What should we do to control myopia? “Orthokeratology”, known as myopia stop treatment in children, is also applied as a treatment to slow the progression of myopia (difficulty seeing far away). Ophthalmologist Dr. Yusuf Avni Yılmaz, Anadolu Medical Center gave information to control myopia.
Pointing out that specially designed contact lenses are used to reshape the cornea in order to improve vision within the scope of the treatment, Ophthalmologist Dr. Yusuf Avni Yılmaz, Anadolu Medical Center said, “In the treatment for the permanent correction of the cornea, lenses should be worn especially at night. We can compare orthokeratology treatment to braces treatment. While the lenses provide a correction of 60 to 70 percent in the first use, there is a permanent repair after about 3-4 weeks. The treatment is given to stop or slow down the progression of myopia, especially in children with a family history of high myopia and myopia progressing rapidly. While applying this treatment, attention should be paid to the hygiene of the lenses.”
In orthokeratology treatment, it is aimed that the lenses flatten the center of the cornea, change the way the light is refracted as it enters the eye, and reach the retina layer. Emphasizing that the lenses should be used regularly in order to continue the treatment successfully, Ophthalmologist Dr. Yusuf Avni Yılmaz, Anadolu Medical Center, “Most orthokeratology lenses are worn overnight to flatten the cornea, then removed during the day. These night lenses are tough, gas-permeable lenses that are tough enough to reshape the cornea while still allowing oxygen to pass through to keep the eye healthy. If the lens is left to wear at night, the eyes will return to their original shape after a certain time and the vision defect may return. Lenses should be used regularly for a definitive repair.”
Hygiene is important when wearing lenses
Recording that maximum vision repair can take 2 weeks or longer, Ophthalmologist Dr. Yusuf Avni Yılmaz said, “Some people may experience significant vision improvement even in the first days. It can be felt in the eye until you get used to these lenses. However, this feeling disappears with continued use. The risks in the use of these lenses are similar to the use of other contact lenses, but since those who use these lenses to stop myopia are usually children, they may not be as careful about hygiene as adults. Therefore, the attention of families becomes much more important in this situation.”
Active sports and young myopia patients get good results
Stating that the lenses provide visual acuity all day long, Ophthalmologist Dr. Yusuf Avni Yılmaz said, “Lenses have advantages such as ease of application, safety, being painless and not being a surgical method. However, it is very important to use these lenses regularly. Emphasizing that orthokeratology is recommended for individuals with regular astigmatism, those who are involved in sports prevented by glasses, and young myopic patients, Ophthalmologist Dr. Yusuf Avni Yılmaz said, “This type of treatment can be applied for patients with myopia – 0.75 dpt to approximately –5.00 dpt, astigmatism – 1.50 dpt. Those with mild myopia and complications related to soft contact lenses can also get a good result from Orthokeratology treatment. However, indicating that some eye structures are not suitable for orthokeratology treatment, Ophthalmologist Dr. Yusuf Avni Yılmaz said, “Unfortunately, this treatment method is not suitable for individuals with irregular astigmatism, permanent astigmatism, wide pupil (pupil), low lid, very flat cornea, pathological dry eye syndrome.”
