Introduction
Astigmatism is a common refractive error. Experts from the Philippine Journal of Ophthalmology estimate that approximately 71.70% of our total population has this condition.
The lens or cornea of a person with astigmatism is irregularly shaped, which causes the light to be improperly focused at the back of the retina. This condition leads to blurry or foggy vision, eyestrains, headaches, and other common symptoms. In moderate and severe levels, it can significantly impact one’s day-to-day life.
Today, there are many effective astigmatism treatments or correction methods available. One such example is orthokeratology, a modern approach to the condition that helps patients eliminate the need to wear glasses or contact lenses (although just for a limited amount of time). Asian Eye Institute is among the eye care facilities in the Philippines that provide orthokeratology services. Learn more by reading through the rest of this article.
Explaining Orthokeratology
Orthokeratology is a non-surgical procedure that helps reshape the cornea to correct refractive errors temporarily. It is sometimes called corneal reshaping therapy, and it involves wearing special contact lenses at night that are to be removed when the patient wakes up. These ortho-k lenses will alter the shape of the cornea while you are sleeping, so you can have better and clearer vision once you wake up the next morning.
The effects are temporary, and your cornea will go back to its original shape in about 24 to 48 hours. This is why people who undergo orthokeratology treatment need to wear the lenses regularly to experience better and prolonged results.
Orthokeratology treatment is mainly done to correct myopia or nearsightedness. However, ortho-k contact lenses are also effective for astigmatism. This is why people with this condition can use the lenses if they do not want to use their eyeglasses or contacts for a short period.
It should also be noted that even if the effects of wearing ortho-k lenses do not last too long, many people still choose this vision correction method since it offers quite a lot of benefits. A few examples are:
- No More Prescription Lenses – By wearing ortho-k lenses at night, you do not have to use prescription lenses in the morning. Eyeglasses and contact lenses are effective correction methods for refractive errors, but they can be quite restrictive or cumbersome sometimes.
- Painless Procedure – Orthokeratology is generally painless. However, the lenses are a little harder than regular contact lenses, so wearers should be reminded that they might experience some level of discomfort at first.
- Cost-Effective Treatment – It might be true that the upfront cost of ortho-k lenses can be quite high. However, they are still less expensive compared to other advanced vision correction methods, like LASIK and PRK surgery.
- Flexible Option – With orthokeratology, patients can go back to wearing regular contact lenses or eyeglasses whenever they want. Additionally, ortho-k treatment is a great alternative for people who are not yet ready to undergo LASIK or other kinds of refractive surgery.
How Effective Is Ortho-K in Correcting Astigmatism?
Since orthokeratology was mainly developed to correct nearsightedness, it has led many people to wonder just how effective this method can be for astigmatism. In the end, it still depends on the type and level of astigmatism a person has.
Types of Astigmatism
Astigmatism can be classified into two types: corneal and lenticular. As the name suggests, corneal astigmatism occurs when the cornea is irregularly shaped. Some people are born with this condition, while others develop it over time because of external circumstances, like eye injuries or perhaps surgical abrasions.
By wearing ortho-k lenses, the shape of the cornea will be altered and corrected. This allows the person to have clear eyesight for a limited amount of time.
Lenticular astigmatism, meanwhile, happens when there are minor variations in the curvature of the lens of the eyes. In this case, the cornea might be regularly shaped, so orthokeratology might not work for this specific type of astigmatism.
Levels of Astigmatism
There are several levels of astigmatism. People with mild or low astigmatism barely notice the symptoms because they can still see normally most of the time. Nevertheless, it is recommended that they still use prescription lenses. Those with mild astigmatism, on the other hand, can check with their doctor if they can wear ortho-k lenses to correct the shape of their cornea and eliminate the need for contact lenses or eyeglasses during the day.
Meanwhile, people with moderate levels of astigmatism need to wear glasses or contact lenses to see the world around them. Without prescription lenses, they might experience headaches, blurry vision, and other common symptoms. Orthokeratology is perfect for people with moderate levels of astigmatism; they can expect satisfactory results in the morning if they use ortho-k lenses at night.
Lastly, there are people with high or severe cases of astigmatism. The symptoms of the condition (like blurry vision and headache) are already affecting their day-to-day lives. This can lead them to struggle with performing basic tasks without wearing their eyeglasses or contact lenses. Ortho-k lenses might work for high astigmatism, but it is advisable to speak with a doctor first to check if orthokeratology is the right correction method.
Other Common Correction Methods for Astigmatism
If your doctor sees that orthokeratology is not the right option for you, you should know there are other astigmatism treatments or correction methods available for you to choose from. You can opt to wear glasses or contact lenses, for example. They are widely considered the most common and arguably the least expensive correction methods.
Surgical procedures, like LASIK, PRK, and ICL, are available, as well. However, you would need to undergo several tests to ensure that you are eligible to undergo operation.
Consult a Trusted Eye Doctor Today!
There are different signs and symptoms of astigmatism you should watch out for. If you are experiencing any of them, be sure to speak with an eye doctor as soon as possible to get a proper diagnosis. The specialist will conduct different tests to check your eyesight and determine the best ways to have your vision corrected.
For astigmatism (and other kinds of refractive errors), wearing eyeglasses or contact lenses is among the most common correction methods. Surgery, meanwhile, is one of the last resorts. Orthokeratology treatment is also available, so be sure to ask your doctor if you are eligible for it.
Asian Eye Institute is here to provide you with expert eye care. We have well-trained and highly experienced doctors who can use state-of-the-art facilities and modern equipment to correct your vision. For more information about our services, you can contact us through our online channels and phone numbers.
Conclusion
The appropriate astigmatism correction method depends on many factors. When you consult a doctor, they can conduct the necessary eye tests that can help determine the right ways to correct your vision.
Ortho-k is just one of the options, and they are recommended for people who engage in contact sports and do a lot of strenuous activities. They are also perfect for patients who no longer want to wear glasses or contact lenses during the day. If you want to undergo orthokeratology treatment, be sure to inform your doctor so they can check if you are eligible for it. However, they will recommend other correction methods (like prescription lenses or surgery) if they find out that you cannot use ortho-k lenses.
Consulting a trusted eye doctor is crucial to get a proper diagnosis and be informed about the various correction methods available to you. Asian Eye Institute is here to help you. Schedule a consultation with our eye specialists today to learn more about orthokeratology and other options to manage your astigmatism.
