Orthokeratology

Clear vision without surgery, glasses, or daytime contacts.

What if you could correct your eyesight and reduce your dependence on corrective lenses, all while you sleep?

It may sound impossible. But for many, it’s a reality with orthokeratology (ortho-k).

Interested? Read on!

The word ‘orthokeratology’ comes from the Greek word meaning “the science of correcting the cornea.” Most doctors refer to this as Ortho-K which is the surgical reshaping of the cornea to achieve natural vision without the need to wear glasses or contact lenses during the day.

The world of eye care is one of the fastest evolving fields of medicine today. Never before have so many new techniques and scientific breakthroughs been brought before the public in such a short period of time. Ortho-K is one of those major breakthroughs. And Dr. Yoos is one of a select group of doctors who hold a fellowship degree in orthokeratology.

Imagine the joy of waking up in the morning and not having to wear glasses or contact lenses during the day. It would allow you to participate in activities that you might otherwise avoid because of your need to wear glasses or contact lenses.

Now it’s a possibility. Patients who choose Ortho-K wear special therapeutic contact lenses while they sleep and awake in the morning with improved natural vision. Usually within a few days to one week, dramatic vision improvement occurs. The patient then wears the retainer contact lenses periodically, much like dental retainers.

Ortho-K’s popularity as a non surgical alternative to refractive surgery is sweeping the country. Orthokeratology has been in practice for over forty years and has an excellent track record as a safe and effective method of improving myopia (near-sightedness), presbyopia, astigmatism, and hyperopia (far-sightedness). New lens designs and computerized corneal topography analysis has greatly improved the results of Ortho-K as well. Doctors can also prescribe Ortho-K to correct myopia progression in most children, whereas refractive surgery is disallowed until 18-21 years of age. If patients desire to do so, the non-surgical correction from Ortho-K is reversible, whereas LASIK permanently removes tissue from the cornea and cannot be reversed.
Also, please check out the link to the Orthokeratology Academy of America on our website for more information.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What is orthokeratology?

Ortho-k uses specially designed, gas permeable contact lenses to temporarily reshape your cornea while you sleep.

The result is clear vision when you wake up and remove the lenses the following day. And that effect should last throughout the day.

The change in the shape of the cornea, as well as the vision correction you experience, will revert when you stop using the lenses.

What visual problems can ortho-k correct?

Ortho-K is most commonly used to temporarily correct myopia (nearsightedness).

In some cases, it can be used to correct lesser degrees of astigmatism and farsightedness.

Am I a good candidate for ortho-k?

Here at Dr. Yoos Eye Care & Optical, we can schedule you for a free consultation with Dr. Yoos to determine whether or not you are a good candidate. However, most people with mild to moderate myopia are good candidates, as well as mild astigmatism and farsightedness. The treatment is sought after by people who have issues wearing eyeglasses or contact lenses as well.

Want to learn more about your options? Schedule an appointment with Dr. Yoos to see if orthokeratology is right for you!