How Long Does It Take Ortho-K to Work in Slowing Myopia?

Myopia is a refractive error in the eye that causes distant objects to appear blurred while nearby objects remain clear. This condition occurs when the eye's cornea or lens is too curved, causing light to focus in front of the retina instead of directly on it.

How Does Myopia Develop?

The primary causes of myopia include:
 

• Genetics: Individuals with parents or other close relatives who are nearsighted have a higher risk of developing myopia.
• Environmental factors: Excessive time spent on close-up activities, such as reading, using digital devices, or working in dimly lit conditions, can contribute to the development and progression of myopia.
• Lack of outdoor activity: Research suggests that spending less time outdoors and engaging in more near-work activities may increase the risk of myopia.

The Benefits of Ortho-K for Myopia Management

Orthokeratology, or Ortho-K, is a non-surgical, reversible method of temporarily reshaping the cornea to improve vision and slow the progression of myopia. This innovative approach involves wearing specially designed rigid gas-permeable contact lenses overnight, which gently mold the cornea while you sleep. The primary benefits of Ortho-K for myopia management include:
 

• Improved Vision: Ortho-K lenses can temporarily correct refractive errors, allowing you to enjoy clear, sharp vision during the day without the need for daytime contact lenses or glasses.
• Slowing Myopia Progression: Research has shown that Ortho-K can effectively slow the progression of myopia in children and adolescents, potentially reducing the risk of developing high myopia and associated complications later in life.
• Convenience: Ortho-K eliminates the need for daytime contact lenses or glasses, providing a hassle-free vision solution for various activities, such as sports, swimming, or outdoor adventures.
• Reduced Dependency on Corrective Lenses: By slowing the progression of myopia, Ortho-K may potentially reduce an individual's long-term dependence on corrective lenses, such as glasses or daytime contact lenses.
• Improved Self-Esteem: The ability to enjoy clear vision without the need for visible corrective lenses can boost an individual's self-confidence and self-esteem, especially for children and adolescents.

Factors that Affect the Effectiveness of Ortho-K

The effectiveness of Ortho-K in slowing myopia progression can vary depending on several factors, including:
 

• Age and Myopia Progression Rate: Ortho-K tends to be more effective in younger individuals, particularly children and adolescents, whose eyes are still developing and undergoing rapid changes. Individuals with faster myopia progression rates may see more significant benefits from Ortho-K.
• Initial Myopia Level: Individuals with lower levels of myopia (up to -6.00 diopters) generally respond better to Ortho-K and experience more effective myopia control compared to those with higher levels of myopia.
• Corneal Characteristics: The shape, thickness, and overall health of the cornea can influence the success of Ortho-K treatment. Individuals with certain corneal irregularities may not be suitable candidates for Ortho-K.
• Compliance and Proper Lens Wear: Consistent and proper wear of the Ortho-K lenses, as prescribed by your eye care professional, is essential for achieving the desired results. Failure to follow the recommended wear schedule or lens care instructions can compromise the effectiveness of the treatment.
• Individual Physiological Differences: Each person's eye and corneal response to Ortho-K can vary, and some individuals may experience more or less dramatic changes in their myopia progression compared to others.

Understanding these factors can help you and your eye care professional determine if Ortho-K is the most suitable myopia management option for you or your child, and set realistic expectations for the potential outcomes.

How Long Does It Take for Ortho-K to Start Working?

The timeline for Ortho-K to start working in slowing myopia progression can vary from individual to individual, but generally, you can expect the following:
 

• Initial Vision Improvement: Most individuals notice a significant improvement in their vision within the first few days of starting Ortho-K treatment. This is because the corneal reshaping process begins immediately upon wearing the Ortho-K lenses overnight.
• Stabilization of Vision: It typically takes 1-2 weeks for the corneal reshaping to stabilize, and for the individual to achieve their optimal visual acuity during the day without the need for corrective lenses.
• Myopia Progression Slowing: The effects of Ortho-K on slowing myopia progression are generally observed over a longer timeframe, typically within the first 6-12 months of consistent lens wear. During this period, the eye care professional will closely monitor the individual's myopia levels and make any necessary adjustments to the Ortho-K lens design.
• Continued Myopia Control: As long as the individual continues to wear the Ortho-K lenses as prescribed, the slowing of myopia progression can be maintained over the years. However, it's important to note that the effectiveness may diminish as the individual ages and their eyes mature.

It's crucial to work closely with your optometrist and follow the recommended wear schedule and lens care instructions to ensure the best possible outcomes from Ortho-K treatment. Patience and consistency are key to maximizing the benefits of this myopia management approach.

Schedule a Consultation with Dr. Wong & Associates Today

Orthokeratology (Ortho-K) is a promising non-surgical approach to myopia management that can effectively slow the progression of nearsightedness in children and adolescents. By temporarily reshaping the cornea through the overnight wear of specialized contact lenses, Ortho-K can provide clear vision during the day without the need for glasses or daytime contact lenses.
 

If you're interested in exploring Ortho-K as a myopia management solution, schedule a consultation with Dr. Wong & Associates. We can assess your specific needs and determine if Ortho-K is the right choice for you or your child. Visit our office in Danbury, Connecticut, or call (475) 405-1900 to book an appointment today.