The Importance of Treatment Zone Size in Ortho-K: Why One Size Doesn’t Fit All and the Factoria Eye Clinic Difference

Orthokeratology (Ortho-K) is a non-surgical vision correction method that uses specially designed contact lenses to temporarily reshape the cornea overnight, allowing for clear vision throughout the day without the need for glasses or daytime contact lenses. This treatment is particularly beneficial for myopia control, as it helps slow the progression of nearsightedness in children and young adults.

However, not all Ortho-K lenses are created equal. One crucial factor that significantly influences the effectiveness of treatment is the treatment zone size—a component that many “off-the-shelf” Ortho-K brands fail to offer customization for. At Factoria Eye Clinic, we take a highly personalized approach to Ortho-K lens fitting, ensuring optimal vision correction and long-term myopia management.

Why Treatment Zone Size Matters

The treatment zone is the central area of the cornea that undergoes reshaping through Ortho-K lenses. Its size directly impacts vision quality, myopia control, and long-term corneal health. When the treatment zone is too small, patients may experience visual disturbances such as halos and glare. Conversely, if the zone is too large, it may not provide effective peripheral defocus, a key component in slowing myopia progression.

Many off-the-shelf Ortho-K lenses do not allow for adjustments to the treatment zone diameter. These mass-produced lenses follow a one-size-fits-all approach, which may not be suitable for every patient’s unique corneal shape, pupil size and prescription needs. This lack of customization can lead to suboptimal results, affecting both vision clarity and myopia control effectiveness.

What Is Peripheral Defocus and Why Does It Matter?

Peripheral defocus refers to the way light focuses on the retina. Research has shown that when peripheral light is focused behind the retina, it signals the eye to continue growing, worsening myopia. Ortho-K lenses designed with controlled peripheral defocus shift this focus forward, please show your source as this does not sound accurate reducing the stimulus for myopia progression. Many generic Ortho-K lenses do not account for this critical factor, leading to less effective treatment.

At Factoria Eye Clinic, we use precise peripheral defocus measurements (what do you mean?) to customize Ortho-K lenses for each patient, ensuring they receive the maximum benefit for both vision correction and myopia management.

The Importance of Axial Length Measurement in
Myopia Control

While many practices rely solely on prescription changes to assess myopia progression, axial length measurement is a much more reliable predictor. The eye’s axial length often starts increasing before prescription changes become apparent, making it a crucial tool for early intervention.

Unfortunately, many conventional methods involve physical contact with the cornea, which can result in inaccurate measurements due to slight corneal compression. At Factoria Eye Clinic, we utilize advanced, non-contact axial length measurement technology, providing more precise and reliable data to guide our myopia control strategies.

The Factoria Eye Clinic Difference: A Customized Approach

At Factoria Eye Clinic, we do things differently. We provide a highly customized Ortho-K treatment plan tailored to each patient’s specific eye structure. Our approach includes:

•          Precise control of treatment zone size and lens diameter to optimize vision quality and myopia control.

•          Peripheral defocus measurements to ensure the lenses promote the correct visual signals that slow myopia progression.

•          Advanced axial length monitoring to track eye growth and predict changes in myopia before they become noticeable.

•          Non-contact axial length measurement, which provides more reliable data compared to traditional methods that touch the cornea and risk introducing errors.

Our Commitment to Excellence: Ongoing Education and Expertise

Our doctors are deeply committed to continued education and professional development, staying at the forefront of advancements in Ortho-K and myopia control. This dedication sets us apart, ensuring that our patients receive cutting-edge care backed by the latest research and best practices in the field.

Ready to Experience a More Personalized Approach to Ortho-K?

When it comes to Ortho-K, one size does not fit all. The treatment zone size, peripheral defocus, and axial length measurement all play crucial roles in ensuring effective vision correction and myopia management. At Factoria Eye Clinic, our customized approach allows us to optimize Ortho-K treatments to each patient’s unique needs, providing superior results compared to generic, mass-produced lenses.

If you or your child are considering Ortho-K for vision correction or myopia control, don’t settle for a one-size-fits-all solution. Schedule a consultation with Factoria Eye Clinic and experience the benefits of truly customized Ortho-K treatment. Visit our office in Bellevue, Washington, or call (425) 641-2020 to book an appointment today.