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Ortho-K Contact Lenses: How Effective Are They in Correcting Myopia?

Introduction 

Myopia, along with other refractive errors, is among the most common eye conditions that affect Filipinos. It is characterized by the inability to see faraway objects clearly, so it is also called nearsightedness. People with myopia might have trouble recognizing faces or reading small texts, especially if they are at a considerable distance from the person or item they are looking at. 

Wearing eyeglasses or contact lenses is one of the common ways to manage myopia. However, this correction method has some limitations, especially because these visual aids are quite easy to misplace or damage. An alternative is undergoing surgery. The available procedures can be quite costly, though, so they might not be the right option for those on a tight budget.

Another option is wearing ortho-k contact lenses for myopia. Orthokeratology treatment is a modern and non-surgical procedure that provides myopic people with clear vision for a limited amount of time. We offer this service here at Asian Eye Institute, so you can reach out to us if you wish to determine if you are eligible for it. However, if you wish to be more informed about orthokeratology first, reading this article will greatly help.

 

Orthokeratology and Myopia: An Overview 

Nearsightedness is caused by an irregularity in the shape of the eyeball. The eyeball is supposed to be round, but for myopic people, it is slightly elongated, and it affects the way light is refracted in your eyes. As a result, you may experience blurry vision when looking at an object from a distance. 

In many cases, myopia starts at an early age and can be properly diagnosed through a comprehensive eye exam. Orthokeratology was actually developed to help control myopia in children and delay its progression. It works by gently reshaping the cornea to help the eyes focus properly on objects no matter the distance.

Special contact lenses, called ortho-k contact lenses, will be worn at night for about six hours while you are sleeping. In the morning, when you wake up, you can take the lenses off and immediately notice how you can see clearly even without them.

Orthokeratology also works for other refractive errors. This means that ortho-k contact lenses are not just for myopia control. They can also provide astigmatic and hyperopic patients with clear vision for a temporary period. 

 

What Happens During Ortho-K Treatment

Before deciding to undergo orthokeratology, it is important to familiarize yourself with what will happen during the entire procedure. Here is a quick guide:

 

Initial Check-Up and Tests

Several tests will be conducted on you to determine if you are eligible to wear ortho-k contact lenses. There are many factors to consider, like the shape of your cornea and the overall health of your eyes. If you have a corneal scar, chronic eye allergies, and other related conditions, your doctor might not recommend you to push through with the treatment.

Your doctor will also ask about the nature of your work and your lifestyle to determine if wearing ortho-k contact lenses will be good for you. You might be advised to think twice if you are regularly exposed to strong winds, water splashes, and other kinds of harsh outdoor conditions for your job or daily routine. 

If you are eligible, your eyes will then be thoroughly examined so doctors can get their exact measurements. The topography of your cornea will be determined to help eye care providers create custom-fit orthokeratology lenses. 

 

Fitting of Ortho-K Contact Lenses

Once the doctors get enough data about the shape of your eyes, manufacturing the lenses will start. The doctor will place an order with a manufacturing partner abroad, and the foreign company will take care of creating the lenses. All ortho-k contact lenses are customized for each patient, so it might take a few weeks before they get manufactured and delivered to the Philippines.

The doctor will call you back once the lenses are available to see if they fit well on your eyes. They will also explain how to properly use the lenses and when to return to the clinic for follow-up appointments. 

 

Modification of the Lenses

Each patient might have a unique experience with orthokeratology. For some, the treatment can work quickly, but it might take a while for others. Because of this, going back to your doctor is necessary because they need to constantly monitor the condition of your eyes.

During your follow-up appointments, the doctor will check how the ortho-k contact lenses are helping with myopia. In some instances, they might have to check and map your cornea again and modify your ortho-k contact lenses as necessary. 

 

Side Effects of Wearing Ortho-K Contact Lenses

Wearing ortho-k contact lenses for adults and children can sometimes result in eye irritation. This is why patients are advised to practice proper hygiene and hand washing when wearing and taking off the lenses. Any other negative side effects are less likely to happen since ortho-k contact lenses are gas-permeable, which allows an ample supply of oxygen to the cornea. 

 

Find an Orthokeratology Specialist Today

Asian Eye Institute is here to help if you are looking for orthokeratology specialists in the Philippines. Our doctors can conduct the necessary tests for you to determine if you are eligible to undergo the treatment. They can also walk you through the entire process and inform you about the potential side effects of wearing ortho-k contact lenses.

Rest assured that Asian Eye Institute’s doctors are highly skilled and knowledgeable, so they can help you make a more informed decision on how to correct your myopia. Furthermore, we have modern facilities and pieces of equipment that we use to provide you with the highest quality of eye care you deserve.

To speak with our doctors, all you have to do is schedule a consultation with us. We have different locations around Metro Manila, so you can visit the one most convenient for you. You can book the appointment online by filling out our form and waiting for the confirmation to be sent via email. However, if you wish to speak with our staff directly, you can do that by calling the phone number of your preferred branch.

 

Conclusion 

Wearing ortho-k contact lenses is a way for myopia patients to correct their vision. It is a non-surgical method that involves using special lenses at night to temporarily reshape the cornea. Doctors recommend it to athletes who engage in contact sports, workers who do strenuous tasks and activities, or people who simply no longer want to wear glasses or contact lenses. 

Not everyone, however, is eligible to undergo orthokeratology treatment. This is why consulting with doctors is a must so the necessary exams can be performed. 

For more information about orthokeratology, do not hesitate to contact us at Asian Eye Institute. We have ophthalmologists and ortho-k specialists who can provide you with more details about the treatment and how it can help manage correct myopia and other refractive errors. Schedule a consultation with us today! Our friendly staff members will be more than happy to assist you.

 

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Asian Eye’s Dr. Robert Ang Wins Gold Medal at Cataract Olympics

At the recent American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery (ASCRS) Annual Meeting on April 8, 2024, Dr. Robert Ang of Asian Eye was awarded a prestigious Gold medal in the Cataract Olympics for his video presentation titled “Cataract Technology Hurdles.”  

Held in Boston, Massachusetts, USA from April 05 to 08, 2024, the annual meeting featured the participation of outstanding ophthalmologists and eye care professionals from across the globe. The Cataract Olympics symposium provided a platform for teams from leading organizations such as ASCRS, APACRS, ESCRS, and LASCRS to showcase their expertise and compete in various cataract categories making Dr. Ang’s achievement even more remarkable.

Dr. Ang’s award-winning video focused on the critical aspect of astigmatism correction during cataract surgery and offered valuable insights into using Toric (astigmatism) IOLs. His impressive win coincides with Cataract Awareness Month this June, a time dedicated to raising awareness about cataracts and educating the public about available treatment options.

This video competition not only showcases the expertise and skills of specialists like Dr. Ang but also provides a platform for sharing knowledge and exchanging ideas with doctors worldwide regarding new technologies and surgical techniques. By leveraging the power of visual media, these educational resources help advance the field of cataract surgery and benefit patients globally.

Cataracts are an age-related eye condition, where the normally clear lens of the eye becomes cloudy. Sometimes, it feels like looking at a fogged-up glass. If not treated, it can lead to blindness. Fortunately, surgery can be done to remove it. The ophthalmologist will remove the lens with cataract and replace it with an IOL. There are different kinds of IOLs available, all designed to improve vision. 

Asian Eye takes great pride in the exceptional skills and expertise of their esteemed medical team, exemplified by the contributions of Dr. Robert Ang. Dedicated to providing patients with the highest standard of care, patients can have peace of mind when it comes to cataract surgery and other vision-related procedures at Asian Eye. 

For more information about Dr. Robert Ang and the advanced ophthalmological services offered at Asian Eye, please visit www.asianeyeinstitute.com.

Cataract Awareness Month: Reclaim Your Freedom, Restore Your Sight

June is Cataract Awareness Month, and as a leading eye center in the Philippines, Asian Eye aims to celebrate and raise awareness about the importance of cataract screenings and drive more individuals to seek timely treatment for cataracts. Cataracts are a common concern among older Filipinos and one of the major causes of visual impairment. According to the Philippine Eye Research Institute, there are 1.18 million people suffering from cataracts, with roughly 400,000 needing surgery.

Cataracts are the clouding of the eye’s natural lens, which can lead to symptoms such as blurry vision, difficulty seeing at night, and increased sensitivity to glare. It can lead to blindness if left untreated, so it’s essential to have them removed when they begin to interfere with your daily activities, such as driving, watching TV, or cooking.

Cataract surgery is a common procedure that involves removing the cloudy natural lens and replacing it with an artificial intraocular lens. Laser cataract surgery offers several advantages over traditional surgery, and Asian Eye is proud to offer patients with cutting-edge solutions for their eye care needs.

Asian Eye utilizes VICTUS Femtolaser technology from the renowned German brand Bausch + Lomb. This advanced technology is able to break up and remove the cloudy lens using significantly less energy, minimizing the risk of damage to surrounding tissues and promoting quicker healing.

Regular visits to your eye doctor are paramount, as they can advise you on the timing of the surgery and explain the benefits and risks involved. If you have an elderly loved one who complains of cloudy or blurry vision, consider giving them the gift of sight with the following Cataract Screening and Surgery deals:

40% off for one (1) cataract screening

50% off for two (2) or more cataract screenings

20% off on cataract surgery

*if scheduled within one (1) week after the screening or deposit is given within (2) weeks

It’s important to make informed decisions with a trusted eye care specialist and to book an appointment with Asian Eye to take proactive steps towards better vision and eye health.

Asian Eye Institute is located at Phinma Plaza, Rockwell Center, Makati with satellite offices located in TriNoma, Quezon City, and Mall of Asia, Pasay City. For inquiries and appointments, you may call 8898- 2020 or send an email to [email protected].

 

Dr. Robert Ang Recognized as one of the Top 100 in “The Power List 2024” by The Ophthalmologist

Dr. Robert Edward Ang, a distinguished specialist in Cataract, Glaucoma, and Cornea and Refractive Surgery (LASIK) at the Asian Eye Institute, has been honored once again by The Ophthalmologist Magazine in its prestigious 2024 Power List as one of the top 100 most influential eye care professionals in the world. Dr. Ang, notably the only Filipino listed, reaffirms his status with this second recognition. The first time he was listed in the top 100 was in 2018, highlighting his sustained contributions and leadership in the global ophthalmology community.

 

About Dr. Robert Edward Ang

As the Director of the Cornea and Refractive Surgery Service at the Asian Eye Institute, Dr. Ang is celebrated for his expertise in LASIK surgery and his pioneering research on technologies that enhance the diagnosis and treatment of various eye conditions. As the Director for Research and Training, his collaborative work with leading pharmaceutical and medical device companies has led to innovations in cataract intraocular lenses, presbyopic laser treatments, and minimally invasive glaucoma devices.

His accolades include multiple Best Paper of Session Awards from the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery (ASCRS), the Certified Educator Award from the Asia Pacific Association of Cataract and Refractive Surgery (APACRS), the Presidential Recognition Award from the International Society of Refractive Surgery (ISRS), the Geminiano de Ocampo Outstanding Researcher in Ophthalmology Award from the Philippine Academy of Ophthalmology (PAO) and the Senior Achievement Award from the Asia Pacific Academy of Ophthalmology (APAO).

Dr. Ang’s consistent recognition on such a significant global platform not only underscores his dedication and skill but also serves as an inspiration to current and aspiring ophthalmologists worldwide. His achievements continue to showcase the excellence and innovation present in Philippine medical practices.

 

Explore and Connect

Dr. Robert Ang has ongoing research projects on cataract, glaucoma, refractive lenses and laser eye surgery. To learn more about Dr. Ang’s impactful work and explore if, as a patient, you would like to be part of the pioneering research and eye care services at the Asian Eye Institute, please visit our website at asianeyeinstitute.com. For appointments, please refer to the contact details below:

 

ROCKWELL (Main Clinic)

8th, 9th, and 10th Floors, PHINMA Plaza

Rockwell Center, Makati City

LANDLINE (02) 8-898-2020

MOBILE 0918-898-2020

EMAIL [email protected]

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