-K lenses available.

Do I Need Lengthy Periods Of Sleep For Ortho-K To Work?

Not really. Remember that you can wear the lenses even before you’ve actually gone to sleep and even after you have woken up. Even with as little as four hours of sleep every night, your vision will have improved by the following morning.

What Are The Advantages Of Orthokeratology Over Laser Vision Correction (LVC)?

Ortho-K enjoys some distinct advantages over surgery. Ortho-K is a great option for kids, since they don’t qualify for the surgery in any event.

Adults considering Ortho-K should know its advantages over surgery:

Far lower risk of complications such as dry eye, sensitivity, or pain
You avoid the hazy or blurry vision that often occurs after laser surgery
It’s painless with no recovery time
Unlike Laser Vision Correction, Orthokeratology is reversible
Ortho-K is more cost effective
You can always choose to undergo surgery later

Does Ortho-K Hurt?

No. The procedure is non-surgical, painless, and absolutely safe. Patients only need to put on the Ortho-K lens when they sleep. There may be some initial discomfort while wearing the lenses, although this discomfort usually disappears after a few weeks of wearing the reshaping lenses.

Is Orthokeratology FDA Approved?

The FDA has approved "breathable" gas permeable contact lenses for overnight wear. These can, therefore, be used safely for Orthokeratology.

What Cities Do You Serve?

New York City | Scarsdale | Rye | Mamaroneck | and the state of New York

Find Out More Or Book An Ortho-K Consultation Today!

Is your child finding it hard to read, learn, or see faraway objects? Don’t wait until the myopia gets worse. Avoid a new prescription and give your child the gift of healthy eyes for a lifetime. Get in touch with us today at Eye Q Optometrist.

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