Orthokeratology is also used as a treatment to slow the progression of myopia (nearsightedness) in children.

Orthokeratology treatment aims to flatten the center of the cornea, change the way light refracts as it enters the eye and reach the retinal layer. Emphasizing that the lenses must be worn regularly for successful treatment, Ophthalmologist Op. Dr. Yusuf Avni Yılmaz said, “Most orthokeratology lenses are worn overnight to flatten the cornea, then removed during the day. These overnight lenses are hard, gas permeable lenses that allow oxygen to pass through to keep the eye healthy while being strong enough to reshape the cornea. If you stop wearing the lenses at night, the eyes return to their original shape after a period of time and the visual impairment may progress more quickly. Regular use of lenses is very important for the slowing down process.”

Hygiene is important in lens use
The risks of using these lenses are similar to those of other contact lenses. However, since they are usually children undergoing Orthokeratology treatment, they may not be as careful about hygiene as adults. Therefore, the attention of families becomes much more important in this case.

Young myopia patients who are active in sports get good results
Those who are involved in various sports branches know that wearing glasses while playing sports can be a problem. The movements made during sports make it difficult for the glasses to stay on the face and can cause them to slip off. For this reason, Orthokeratology treatment is a form of treatment recommended for young people who play sports. Op. Dr. Yusuf Avni Yılmaz said that thanks to this treatment, the performance of young people who do sports is higher and the reluctance they experienced before has disappeared.

However, stating that some eye structures are not suitable for orthokeratology treatment, Op. Dr. Yusuf Avni Yılmaz said, “Unfortunately, this treatment method is not suitable for individuals with unruly astigmatism, permanent astigmatism, large pupil, low lid, very flat cornea, pathological dry eye syndrome.”

May 2023