Introduction
Myopia, along with other refractive errors, is among the most common eye conditions that affect Filipinos. It is characterized by the inability to see faraway objects clearly, so it is also called nearsightedness. People with myopia might have trouble recognizing faces or reading small texts, especially if they are at a considerable distance from the person or item they are looking at.
Wearing eyeglasses or contact lenses is one of the common ways to manage myopia. However, this correction method has some limitations, especially because these visual aids are quite easy to misplace or damage. An alternative is undergoing surgery. The available procedures can be quite costly, though, so they might not be the right option for those on a tight budget.
Another option is wearing ortho-k contact lenses for myopia. Orthokeratology treatment is a modern and non-surgical procedure that provides myopic people with clear vision for a limited amount of time. We offer this service here at Asian Eye Institute, so you can reach out to us if you wish to determine if you are eligible for it. However, if you wish to be more informed about orthokeratology first, reading this article will greatly help.
Orthokeratology and Myopia: An Overview
Nearsightedness is caused by an irregularity in the shape of the eyeball. The eyeball is supposed to be round, but for myopic people, it is slightly elongated, and it affects the way light is refracted in your eyes. As a result, you may experience blurry vision when looking at an object from a distance.
In many cases, myopia starts at an early age and can be properly diagnosed through a comprehensive eye exam. Orthokeratology was actually developed to help control myopia in children and delay its progression. It works by gently reshaping the cornea to help the eyes focus properly on objects no matter the distance.
Special contact lenses, called ortho-k contact lenses, will be worn at night for about six hours while you are sleeping. In the morning, when you wake up, you can take the lenses off and immediately notice how you can see clearly even without them.
Orthokeratology also works for other refractive errors. This means that ortho-k contact lenses are not just for myopia control. They can also provide astigmatic and hyperopic patients with clear vision for a temporary period.
What Happens During Ortho-K Treatment
Before deciding to undergo orthokeratology, it is important to familiarize yourself with what will happen during the entire procedure. Here is a quick guide:
Initial Check-Up and Tests
Several tests will be conducted on you to determine if you are eligible to wear ortho-k contact lenses. There are many factors to consider, like the shape of your cornea and the overall health of your eyes. If you have a corneal scar, chronic eye allergies, and other related conditions, your doctor might not recommend you to push through with the treatment.
Your doctor will also ask about the nature of your work and your lifestyle to determine if wearing ortho-k contact lenses will be good for you. You might be advised to think twice if you are regularly exposed to strong winds, water splashes, and other kinds of harsh outdoor conditions for your job or daily routine.
If you are eligible, your eyes will then be thoroughly examined so doctors can get their exact measurements. The topography of your cornea will be determined to help eye care providers create custom-fit orthokeratology lenses.
Fitting of Ortho-K Contact Lenses
Once the doctors get enough data about the shape of your eyes, manufacturing the lenses will start. The doctor will place an order with a manufacturing partner abroad, and the foreign company will take care of creating the lenses. All ortho-k contact lenses are customized for each patient, so it might take a few weeks before they get manufactured and delivered to the Philippines.
The doctor will call you back once the lenses are available to see if they fit well on your eyes. They will also explain how to properly use the lenses and when to return to the clinic for follow-up appointments.
Modification of the Lenses
Each patient might have a unique experience with orthokeratology. For some, the treatment can work quickly, but it might take a while for others. Because of this, going back to your doctor is necessary because they need to constantly monitor the condition of your eyes.
During your follow-up appointments, the doctor will check how the ortho-k contact lenses are helping with myopia. In some instances, they might have to check and map your cornea again and modify your ortho-k contact lenses as necessary.
Side Effects of Wearing Ortho-K Contact Lenses
Wearing ortho-k contact lenses for adults and children can sometimes result in eye irritation. This is why patients are advised to practice proper hygiene and hand washing when wearing and taking off the lenses. Any other negative side effects are less likely to happen since ortho-k contact lenses are gas-permeable, which allows an ample supply of oxygen to the cornea.
Find an Orthokeratology Specialist Today
Asian Eye Institute is here to help if you are looking for orthokeratology specialists in the Philippines. Our doctors can conduct the necessary tests for you to determine if you are eligible to undergo the treatment. They can also walk you through the entire process and inform you about the potential side effects of wearing ortho-k contact lenses.
Rest assured that Asian Eye Institute’s doctors are highly skilled and knowledgeable, so they can help you make a more informed decision on how to correct your myopia. Furthermore, we have modern facilities and pieces of equipment that we use to provide you with the highest quality of eye care you deserve.
To speak with our doctors, all you have to do is schedule a consultation with us. We have different locations around Metro Manila, so you can visit the one most convenient for you. You can book the appointment online by filling out our form and waiting for the confirmation to be sent via email. However, if you wish to speak with our staff directly, you can do that by calling the phone number of your preferred branch.
Conclusion
Wearing ortho-k contact lenses is a way for myopia patients to correct their vision. It is a non-surgical method that involves using special lenses at night to temporarily reshape the cornea. Doctors recommend it to athletes who engage in contact sports, workers who do strenuous tasks and activities, or people who simply no longer want to wear glasses or contact lenses.
Not everyone, however, is eligible to undergo orthokeratology treatment. This is why consulting with doctors is a must so the necessary exams can be performed.
For more information about orthokeratology, do not hesitate to contact us at Asian Eye Institute. We have ophthalmologists and ortho-k specialists who can provide you with more details about the treatment and how it can help manage correct myopia and other refractive errors. Schedule a consultation with us today! Our friendly staff members will be more than happy to assist you.
