Ortho-K Lenses in Silverthorne, CO

Myopia is the most common refractive eye condition in the world today and the number of patients being diagnosed is continuing to rise year on year. This is especially the case in children – something which is believed to be a result of increased screen time and not enough time spent in natural daylight. Characterized by the ability to see nearby objects clearly, but those that are further away appear blurred, myopia can make some aspects of day to day life tricky at best. While glasses and contact lenses can be used to correct refractive eye conditions including myopia, these are not practical solutions for every patient. They also do not stop the myopic progression. Fortunately, there is a type of treatment that can. It is known as orthokeratology or Ortho-K for short.

How Does Ortho-K Work?

Refractive eye errors such as myopia occur because the light that enters the eyeball is not refracted directly onto the retina. In the case of myopia, the light falls short of the retina, causing the images of objects far away to appear blurred. The reason that this happens is either that the eyeball is too long, or because the cornea, which is the clear, dome-shaped surface covering the eye, is too steep.

The principle behind Ortho-K is fairly simple. The process involves temporarily reshaping the cornea and correcting the refractive error so that the patient can see clearly without the need for glasses or contact lenses. This reshaping is carried out using specially-designed contact lenses, which are worn overnight and place gentle pressure onto the cornea in order to change their shape. Unlike regular contacts, these gas-permeable varieties are safe to be worn overnight while you sleep, and their customized nature means that they are exceedingly comfortable and will not disrupt your rest.

Ortho-K treatment is progressive and as such, you should expect to continue with nightly treatment to obtain the maximum improvement in your vision that lasts for an entire day at a time. Orthokeratology is completely reversible, so if you decide to discontinue treatment at any time, there is no lasting effect on your eyes.

Myopia Management

Extensive studies have found that orthokeratology solutions are without doubt a safe and effective myopia management solution. Not only can enable children to see clearly without prescription glasses or contacts during the day, but they can slow or even halt the progression of myopia. This is important, as myopia control may help to reduce the risk of vision-threatening complications associated with moderate to severe myopia in later life, including cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration, and retinal detachment.

Paragon CRT

Paragon CRT is one brand of orthokeratology solution and the variety that we most often recommend to patients who visit our practice in Silverthorne, CO. Paragon CRT has been prescribed to over 1.5 million patients in over 50 countries across the globe.

Benefits of Paragon CRT

Some of the benefits of choosing Paragon CRT for myopia management include the following:

• No age restrictions. Both children and adults can benefit from Paragon CRTÒ therapeutic contact lenses.

• The process is non-invasive, with no need for surgery to correct your vision.

• Once the treatment is established, you will be able to see clearly all day long without needing glasses or contacts.

• You can unlock your child’s potential at school and improve his access to learning by giving him the gift of uncompromised vision.

• Participate in activities that are difficult or impossible when wearing glasses or contact lenses.

• Reduce your or your child’s risk of developing further eye problems in the future.

If you would like more information on orthokeratology or to schedule a consultation to see if you are a suitable candidate for Paragon CRT, please contact Blue River Vision in Silverthorne, CO today by calling (970) 451-0015.