Ortho-K For Astigmatism

Astigmatism is a common refractive error that affects the way light enters your eyes. In a perfectly round eye, light is focused onto a single point on the retina, resulting in clear vision. However, in an astigmatic eye, the cornea (the clear front portion of the eye) or the lens inside the eye has an irregular curvature, causing light to focus on multiple points. This distortion leads to blurred or distorted vision at all distances.
 

Symptoms of Astigmatism

The symptoms of astigmatism can vary depending on the degree and type of the condition. Some common signs and symptoms include:
 

• Blurred or distorted vision at all distances
• Eye strain or fatigue
• Headaches or eye discomfort
• Squinting to improve vision
• Difficulty seeing fine details
• Sensitivity to glare or light

It's crucial to address these symptoms promptly, as untreated astigmatism can lead to eye strain, headaches, and potential vision problems if left uncorrected.
 

What is Ortho-K?

Orthokeratology, commonly known as Ortho-K, is a non-surgical vision correction technique that involves wearing specially designed rigid gas permeable (RGP) contact lenses overnight. These lenses gently reshape the cornea while you sleep, temporarily correcting refractive errors such as myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism.
 

How Ortho-K Works for Astigmatism

Ortho-K lenses for astigmatism are designed with a unique toric (asymmetric) curvature that corresponds to the specific shape of your cornea. When worn overnight, these lenses apply gentle pressure to the cornea, flattening or steepening specific areas to correct the irregular curvature caused by astigmatism.
 

The process works as follows:
 

• Comprehensive Eye Examination: Your optometrist will perform a thorough eye examination to determine the degree and type of your astigmatism, as well as any other refractive errors.
• Lens Fitting and Design: Based on the examination results, custom-designed Ortho-K lenses will be created to match the specific curvature and astigmatism pattern of your eyes.
• Overnight Lens Wear: You will wear the Ortho-K lenses overnight while you sleep, allowing them to gently reshape your cornea.
• Lens Removal and Clear Vision: Upon waking up and removing the lenses, your cornea will maintain its reshaped curvature, providing clear, astigmatism-free vision throughout the day without the need for glasses or daytime contact lenses.

Benefits of Ortho-K for Astigmatism

Ortho-K offers several advantages for individuals with astigmatism:
 

• Clear Vision Without Daytime Corrective Lenses: By reshaping your cornea, Ortho-K allows you to enjoy clear vision during the day without the need for glasses or daytime contact lenses.
• Improved Visual Quality: Ortho-K can provide sharper, more precise vision compared to traditional corrective lenses, as it directly addresses the irregular corneal curvature causing astigmatism.
• Convenience and Comfort: Many people find Ortho-K more convenient than wearing glasses or daytime contact lenses, especially for active lifestyles or sports activities.
• Reversible Process: If you decide to stop wearing Ortho-K lenses, your cornea will gradually return to its original shape, making it a reversible treatment option.
• Potential Myopia Control: In addition to correcting astigmatism, Ortho-K has been shown to slow down the progression of myopia (nearsightedness) in children, making it a valuable treatment option for those with astigmatism and myopia.
• Improved Confidence and Quality of Life: By providing clear, comfortable vision without the need for daytime corrective lenses, Ortho-K can enhance your confidence and overall quality of life.

Is Ortho-K Right for You?

Astigmatism is a common refractive error that can cause blurred or distorted vision at all distances. Ortho-K, or Orthokeratology, offers an effective and non-surgical solution for correcting astigmatism by gently reshaping the cornea while you sleep.
 

If you're experiencing symptoms of astigmatism or are interested in exploring Ortho-K as a vision correction solution, schedule an appointment with our experienced optometrist today. Our team will provide a comprehensive eye examination and recommend the best treatment plan tailored to your unique needs. Visit Simply Eyes Optometry at our office in Tulare, California, or call (559) 354-7300 to book an appointment.