WHAT IS PRECISION ORTHOKERATOLOGY?
Ortho-K is a safe, non-surgical contact lens procedure to reduce or eliminate nearsightedness and astigmatism, dramatically improving the natural vision. The Ortho-K procedure was developed in 1962 and has provided corrective eye care to thousands of patients through the therapeutic use of contact lenses. A series of Ortho-K lenses are fitted in progressive stages to gently reshape the eye’s front curvature to improve visual errors.
Like all human systems, the visual mechanism is subject to defects. However, most of these defects can be optically corrected with eyeglasses and contact lenses, and are not related t the disease. In the same sense that teeth may be straightened by the use of braces, structural irregularities of the eye (refractive errors) can be reduced or eliminated by the use of contact lenses.
Before we proceed further with our discussion on Ortho-K, it might be of help to more fully understand the operations of a normal eye, and the possible refractive errors. We have all heard of the terms Nearsightedness, Farsightedness, and Astigmatism, but few people actually understand them.
First, we need to know what is normal. In a visual system with no refractive error, there is, for every point in space, a focusing of that point on the retina (the light sensitive portion of the eye).
In a nearsighted eye (Myopia), instead of the light focusing to a point on the retina, it is brought to a focus at a point in front of the retina. When the light reaches the retina, instead of producing a point, there is a blurred circle, resulting in poor vision. Myopia is a common problem in young children, adolescents, and college students.
In cases of Farsightedness (Hyperopia), instead of the light rays focusing on the retina, they would come to a point behind the retina.
The third refractive error is Astigmatism. Simplified, it is a condition in which there is more than one point of focus for a point in space. The curvature of the cornea usually is the primary cause of astigmatism.
MYOPIA CONTROL CENTER FOR CHILDREN IN BALTIMORE, MARYLAND
Myopia is now being viewed as a worldwide public health issue, with increasing numbers of patients being diagnosed with myopia. In the United States, myopia affects approximately 40-50% of adults. High degrees of myopia put patients at risk for future medical eyes conditions such as retinal detachments, glaucoma, and macular degeneration. Myopia Control with POK lenses have been shown to be effective in slowing down the progression of myopia, which can lead to healthier eyes and lower the risk of future complications related to myopia.
For more information on go to https://myopiacontrolmd.com/myopia-control/
RESULTS
Myopia (Nearsightedness)– Mild and moderate degrees of myopia-20/200 or better unaided visual acuity, may be corrected to 20/20-20/30. Higher degrees of myopia may achieve dramatic improvements allowing that person to have functional vision without lenses, which would have been previously impossible. Astigmatism– Most mild astigmatic conditions can be reduced dramatically or eliminated. Higher amounts of astigmatism may be partially improved enhancing visual performance. Hyperopia (Farsightedness)– Maybe improved to a very limited degree.
With new contact lens designs, and oxygen permeable materials and computerization, results have improved dramatically. Many patients, utilizing these lenses in conjunction with newer techniques, are able to see improved results in much shorter periods of time.
Take the proactive approach of ensuring healthy eyes for your child’s future and contact the Myopia Center of Maryland in Baltimore. After all, our whole world is what we see, and only through maintaining healthy eyes, will we be able to enjoy all the beautiful things in life.
