For children and adults with progressive vision issues, the innovative ortho-k treatment may be the solution for correcting nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. At Whitlow Family Vision Centers in Glasgow and Edmonton, Kentucky, Dr. Rob Whitlow specializes in contact lens care and can create ortho-k treatment plans to reshape the cornea and improve overall vision. To learn more about the benefits of ortho-k treatments, book a consultation online or by phone.
Ortho-K Q & A
What is ortho-k?
Orthokeratology (ortho-k) is a procedure where Dr. Whitlow will fit you with custom designed, gas permeable contact lenses to temporarily reshape your cornea. This treatment is effective in reducing nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism, giving you clearer vision.
Who is a good candidate for ortho-k?
Ortho-k is suitable for children between the ages of 8 and 12 that have progressive nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism. Treatment is also effective for teens and adults under the age of 40 who have low to mild myopia. With advancements in current technology, even bifocal wearers can be candidates for ortho-k.
How does ortho-k treatment work?
Dr. Whitlow creates a custom treatment plan to address your specific needs. Treatments involve wearing custom designed gas permeable contact lenses only during the night.
Your vision issues will gradually improve during your treatment, but you might need to wear disposable, soft contact lenses during the day, for the short term.
When your treatment is over, you can continue to wear the gas permeable lenses during the night so that you can see well during the day without soft lenses. In some cases, you can limit wearing your gas permeable lenses to every other night, or twice a week, and still achieve good vision during the day.
How do I care for my gas permeable lenses?
Gas permeable lenses are made of a resilient plastic that is easy to care for and clean. The staff will show you how to insert and remove your special lenses. You will need to clean and disinfect them daily and keep them in a saline solution suitable for gas permeable lenses.
Dr. Whitlow will schedule several follow up appointments during your treatment to ensure your contacts lenses continue fitting correctly and that your eyes are adjusting to treatment.
What are the benefits of ortho-k?
For children with progressive nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism, ortho-k may be an ideal solution for reducing existing vision issues.
Other benefits of ortho-k treatment may include:
- Immediate results
- Fast, effective treatment
- No need for glasses or contacts
To find out if you or your child are a good candidate for ortho-k treatment, schedule a consultation online or by phone.