Orthokeratology
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2020 Family Vision
Optometry & Pediatric Optometry located in Novi, MI & Lake Orion, MI
Orthokeratology is a non-surgical, reversible, and FDA-approved method for vision correction in children and adults, offering freedom from glasses and daytime contacts. It is ideal for low nearsightedness and active lifestyles. If your child has progressive nearsightedness, orthokeratology may be an effective treatment to slow its progression. At Michigan Eye and Contact Lens in Novi, Michigan, orthokeratology treatments are available for children, teens, and adults to safely reshape the cornea without surgery. Michigan Eye and Contact Lens services patients in Walled Lake, West Bloomfield, Commerce, Milford, South Lyon, Northville, Farmington, Farmington Hills, Southfield, Plymouth, Birmingham, Livonia, Brighton, Bingham Farms, Bloomfield Township, White Lake, and Highland, MI. Schedule a consultation online or by phone to learn more.
Orthokeratology Q & A
What is orthokeratology?
Orthokeratology, also known as Corneal Reshaping Therapy (CRT), is a corrective method used to improve vision while you sleep.
Orthokeratology retainers recontour the shape of the cornea. The breathable retainers work overnight to temporarily reverse the effects of myopia (nearsightedness). CRT uses a corneal mold similar in feel to a contact lens, allowing clearer vision the next day without the use of eyeglasses or daytime contact lenses.
What conditions does orthokeratology treat?
Orthokeratology is used to correct nearsightedness in children and adults and to slow or stop the progression of mild myopia in children. It may also be recommended to correct low-degree astigmatism, hyperopia, and presbyopia.
How does orthokeratology work?
A thorough eye exam is conducted to determine the refractive error of the cornea. Custom orthokeratology retainers are then fitted for overnight wear.
The treatment plan typically lasts 1–2 weeks, during which the retainers are worn 6–8 hours each night while sleeping. During the day, you may wear disposable soft contact lenses or glasses until treatment is complete. Once finished, only the orthokeratology retainers are required for ongoing correction.
Mild glare or halos around bright lights may occur initially. Following treatment, vision should be clearer. Proper hygiene and retainer care are essential to prevent eye infections and other complications.
Who is a good candidate for orthokeratology?
For children who are 8-12 years old who are mild to moderately nearsighted, orthokeratology may be an ideal treatment option. The corrective treatment can also help stop the progression of myopia in teenagers.
Adults under the age of 40 who are seeking alternatives to corrective eye surgery may also be suitable candidates for orthokeratology.
Orthokeratology treatments are not recommended for all patients. For instance, for individuals with severe myopia or dry eye syndrome may not be suitable for this treatment.
What are the benefits of orthokeratology?
If you participate in sports or frequently work around dust or debris, orthokeratology offers the convenience of not wearing glasses or contacts that can interfere with your activities.
Other benefits of orthokeratology include:
- Fast, painless treatment
- Safe and fully reversible treatment
- Can postpone eye corrective eye surgery
- No reliance on glasses or contacts for daytime vision
