Reshaping Your Eyes with Contact Lenses

Orthokeratology:
Reshaping Your Eyes with Contact Lenses
 Wouldn't it be great if your nearsightedness could be corrected while you sleep? It might sound far-fetched, but it's a reality for some people. It's called orthokeratology, ortho-k, corneal reshaping, or corneal molding and it is available throughout the country.

Here's how it works: When you sleep, you wear special contact lenses that gently reshape the surface of your eye, so you can see clearly even after you remove the lenses. The effect is temporary — generally enough to get you through a day or so, but you must wear the special lenses each night.
 
 Ortho-k: Not a New Idea

 Reshaping the cornea with contact lenses to improve vision isn't new. Orthokeratology has been practiced by some eye doctors for decades. In June 2002, the FDA granted overnight wear approval to a type of corneal reshaping called Corneal Refractive Therapy (CRT). More overnight ortho-k approvals followed.

 Corneal Reshaping Options

 Two brands have FDA approval for overnight corneal reshaping: Corneal Refractive Therapy (CRT) from Paragon Vision Sciences, and Bausch & Lomb's Vision Shaping Treatment (VST). Both are fit only by eye care professionals who have been through each company's certification procedure.

Make sure your doctor is using FDA approved designs.

 Who Is a Candidate?

 Orthokeratology is for people of any age who are nearsighted. The FDA has approved CRT for people with up to six diopters of myopia (-6.00 on your prescription); the VST approval is for up to five diopters.  Astigmatism can also be treated: up to -1.75 with CRT, and -1.50 with VST. Many doctors believe the best candidates are people who have low amounts of myopia, about four diopters or less. It is very successful in children as young as 8 years old!

It has NOT been FDA approved for farsighted individuals or for people who just need glasses to read. Those corrections are much more speculative and are not as successful.
 
  What Results Can You Expect from Ortho-k?

 Eye care professionals usually aim for 20/20 vision, but 20/40 vision (the legal minimum for driving in most of the United States) is typically considered acceptable. Visual freedom from the reliance of daytime contact lens or spectacle use is the goal.

 At Stone Oak Vision Source, we only fit candidates who we feel will be successful with corneal molding.  Because we are very selective with our candidates, our success rate is very high and our patients are very satisfied with our services.  It is not a procedure that works for everyone but it is a great option for those who are GOOD candidates. Be sure that you have realistic expectations for the treatment. Every doctor should provide a written explanation of their fees and what will be refunded to you if you are not satisfied with the procedure. At Stone Oak Vision Source, we allow 2 months time to determine if the process is going to work for each patient. If either the doctor or the patient decides it is best to discontinue treatment, our policies are clearly stated in the amount of the original fee that is refunded to you, no questions asked.

 Because we have a full service optical and also co-manage LASIK surgery, we are able to give you choices when it comes to correcting your vision. Dr. Allison is a Fellowship trained orthokeratologist.  Both she and Dr. Hall are certified to fit VST and CRT lenses. Call today to schedule your evaluation, 210-495-9020, or visit us online at www.visionsource-stoneoak.com.