Sometimes people who wear eyeglasses or contact lenses during the day for vision correction wish there was a way to go without wearing their eyeglasses or contact lenses, but don’t want to undergo refractive surgery, such as LASIK, to obtain their freedom.

If this describes you, we have good news! At Ascension Optical, we offer orthokeratology, also known as ortho-k, for patients who wish to go without contact lenses or eyeglasses during the day or who desire a non-surgical alternative to LASIK.

What is orthokeratology?

Orthokeratology is the process of fitting specially designed, FDA-approved contact lenses to the eyes to gently assist in reshaping the cornea, the front surface of the eye. 

• When undergoing orthokeratology, the patient wears special contact lenses at night while they sleep. 
• While sleeping, the surface of the eyes is gradually reshaped by the special contact lenses.
• Upon waking, they can enjoy clear vision throughout the day without the need for eyeglasses or contact lenses. 
• This reshaping process can improve both nearsightedness and farsightedness as well as astigmatism. 

Orthokeratology can eliminate a patient’s need for eyeglasses or daytime use of contact lenses entirely in some cases.

Who is a candidate for orthokeratology?

Adults who have mild to moderate refractive errors and do not want to wear eyeglasses or contact lenses during the day are candidates for orthokeratology. 

Children and adults with myopia, otherwise known as nearsightedness, are also candidates for orthokeratology. While orthokeratology can be effective for people of all ages with myopia, children ages 8-12 with progressive myopia, nearsightedness which gets worse every year, may especially benefit from orthokeratology.

Orthokeratology is also an ideal treatment for athletes, who appreciate freedom from the daytime use of eyeglasses or contact lenses while they train and engage in their sport.

It is important to seek orthokeratology from a reputable practitioner to ensure a safe fitting is performed with high-quality lenses. The doctors at Ascension Optical carefully evaluate and fit patients for orthokeratology lenses, taking into consideration their individual eye health concerns.

Learn more about orthokeratology

To learn more about orthokeratology, book an appointment at Ascension Optical in Gonzales, Louisiana for a comprehensive eye exam. Ask about orthokeratology and our doctors can help you determine if it is a good choice for you or your child.