Orthokeratology/Corneal Molding is an advanced technology, non-surgical process which reshapes (flattens) the cornea of the eye using contact lenses to correct myopia or nearsightedness.

The doctor custom designs contact lenses specifically for your eyes that are worn while sleeping. After the contact lenses are removed in the morning, the cornea maintains its flattened shape for the remainder of the day allowing a patient not to have to wear any glasses or contact lenses.

Again, this procedure is non-surgical and reversible with no damage occurring to the cornea.

Orthokeratology/ Corneal Reshaping Services Include:

  • Initial Consultation
  • Comprehensive Eye Health Examination
  • Corneal Topography of the Eyes
  • Diagnostic Contact Lenses
  • Final Retainer Contact Lenses
  • Medical Management & Follow-Up Visits
  • Continuing Care & Management
  • 0% Financing Available
What is Orthokeratology & Corneal Reshaping?
Orthokerotology/Corneal Reshaping is an advanced technology, non-surgical process which reshapes (flattens) the cornea of the eye using contact lenses to correct myopia or nearsightedness. Gentle Molding uses a reverse geometry contact lens to flatten the cornea and reduce the focusing power of the eye. When the amount of corneal flattening is accurately controlled, it is possible to bring the eye into correct focus and compensate for myopia or nearsightedness. After the doctor custom designs contact lenses specifically for your eyes, a patient will wear the contact lenses while sleeping. After the contact lenses are removed in the morning , the cornea maintains its flattened shape for part or all of the remainder of the day allowing a patient to not have to wear any glasses or contact lenses. A retainer contact lens must be used each day to maintain the corneal flattening, or the myopia will revert to the pretreatment level.

The Cornea
The cornea makes up about two-thirds of the eye’s total power to focus light precisely on the retina which is located in the back of the eye. By slight modification in the shape of the cornea by shifting the outer layer of the cornea more peripherally, clear functional vision may be restored for a period of time. This improvement is temporary, therefore, wearing the special contact lens must be continued on a prescribed wearing schedule.

History of Orthokeratology
The procedure was first used over 40 years ago when eye doctors noticed that some contact lens wearers vision improved after wearing their hard (PMMA) contact lenses. Initially, a series of lenses were needed until the desired results were attained. This took months to years to accomplish.

Today’s Orthokeratology
Today, with the advent of space-age Gas Permeable plastic polymers, computer assisted design, of the contact lenses and technological advancement in the Orthokeratology procedure, it is possible to achieve reduction of myopia or nearsightedness in a matter of days.

Children and adults can be treated with Corneal Reshaping because the principle of flattening the cornea is effective for many patients. Myopia control is used to slow or stop the increase in axial length of the eye that occurs in growing children who are becoming more nearsighted each year. This may result in a lower prescription, so the child won’t have to wear higher prescription lenses he/she might otherwise require by the time he/she is a teenager.

Corneal Reshaping is accomplished with a special custom designed contact lens specific for a patients cornea. The lens is somewhat larger than a standard lens and comfort is generally excellent. The lens is working as it is worn while the patient is sleeping. Good functional vision can take as little as a few hours to a few weeks depending

The Process
The doctor measures the curvature of the cornea using the corneal topographer. The doctor then uses enhanced computer software to help custom design the lenses. Next, the diagnostic lenses will be designed and ordered then placed on the patients eyes to help determine the proper lens. The doctor then prescribes the contact lenses overnight with the appropriate follow up evaluations to make any alterations to the contact lens and check on a patient’s progress. Generally, one pair of lenses are needed for the therapy, but additional lenses may be required to achieve the desired results.

Benefits
Corneal Reshaping is not only an excellent alternative to surgery and wearing glasses, but it also frees a patient from distractions caused by perspiration, dust, wind, and temperature. There are no more blind spots caused by frame or lens edges. You can wear “regular” fashion sunglasses , get up at night or in the morning and see, go swimming and skiing, drive and be able to see in cases of emergencies. For people in occupations that are hindered by the use of glasses or contacts may be good candidates for Corneal Reshaping (pilots, policemen, firemen, athletes, etc)