Ortho-K at Visionary Eye Care

Orthokeratology, Ortho-k, or Gentle Vision Shaping (GVS) is a method of treating nearsightedness (myopia) and astigmatism without the need for glasses or contact lenses. Dr. Michael Cook uses state-of-the-art technology to design customized retainers that are placed on the eyes overnight so that no vision correction is needed during the day. The retainers gently and temporarily reshape the cornea (the front of the eye) so that vision is sharp for all waking hours. Ortho-k is essentially a temporary nonsurgical alternative to LASIK that works and is safe for even young children.

How Can Ortho-K Help my Vision?

Ortho-k retainers are used mainly for two different purposes: to correct poor vision in the eyes—mainly nearsightedness and sometimes astigmatism or hyperopia—and to slow the progression of nearsightedness in children. These retainers actually reshape your corneas overnight, correcting your vision well enough that you won't need to use eyeglasses or contact lenses the next day. 

Who is a Candidate for Ortho-K?

The most important candidates are children who are in danger of becoming severely myopic (nearsighted) as adults. Ortho-k has been shown to slow myopic deterioration by 80-90%, so it should be strongly considered for children whose vision continues to worsen every year or who have parents with severe myopia. It works well for children and teens who want to be glasses-free, but who are too young for LASIK or refractive surgery. People who could otherwise wear contact lenses, but because of their jobs or hobbies are unable to do so (construction workers, football players, etc.), do especially well using Ortho-k to correct their eye problems.

What to Expect with Ortho-K Therapy

In an Ortho-k exam, Dr. Cook will measure the curvature of your eyes at thousands of different points with a corneal topographer. This painless procedure only takes about a minute. Previously you would have most likely needed to use a series of progressively stronger retainers to achieve the results you want. However, with the advent of computer-assisted designed retainers, most cases can be successfully treated with just one. While older Ortho-k technology such as paragon CRT is meant to get most patients to 20/40, computer-assisted Ortho-k technology gets the vast majority of people to seeing with 20/20 acuity.

In the beginning of treatment, you will notice the contact lenses in your eyes as you fall asleep. Like any other type of lenses, you'll gradually get used to them and won't notice them any more at bedtime. Some people have excellent vision after just one or two days of use, but in some cases, it can take up to two weeks before seeing great results.

Contact Our Office to Learn More About Ortho-K

If Ortho-K therapy sounds like something that is right for you, call Visionary Eye Care at 813-425-9596.