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A Brighter Tomorrow with Ortho-K Myopia Management


What is Orthokeratology?

Orthokeratology, often called ortho-k, is a non-surgical vision correction technique that frees you from needing glasses or daytime contact lenses. This innovative treatment involves wearing specially designed gas-permeable contact lenses overnight.

While you sleep, these lenses gently reshape the front surface of your eyes, known as the cornea, to correct refractive errors like myopia (nearsightedness) and astigmatism. The result? Clear, crisp vision during the day without the hassle of traditional eyewear. Ortho-k lenses are safe, comfortable, and suitable for all ages, making them an excellent choice for those seeking an alternative to glasses or daytime contacts.

Ortho-K Lenses

Say goodbye to glasses and contacts during the day — orthokeratology could be your or your child’s path to visual freedom.

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Ortho-k is a non-surgical vision correction technique that provides several compelling reasons for consideration. First and foremost, ortho-k offers the freedom of clear vision during the day without the constraints of glasses or daytime contact lenses. It eliminates the need for traditional eyewear, providing convenience and visual clarity.

Unlike surgical procedures, ortho-k is entirely non-invasive. You can achieve improved vision without surgical intervention, making it a safe and reversible option for all ages. Ortho-k has shown promise in slowing the progression of myopia (nearsightedness) in children, reducing the risk of high myopia-related complications. This makes it an attractive choice, particularly for young patients with progressive myopia.

The gas-permeable lenses used in ortho-k are designed for comfort during sleep, ensuring clear vision throughout the day. They are comfortable to wear and offer a convenient solution for vision correction. Ortho-k is versatile and can correct myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism, and presbyopia. This versatility makes it a practical choice for individuals with various refractive errors. One of the notable advantages of ortho-k is its reversibility. Should you discontinue ortho-k, your corneas will gradually return to their original shape, offering flexibility in your vision correction journey.

Throughout your ortho-k experience, our experienced optometrists at Rye Eye Care will provide continuous monitoring and necessary adjustments to ensure optimal results and comfort.

If you're seeking an alternative to glasses or daytime contact lenses and value a non-surgical, reversible approach to vision correction, ortho-k is a compelling choice that combines freedom, comfort, and clarity.

Hands putting orthokeratology lens into container

How Do We Control Myopia With Ortho-K?


Ortho-k involves the use of specially designed gas-permeable contact lenses that are worn overnight while you sleep. These lenses gently reshape the front surface of your eyes, known as the cornea. Doing so, they correct the refractive errors that cause myopia (nearsightedness).

The key to myopia control lies in the unique design of ortho-k lenses. They exert specific pressure points on the cornea, redistributing how light enters the eye. This redistribution minimizes the elongation of the eyeball, which is a primary factor in the progression of myopia.

By wearing ortho-k lenses nightly, you effectively 'reset' your vision each day. The lenses provide clear vision throughout the day without needing glasses or daytime contacts. Importantly, this process helps slow down the advancement of myopia.

FAQ — All Your Questions Answered
What is corneal refractive therapy? (CRT)

Corneal refractive therapy is a non-surgical procedure in which Dr. Singh personally designs a series of rigid FDA-approved Paragon CRT lenses that are customized to create a gentle change in the shape of the cornea. They are worn while you sleep and removed during the day. It is ideal for patients who want freedom from wearing glasses or daytime contact lenses without surgery.

Is CRT/ortho-k safe?

Paragon CRT contact lenses are the first therapeutic lens design approved by the FDA for overnight orthokeratology to reduce myopia temporarily. Studies have shown that the risk of infection with overnight corneal reshaping lenses is similar to that of other overnight modalities.

Who is a good candidate for CRT?

Orthokeratology can be effective for myopic (nearsightedness) and astigmatism patients to a certain extent. You are also a great candidate if you need great vision without using contacts or glasses. You could also be a great candidate if you cannot wear soft contact lenses due to allergies, inconvenience, dryness, etc.

Can corneal refractive therapy/orthokeratology stop my eyes from worsening yearly?

Studies have shown that nearsightedness progressed more in patients wearing soft contact lenses versus orthokeratology molds.

Is corneal refractive therapy permanent?

No, CRT only works as long as you continue treatment. If you stop wearing the molds regularly while you sleep, your vision and corneal shape will return to their original state in a few days, depending on the ongoing treatment.