As many as 9.6 million Americans experience myopia-related vision issues that severely limit their faraway vision. To correct the root cause of myopia, the skilled optometry team at Swift Creek Eye Center in Midlothian, Virginia, offers noninvasive and nonsurgical treatment options like corneal refractive therapy. Using special contact lenses, you can correct the shape of the cornea to eliminate the need for contacts or glasses and enjoy clear vision. Find out if you’re a candidate for corneal refractive therapy by scheduling a consultation over the phone at Swift Creek Eye Center.
Corneal Refractive Therapy Q & A
What is corneal refractive therapy?
Corneal refractive therapy, also known as orthokeratology, is a treatment option for myopia (nearsightedness). The treatment involves wearing gas-permeable contact lenses while you sleep, which gradually changes the shape of your cornea.
Gas-permeable contact lenses are made of rigid materials that allow oxygen to pass through to your eye. Your Swift Creek Eye Center provider creates a custom treatment plan that outlines how long you must wear the lenses to properly correct the shape of your cornea to enhance your vision.
After wearing the lenses each night during your treatment phase, the goal of your therapy is to allow you to enjoy excellent daytime vision without the need for contacts or eyeglasses.
Am I a good candidate for corneal refractive therapy?
In general, corneal refractive therapy is ideal for children 8-12 who have myopia because their corneas are easier to mold. Older children and young adults may also be candidates for this type of therapy. If you’re under 40 and aren’t interested in LASIK or other types of corrective surgery, you may benefit from corneal refractive therapy.
In addition to treating nearsightedness, corneal refractive therapy may also improve vision affected by farsightedness, astigmatism, and presbyopia, an age-related loss of your up-close vision.
To determine if corneal refractive therapy can improve your vision, the Swift Creek Eye Center staff performs a thorough evaluation of your eye health and overall health. If they decide this treatment is right for you, they fit you with a part of prescription contact lenses and customize your treatment plan.
What’s involved in corneal refractive therapy?
Generally, corneal refractive therapy requires wearing the lenses for 1-2 weeks for at least 6-8 consecutive hours.
During this corrective period, you still need to wear eyeglasses or soft contact lenses. However, once your corrective treatment is complete, you can stop wearing glasses and contacts during the daytime and only wear the prescription, gas-permeable lenses while you sleep.
Your Swift Creek Eye Center provider continues to monitor your vision through routine eye exams to ensure you’re seeing clearly both up-close and far away.
To learn more about the benefits of corneal refractive therapy, call Swift Creek Eye Center today.