Myopia is a prevalent eye condition, and the numbers are rising. It usually starts when you are young and progresses until your vision stabilizes at about 18. When you are young, it is best to have myopia treated and, even better, controlled to reduce the chance of worse eye problems later.

One of the foremost options for controlling myopia in children is ortho-k contact lenses. The lenses offer a revolutionary solution that is very attractive. Despite being used for children to control myopia, these lenses are also available for adults. They are ideal because they give you the freedom you can get from laser eye surgery without needing surgery.

What Are Ortho-k Lenses?

Ortho-k lenses are a novel treatment for myopia, one of three effective methods for myopia control that is increasingly growing in popularity. Unlike the other two, these are great options for children and adults. In adults, they provide excellent vision and immense freedom.

How Do They Work?

Ortho-k lenses have a specific shape unique to your prescription—the eye doctor designs them to fit and work for only one patient. The lenses are worn at night, gently reshaping the cornea while you sleep. They usually have a larger diameter and are gas-permeable.

They flatten the cornea, working against the natural eyeball elongation common in myopic patients. When you wake up, you will have perfect vision without needing any prescriptive eyewear. However, the results are temporary, so you must keep using the lenses each night.

So, Why Choose Ortho-k?

• Slow Down Myopia Progression

Unlike other treatments for myopia, these lenses slow down the progression of myopia in young people. They slow down the elongation of the eyeball, consequently slowing down myopia. They are also effective in delaying the onset of myopia in children predisposed to developing the condition.

• They Work for Anyone

The lenses are ideal because they can work for anyone with myopia. You do not have to worry about compatibility or other issues common with different types of contacts or glasses. They allow you the freedom that only comes with laser surgery. You can be as active as you need to be without worrying about breaking glasses or contacts slipping out.

• Quick Results

Ortho-k lenses offer very quick results for the patients who try them out. Some patients report better vision after just a night of using the lenses. The effects will continue to improve over time until your vision stabilizes. Your eye doctor will keep changing the prescription to adapt to the new corneal shape and to ensure the results keep improving.

• Comfort

The lenses are supremely comfortable, considering you have them on while you sleep. You do not have to worry about them slipping out, as your eyes will be closed the entire time. During the day, you enjoy perfect vision without worrying about any eyewear. They are easy to put on and take off, and caring for them is also quite easy.

For more about ortho-k to treat myopia, call NewView Family Eyecare at our office in Waterloo, Iowa. Call (319) 236-2020 to book an appointment today.