Orthokeratology
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Michigan Eye and Contact Lens
Optometry & Pediatric Optometry located in Novi, MI
Orthokeratology is a non-surgical, reversible, and FDA-approved method for vision correction in children and adults offering freedom from glasses, daytime contacts. It is ideal for low nearsightedness and active lifestyles. If your child has progressive nearsightedness, orthokeratology may be an effective treatment method to slow down its progression. At Michigan Eye and Contact Lens in Novi, Michigan, Dr. Alexandra Williamson has extensive training in pediatric eye conditions. She offers orthokeratology treatments for children, teens, and adults to reshape the cornea without surgery. Michigan Eye and Contact Lens services patients in Walled Lake, West Bloomfield, Commerce, Milford, South Lyon, Northville, Farmington, Farmington Hills, Southfield, Plymouth, Birmingham, Livonia, Brighton, Bingham Farms, Bloomfield Township, White Lake, and Highland, MI. Schedule a consultation online or by phone to learn more.
Orthokeratology Q & A
What is orthokeratology?
Orthokeratology also known as Corneal Reshaping Therapy, CRT, is a corrective method Dr. Williamson uses to improve your vision while you sleep.
She uses orthokeratology retainers to recontour the shape of your cornea. The breathable retainers work overnight to reverse the effects of myopia (nearsightedness), albeit temporarily. CRT is the therapeutic use of a corneal mold similar in feel to a contact lens. Your vision is clearer the next day without the day use of eyeglasses or contact lenses.
What conditions does orthokeratology treat?
Dr. Williamson uses orthokeratology to correct nearsightedness in children and adults and to slow or stop the progression of mild myopia in children. She may also recommend this treatment to correct low-degree astigmatism, hyperopia, and presbyopia.
How does orthokeratology work?
Dr. Williamson first examines your eyes to determine the refraction error of your cornea. She then fits a pair of custom orthokeratology retainers to your eyes.
You undergo a 1-2 week treatment plan where you wear the orthokeratology retainer while you sleep for 6-8 consecutive hours each night.
During the daytime hours, you wear either disposable soft contact lenses or your glasses during your treatment. When you finish your treatment phase, you only need to wear the OK retainers.
In some cases, mild glaring and haloes may appear around bright lights. Overall, your vision should be clearer following treatment. It’s imperative you follow proper hygiene guidelines and clean your orthokeratology retainers as Dr. Williamson recommends to prevent eye infections and other complications.
Who is a good candidate for orthokeratology?
For children who are 8-12 years old who are mild to moderately nearsighted, orthokeratology may be an ideal treatment option. The corrective treatment can also help stop the progression of myopia in teenagers.
Adults under the age of 40 who are seeking alternatives to corrective eye surgery may also be suitable candidates for orthokeratology.
Orthokeratology treatments are not recommended for all patients. For instance, for individuals with severe myopia or dry eye syndrome may not be suitable for this treatment.
What are the benefits of orthokeratology?
If you participate in sports or frequently work around dust or debris, orthokeratology offers the convenience of not wearing glasses or contacts that can interfere with your activities.
Other benefits of orthokeratology include:
- Fast, painless treatment
- Safe and fully reversible treatment
- Can postpone eye corrective eye surgery
- No reliance on glasses or contacts for daytime vision
