There is increasing clinical evidence that orthokeratology is an effective method of reduce myopic progression. The latest study, the SMART (Stabilization of Myopia by Accelerated Reshaping Technique) Trial, a national study led by Chicago researchers Drs. S. Barry Eiden and Robert Davis, adds additional evidence:
“At the end of one year, the test group was absolutely rock solid, no progression (of nearsightedness) at all,” Eiden said. “The control group had two power steps of progression on average.” One power step equals a change of .25 diopters in prescription strength.
If the study’s hypothesis holds up, children with mild nearsightedness could have healthier eyes as adults, with a greater chance of successful LASIK, vision-correcting surgery and less risk of retinal complications later in life, Eiden said.
This is exciting because many parents ask me about methods to reduce or eliminate the development of nearsightedness. This study is far from over, but it appears to be supporting the efficacy of orthokeratology as a means to control myopia.
Bright Eyes is one of the few offices in Tampa and the only in Westchase to offer orthokeratology. If you have any questions about orthokeratology, or whether or not you or your children are candidates, contact the office at 813-792-0637.
Be Well!
Nathan Bonilla-Warford, OD
Bright Eyes Family Vision Care
Located in the Westchase area of Tampa.
[…] Orthokeratology (Corneal Reshaping). There is several scientific studies that have shown that this can provide safe, clear daytime vision, and slow or stop progression of myopia. You can read more about this here. And I have written more about this here. […]