Dr. Yim answers your eyecare questions:
Q. Please describe what the OCT is used for and give a basic sense of how it works.
A. An OCT scanner uses light to detect pathologies in the eye. The technology is similar to an ultrasound, which uses sound to detect mass. Once the scan is completed, it creates an HD image of the OCT’s findings, which is stored over time. The OCT enables us to get a microscopic view of the various layers of the retina, which is the most important structure in the eye.
Q. What is Ortho-K?
A. Ortho-k refers to the fitting of gas permeable contact lenses that correct myopia (nearsightedness) without surgery. Also called Corneal Refractive Therapy (CRT), ortho-k lenses gently reshape your cornea while you are sleeping. Your cornea reshapes temporarily, which corrects any refractive errors. In the morning, you can open your eyes and see perfectly without your glasses or contacts.
Q. How long do the effects of ortho-k last?
A. The effects of ortho-k generally last for one to two days. To correct your vision on an ongoing basis, you need to wear the ortho-k lenses every night. When you stop wearing the lenses, your vision will return to its original state within 72 hours.
Q. Who can wear ortho-k lenses?
A. People who suffer from nearsightedness will benefit the most from CRT, especially if your eye doctor does not recommend refractive surgery. Patients of any age can benefit from this treatment. Corneal reshaping lenses are especially useful for people who find eyeglasses and contact lenses inconvenient for various reasons. Some people find contacts hard to wear for an entire day, or don’t want to wear them while playing sports. People who suffer from dry eye syndrome or allergies have a hard time wearing contacts. Ortho-k is a perfect solution for anyone who can’t wear contact lenses, and don’t like the look or feel of eyeglasses.
Q. What are the benefits of Ortho-k for kids?
A: Ortho-k can be an excellent option for children. Does your child’s prescription for myopia worsen progressively each year? Corrective refractive therapy may offer a solution to constant deteriorating vision. Studies have demonstrated that when children wear ortho-k lenses, myopia progression slows down. In addition, laser surgery is not available for kids under 18, so ortho-k is a great alternative to eyeglasses or contact lenses.
Q. Is laser surgery possible after wearing ortho-k lenses?
A. Ortho-k lenses can not be worn for several months before LASIK surgery. Ortho-k lenses reshape your cornea, and your cornea must be in its original state when the laser procedure is performed.