Do you really understand Ortho-K?

Posted by Doctor Trinh Quang Tri - Vinmec Saigon International Clinic

Myopia has become significantly more common in the past 30 years, according to statistics, there are currently about 2.6 billion people globally with myopia (more than a third of the total world population). In a recent study of experts, it is estimated that by 2050, 50% of the world's population will be nearsighted, that is, about 4.9 billion people. These numbers show that myopia is a pretty serious problem globally.

For over 20 years, Ortho-K has been one of the most effective methods of controlling myopia. As myopia becomes more common, this form of correction will become more important to patients all over the world.
Orthokeratology, or Ortho-K, is the use of rigid contact lenses specifically designed to temporarily reshape the cornea and improve vision. It is like orthodontic treatment for your eyes and the correction is often compared to wearing braces. Most ortho-K lenses are worn at night to reshape the anterior surface of the eye while you sleep. Vision improvement can be reversed but can also be maintained if you continue to wear your glasses as directed.

Ortho-K is used to correct several types of refractive errors including farsightedness, astigmatism and mostly nearsightedness. Myopia can also be corrected with glasses, conventional contact lenses, or other types of refractive surgery.
Ortho-K is also recommended to control myopia in children. Myopia control is the process of using several methods to limit the increase and development of myopia in children beyond a certain level, usually -5.00D (according to the World Health Organization WHO, Myopia from -5.00 and above is considered high myopia) with the aim to limit the rate of dangerous complications that occur with myopia > -5.00 degrees such as retinal detachment, macular degeneration due to myopia. market,...

The cornea is a transparent dome-shaped structure at the front of your eye that helps focus light onto the retina - the light-receptive area at the back of your eye. The cornea accounts for about two-thirds of the focusing power of the eye, playing an extremely important role in helping us see things clearly. Ortho-K lenses work by altering the shape of the cornea, which in turn changes the way light is focused as it enters the eye. Most of these orthopedic glasses are worn overnight while sleeping, removed during the day. These lenses are rigid, gas-permeable glasses that are sturdy enough to reshape the cornea and allow oxygen to pass through to keep your eyes healthy.

To install Ortho-K lenses, ophthalmologists will map and measure the surface parameters of your cornea using an instrument called a keratometer and then design a separate lens for your eyes. This measurement is non-contact and painless. The topographic map of the cornea shows the shape and curvilinear parameters of the cornea.
When the Ortho-K glasses are removed in the morning, the cornea remains shaped for a period of time and your refractive error is corrected without the need for glasses. If you stop using your glasses at night, your cornea will return to its original shape and the refractive error will return. Therefore, you must constantly use the glasses to achieve the effect.

Ortho-K is associated with an increased risk of infection (bacterial keratitis). Children and adolescents when using ortho-k must be very cautious and carefully supervised by adults, because these subjects are less conscious of hand hygiene and glasses. Therefore, relatives / parents must always supervise and guide their children to use glasses correctly with instructions from ophthalmologists.
Eye infections can have serious consequences, adversely affecting vision. Therefore, this is one of the very important reasons to consult an ophthalmologist/refractive ophthalmologist if you are considering using Ortho-K.

Refractive surgery is considered by doctors only when you are at least 18 years old, or have stable refraction for a defined period of time It does not cause some complications after surgery Both eyes are done together (rather than weeks or months apart) The effects of the Ortho-K glasses are reversible (Lasik is not!). Ortho-K is significantly cheaper and does not interfere with other future surgeries.

Good vision without glasses or contact lenses during the day The process of corneal reshaping is reversible Glasses can be tailored to each person The process of wearing glasses is painless Likely controlling myopia for children Complying with the process of removing and cleaning glasses means very little risk of complications

You must have regular check-ups to ensure good eye health You must maintain wearing glasses or the cornea will return to its original shape, myopia will return to the same effect The effect of glasses varies from person to person. You must always follow expert instructions for best results. Currently, Vinmec Saigon International Clinic offers the Ortho - K package - a hard-wearing contact lens specially designed to be worn. at night - is a mild form of action to change the shape of the cornea, without causing damage to the cornea. Therefore, when using Ortho - K, nearsighted people will want to "stick" with this special pair of glasses for a long time.
Suitable subjects to do Ortho-K method:
People with myopia (under 10 degrees) without or with astigmatism of 3 degrees or less Children under 18 years old are not old enough for surgery People without money history of myopia surgery or other types of eye surgery People without diseases of the eyeball surface Have time for follow-up examination. Advantages of using Ortho-K glasses:
Vision is improved without having to wear glasses or contact lenses throughout the day Vision improves within a few days or weeks after using Ortho-K glasses How to use Fast, easy, safe and effective use Convenient, comfortable and can be stopped whenever you want Can be performed on both children and adults Meets demanding work needs without carrying glasses such as: pilots, policemen, actors, professional athletes... Optimal choice for people who do not like to wear glasses and do not want surgery or are not suitable for surgery Simple and effective use optimal Advantages of Ortho-K over myopia surgery: No intervention to remove cells and tissues of the cornea Can prevent myopia from progressing.

For detailed advice and to book an appointment with an ophthalmologist about this method, please contact the Call Center: (028) 3520 3366 or email: vm.pksaigon@vinmec.com
Multi Clinic Vinmec Saigon International School
Tel: (028) 3520 3366
Fax: (028) 3520 3388
Address: 2 - 2 Bis Tran Cao Van, Da Kao Ward, District 1, HCMC.

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