For many people, the idea of wearing contact lenses while sleeping and waking up with improved vision may sound like something out of a science fiction novel. Yet, this is the reality for those undergoing a treatment known as orthokeratology, or what Dr. Rick Graebe FCOVD calls “gentle corneal molding.”
Gentle corneal molding is a non-surgical approach that uses specially designed contact lenses worn overnight to reshape the cornea and improve vision. Whether you’re a child, teenager, or adult, this innovative method can help reverse nearsightedness, providing nearly 20/20 vision without the need for daytime glasses or contacts.
What is Corneal Molding?
Corneal molding, or orthokeratology, works by temporarily reshaping the cornea, the clear front surface of the eye. These changes improve how light is focused on the retina, correcting vision. This method is particularly effective for individuals suffering from nearsightedness (myopia), a condition that makes distant objects appear blurry.
The procedure is simple: after an eye exam, lenses are custom-fitted using advanced technology. Patients wear these specially designed lenses while sleeping, and the cornea is gently reshaped overnight. When they wake up, their vision is dramatically improved, often allowing them to go about their day without the need for glasses or daytime contact lenses.
Why Consider Corneal Molding?
For many, corneal molding offers a liberating solution to vision correction. It’s ideal for children and adults alike, offering a non-invasive, reversible alternative to surgery. Patients as young as six years old can benefit from this treatment, and the effects are often seen after just one night of wear.
Dr. Graebe, a specialist in developmental optometry, has been performing this procedure for over 15 years, successfully treating hundreds of patients. His patients appreciate the freedom from glasses and the comfort of wearing lenses only while they sleep.
Moreover, the benefits go beyond just convenience. For children, gentle corneal molding helps slow the progression of myopia, which can reduce the risk of future eye conditions like glaucoma, retinal detachment, and macular degeneration. By addressing nearsightedness early, parents can help protect their child’s vision for life.
Advanced Technology for Precise Results
What sets corneal molding apart is the precision involved. Three technological breakthroughs have made this treatment incredibly accurate and effective:
- Nighttime Soft Lenses: These lenses are comfortable to wear during sleep and safe for overnight use.
- Computerized Lens Creation: A computerized lathing process customizes lenses to fit each patient’s unique cornea shape.
- Corneal Topography: This advanced imaging system maps over 3,000 points on the cornea, providing an exceptionally detailed view to create the perfect lens fit.
With this technology, Dr. Graebe can ensure that each lens is tailored precisely to the patient’s eye, reducing the guesswork that was once part of the process. As a result, what used to take weeks or months to perfect now only takes a few days.
Patient Success Stories
A patient from Frankfort, Kentucky, was initially skeptical about corneal molding but decided to give it a try after hearing about its benefits. After wearing the lenses for just one night, she woke up with nearly perfect vision. Within a few weeks, her nearsightedness had dramatically improved, and she no longer needed glasses during the day.
Another young patient from Lexington experienced a noticeable reduction in her nearsightedness after using the lenses for a few weeks. This not only improved her ability to participate in sports without the hassle of glasses but also gave her parents peace of mind, knowing they were helping to protect her vision for the future.
Ready to See the World Clearly?
If you’re tired of dealing with the inconvenience of glasses or contacts and want a non-surgical solution, corneal molding may be right for you. With locations in Versailles, serving the greater Lexington area, and Somerset, Dr. Rick Graebe FCOVD is one of the leading experts in Central Kentucky for this groundbreaking procedure.
Take control of your vision today. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Graebe and learn more about corneal molding, call us at 859-879-0089. Let us help you achieve clearer vision and a better quality of life.
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This blog is based on information from Dr. Rick Graebe as compiled and written by John Lynch.