What Is Corneal Refractive Therapy?

Refractive errors affect an individual’s sight and hamper the overall quality of life. The errors that include nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism need to be properly managed. Several treatment options can correct refractive errors. 

Apart from corrective lenses and laser surgery, eye specialists also provide corneal refractive therapy. Corneal reshaping involves the use of special contact lenses to correct the vision.

Corneal Refractive Therapy

Corneal refractive therapy also goes by the name orthokeratology therapy or ortho-k. The idea of corneal reshaping is not a new concept. However, advancements in technology have led to improvements in the design process. 

Oxygen permeable lens material and computerized corneal mapping have helped produce effective contact lens designs. More than 90 percent of patients experience visual acuity after using the treatment.

Using Orthokeratology Therapy

Refractive errors occur when corneal infirmities affect the focusing and eye-bending function in the eyes. Orthokeratology offers a non-surgical solution for correcting the problem. The procedure involves the use of ortho-k lenses. 

These reshape the cornea while the patient sleeps. On waking up, the patient can enjoy clear vision throughout the day. To be effective, one needs to wear the ortho-k lenses every night. 

Benefits of Corneal Refractive Therapy

One of the best things about ortho-k is that the patient experiences immediate results. After wearing the lenses all night, the patient will wake up with clear eyesight. The effects of the therapy will often last all day without the need to use prescription eyewear. People who have an active lifestyle can benefit from the therapy. 

Good Candidates for Ortho-k 

Corneal refractive therapy is not for everyone. The procedure is effective for people who have the following conditions: 

• Low to moderate myopia.
• Low amounts of farsightedness. 
• Presbyopia. 
• Those who require bifocals or reading glasses. 
• Where one eye needs correction for nearsightedness and the other for distance vision.
• Where there are variations in patient visual needs and physiology.

This means that a thorough eye exam is necessary before starting the therapy.

Results of Corneal Refractive Therapy

Most patients will experience rapid improvement in the first days after beginning therapy. In most cases, wearers receive optimum vision within 10 to 14 days after starting treatment. To achieve optimum vision, one may need to wear corneal refractive therapy lenses during the day. You could also use temporary soft lenses in a different prescription. Your old contacts or glasses may no longer be appropriate. 

Corneal refractive therapy was initially developed to correct or prevent the progression of myopia or nearsightedness. The therapy has proven to be effective for managing refractive errors. These errors include astigmatism, farsightedness, and presbyopia. 

Generally, the lenses will need replacing every two to three years. However, this will depend on different factors. These include proper care of the lenses and protein buildup. These can lead to more frequent replacements.

It is important to realize that the therapy is not permanent. It works for as long as one wears the lenses regularly. Failing to wear the lenses can return your vision to its original condition within 72 hours.

For more on corneal refractive therapy, visit Urban Optics at our office in College Station, Texas. You can call (979) 690-0888 today to schedule an appointment.