How Ortho-K treatment can help correct astigmatism
Astigmatism is a common eye health issue, with one in three people having some degree of it. Occurring when a person’s cornea or lens has a different shape than normal, astigmatism causes blurred vision, among other symptoms.
While doctors still don’t know what causes astigmatism, and there’s no way to prevent it, Ortho-K treatment can help to correct it.
What is astigmatism?
Often present at birth, astigmatism occurs when either the front surface of the eye (the cornea) or the lens inside the eye has irregular curves. Instead of having one smooth, round curve – like a ball – the surface is egg-shaped and causes light to bend differently as it enters the eye.
Known as a refractive error, astigmatism can cause blurred or distorted vision, eyestrain or discomfort, headaches, difficulty seeing at night and squinting.
Astigmatism often affects children, making it difficult for them to concentrate in class or participate in sports. It is important to note that children may not realise their vision is blurry, so they need to be screened for eye disease and have their vision tested by a paediatrician, an ophthalmologist, an optometrist or another trained screener.
Often astigmatism is not pronounced enough to require corrective action, but when it is, Ortho-K is proven to help correct it.
“Ortho-K gently reshapes the cornea overnight, giving you clear daytime vision without glasses or daytime lenses.”
What is Ortho-K?
Ortho-K, short for orthokeratology, is a revolutionary process that corrects your child’s eyesight and reduces their dependence on glasses or contact lenses.
Painless, surgery-free and fully reversible, Ortho-K uses specially designed, gas-permeable contact lenses to gently and painlessly reshape the front surface of your child’s cornea.
Working while your child sleeps, Ortho-K lenses can correct astigmatism and are a great alternative to LASIK surgery for those who don’t want the risk or are not ready for surgery.
“Even children as young as six can benefit from Ortho-K, enjoying freedom from glasses and confidence in daily life.”
The benefits of Ortho-K
The benefits of Ortho-K are quite impressive, particularly as it is a surgery-free process that works its magic while your child sleeps!
Available for most people, Ortho-K provides freedom from day-to-day corrective lens wear. No breaking or losing glasses or contact lenses again!
What’s more? There is no age limit for Ortho-K: children as young as six have been successfully and safely treated with Ortho-K lenses.
And not only will your child experience better vision, but they’ll barely even notice the process.
So, does your child need Ortho-K?
At Ian Donald Optometrist, we’ve treated generations of families and provided life-changing vision through innovative technology and industry-leading expertise. Let us treat yours.
Get in touch to assess your child’s suitability for Ortho-K.
Meet the Author
Ian Donald
Optometrist
Ian Donald had a vision.
He was going to become a dentist. It seemed like a good plan, until his careers adviser gave him a brochure on optometry. It opened up a whole new world. The eye intrigued him. It fascinated him. Optometry captivated him. And so his whole focus changed.
Ian went on to do work experience in the very office he owns today. While studying Optometry at the prestigious UNSW, he spent hours working in that same office, doing all the things no one else wanted to do. Filing. Filing. Filing.
Learning, learning, learning. It’s part of who he is.
Even today he is constantly training and retraining, studying and staying up to date with the latest technology in eye health.
So what else energises Ian?
‘Riding my bike, being part of the community, and helping people see. It gives me the best feeling possible. We take it for granted, because we do it all day, every day. It’s such a gift to be able to give people peace of mind.’ Read More
FAQs
What is astigmatism?
Astigmatism occurs when the cornea or lens has an irregular shape, causing light to bend unevenly and resulting in blurred or distorted vision, eye strain, or headaches.
How does Ortho-K correct astigmatism?
Ortho-K treatment uses custom gas-permeable contact lenses worn overnight to gently reshape the cornea, providing clear daytime vision without glasses or daytime contacts.
Who is a good candidate for Ortho-K treatment for astigmatism?
Many people, including children as young as six, may be suitable for Ortho-K for astigmatism, especially if they want freedom from glasses or daytime contacts
What are the benefits of using Ortho-K for astigmatism instead of traditional methods?
The benefits of Ortho-K include non-surgical and reversible vision correction, freedom from glasses or contacts during the day, and suitability for active lifestyles.
Are there any limitations or risks to Ortho-K for treating astigmatism?
While Ortho-K lenses are safe, they may not fully correct very high levels of astigmatism, and good lens hygiene plus regular follow-ups are essential.
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