Monovision Ortho-K is OK.

I had a recent patient who underwent monovision ortho-k. That is, we corrected one eye for the distance and another for near. This was a good option for her because she is losing near vision and didn't want contacts. LASIK wasn't the best option either because monovision LASIK is permanent and she is in a transition phase (emerging presbyope). Monovision ortho-k allows her to see distance and near and because it is adjustable we can change the Rx as she loses more of her focusing ability.

From her experience she explained that the first few days were OK but the longer she had the lenses the more stable and clear her vision was. There was almost no adaptation period for dealing with monovision (using only one eye for a specific distance). It was a good experience and I'm looking forward to doing more of those in the future.

So, ortho-k or corneal molding

I think I have come to the conclusion that ortho-k or corneal molding would be two of the best names for orthokeratology. Ortho-k has some draw for me because of the exponential number of websites that use the term over corneal molding. A search for corneal molding yielded just over 7,000 results whereas a search for ortho-k brought back over 1.7 million. This is even more than a search for the full, classic term, orthokeratology. I suppose one might consider corneal molding to be a smaller ocean to put your water in and I might get higher results by going that way but there might be benefits too by going with the crowd. What do you think?

What to name orthokeratology?

I am debating about what to call orthokeratology. There are many names
I could give it. Most recently I have simply called it
orthokeratology. I figured it was the most universal reference to the
procedure and easiest to use while researching what it is and what it
can do.

Unfortunately, I think that the name is too much of a mouthful for
most people and it doesn't sound appealing. So, I want to make it more
chic, more attractive. (Instead of calling it International Business
Machines they went chick by calling themselves IBM.) So, what has
worked for you? Do you think using Corneal Refractive Therapy, as suggested by
Dr. Legerton in a recent Optometry News, or something else to make it
easy to understand and attractive?

Orthokeratology is great for kids

One of the largest potential groups for orthokeratology (ortho-k, crt, corneal molding, vision reshaping treatment etc) is for kids. They are very active and growing. The growing part is one reason that Lasik is contraindicated in children. Their eyes, and prescription, change regularly. This can be a wasteful thing for a family who has invested $3K into their child to see good and only need glasses again the next year. Glasses or contacts can work but true functionality comes from ortho-k.

Ortho-k for children has at least two big advantages. One, they are free from glasses and contacts during the day. No glasses to lose, break or get in the way of sports. Two, it can slow the progression of myopia or nearsightedness. That way, when your child becomes an adult they have semi-functional vision without glasses instead of being legally blind without correction. Further, when and if Lasik is chosen later on there is much less treatment required because ortho-k has slowed the progression of myopia.

So, the next time you are into the eye doctor, ask about ortho-k for your child. Imagine the freedom you can achieve and the benefits that are reaped from this cool treatment.

The world is becoming more blurry.

A recent population study by the National Institute of Health found that myopia (nearsightedness) has increased from 25% in 1971 to 41% in 1990-2004.

There are a number of reasons that this could be occurring. One thought is that increased near work and reduced time outdoors can be a leading factor in the increase of myopia. Kids are spending much less time outside. They are growing up in front of the computer and television. School work is demanding and competitive, leading to more near work than has been required in years past.

One way to combat myopic progression is with orthokeratology (ortho-k). Recent studies have indicated that ortho-k can slow the lengthening of the eye that causes myopia. This can be important as myopia not only causes blur but can increase risk of glaucoma, retinal detachment and blindness.

Fortunately, ortho-k is safe for children and the technique is becoming more popular as the benefits, such as freedom from glasses and contacts and the health benefits are better understood.

20 years of laser eye surgery.

A small article reminds us the history behind LASIK. "The surgery first took place in 1989 and since, thousands of people have undertaken the procedure.

According to the Times, 100,000 people every year have eye laser surgery, proving the popularity of the operation."

Lasik has been a great procedure for many people. It can free you from glasses and contacts. It has that wow factor of instantly curing a lifetime of blurry vision. Still, it is not for everyone. For those who are nervous about surgery and the potential complications therein they could choose orthokeratology. It is non-surgical, non-permanent and safe for children.

Orthokeratology - No risk guarantee

We think orthokeratology has such amazing benefits for your vision that we are offering a no risk guarantee. Try orthokeratology and if we can't give you happy daily vision through the day without glasses or contacts we will offer you a refund plus your choice of contacts, glasses or LASIK.

Orthokeratology is a revolutionary process where molds are worn at night to reshape your eyes during sleep. The molds are removed in the morning and clear vision is enjoyed during the day. It is safe for children and can even stop your prescription from getting worse.

Here's how it works. Call our office to receive our FREE consultation. If you qualify, you can receive orthokeratology for 1/2 the cost of LASIK. If it doesn't work for you you will receive your money back (minus the exam which is paid for by insurance anyway). You can then choose from free contact fitting ($90 value), 40% off glasses (up to $800 value) , or a $200 LASIK discount.

Learn more about orthokeratology at our website.

Hyperopic orthokeratology

Some new developments in orthokeratology allows us to perform orthokeratology on those who are far sighted. The wave contact lens system has been working to develop this new methodology to make it more predictable. It works much like myopic ortho-k but simply steepens the cornea instead of flattening it.

I have my first experience with this coming up. I am excited to see the results.

Another video on Orthokeratology

A video explaining orthokeratology

Hyperopic Lasik complications

One thing I have noticed about hyperopic Lasik is that the results are not as predictable as myopic Lasik. I have one patient at Clear View Eye Carewho was a moderate hyperope before Lasik. She was good for about 2 years and then her Rx started to shift. Now she has a new Rx about every two weeks. Orhtokeratology might have been a better option for her.

Orthokeratology Fills the Gap

The procedure has been around for years but only recently has orthokeratology become more systematic and predictable. New techniques using computer aided design (CAD) allow precise corneal mold designs.

Orthokeratology provides a service that fills needs that cannot be met by other procedures. There are many people who would rather not do LASIK. LASIK is a great surgery and has helped many people. Not everyone wants to undergo surgery. Orthokeratology uses a retainer lens to reshape the eye and is therefore non-surgical.

Others would prefer something that is not permanent. LASIK is permanent and cannot be changed. Enhancements can be performed if necessary but there is a limit to the number of enhancements that can be performed. Orthokeratology can be easily adjusted if the prescription changes for any reason.

Some people would like to undergo surgery but cannot due to age restrictions. With orthokeratology, children can enjoy clear vision through the day without the need for surgery.

At Clear View we are proud to offer this service. If you have any questions about this exciting procedure give us a call for a free consultation.

Proper care reduces the risks of orthokeratology

Many of the risks that are associated with orthokeratology are identical to the risks of general contact lens wear. One such risk is infection. If the lenses are not properly cared for you can increase your risk of harboring and cultivating harmful bacteria. By following the manufacturer instructions for the cleaning solutions your risk is greatly reduced.

Good luck and good vision.

There are risks involved in LASIK

Dow Jones Newswires (5/23, Favole) reported that in a letter issued May 22, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) said that "doctors need to give patients detailed information about the risks associated with" laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) eye surgery. The FDA "sent a letter to doctors requesting that they tell patients about risks associated with LASIK...after receiving numerous complaints from consumers who experienced double and fuzzy vision and painful dry eyes after getting the procedure." In April 2008, the "agency held a public meeting" during which "consumers expressed concerns about risks associated with the surgery." The agency "said it believes 'eliminating deceptive or misleading' health" advertisements "is an important part of protecting the public's health."
Reuters (5/23, Heavey) added that the current recession has had an impact upon LASIK procedures, which can cost several thousand dollars per eye and are, in most cases, not covered by health insurance. (couretsy AOA)

An alternative to LASIK is orthokeratology. It is non-surgical and therefore does not carry the same risks that surgery does. Orthokeratology does not exacerbate dry eyes because it does not damage the nerves that regulate tear production. It is reversible and adjustable for those who may experience double or fuzzy vision from the procedure. An added benefit is that it costs about 1/2 the cost of LASIK.

LASIK and orthokeratology are two alternatives

I ran across this interesting article written by Murat V. Kalayoglu, M.D., Ph.D. This was one of the comments that he made.

"Clearly, orthokeratology is not for everyone. However, neither is LASIK. Each patient should choose the right treatment after considering various criteria and alternatives, which are best teased out with the help of their Eye M.D. And maybe, just maybe, the best alternative is to keep wearing those eyeglasses!"

I like the wisdom in that. When choosing a correction option for your eyes be sure to do your homework. Realize what the risks and benefits are of the various options. Recognize what you are comfortable with and trust your doctor to inform you whether you are a good candidate for procedures such as LASIK and orthoekeratology.

An article on orthokeratology

I found a great article on orthokeratology online that is worth reading. It explains how orthokeratology works, potential side effects, a brief comparison to LASIK, estimates of cost etc. I still think one of the greatest advantages is for children who can be correction free during the day. Check our the article here.

Orthokeratology Video