Nearsightedness, or myopia, is a common vision issue that affects millions of people worldwide. For those suffering from this condition, seeing clearly at a distance can be challenging, impacting everything from reading signs to driving safely. However, a revolutionary treatment known as gentle corneal molding offers an exciting solution, allowing people to see clearly after just one night of treatment.
This innovative approach, also known as orthokeratology (or “Ortho-K”), is changing the way we think about vision correction. In this blog, we’ll dive into how this treatment works, its benefits, and why Dr. Rick Graebe FCOVD, a specialist in pediatric and neuro-optometry, is one of the most experienced doctors in Central Kentucky offering this cutting-edge treatment.
What is Gentle Corneal Molding?
Gentle corneal molding, or Ortho-K, is a non-invasive procedure that uses specially designed contact lenses to reshape the cornea while you sleep. When you wake up and remove the lenses, your vision is drastically improved—often to nearly 20/20. This method is particularly effective for patients with mild to moderate myopia (nearsightedness), offering a temporary but highly effective alternative to glasses or daytime contact lenses.
This process is also referred to by other names, such as corneal refractive therapy or vision shaping treatment, but at the heart of each is the same promise: significant improvement in vision without surgery or lasers.
How Does It Work?
The process of gentle corneal molding is both simple and effective. After an eye exam to determine the exact measurements of your cornea, Dr. Rick Graebe designs and orders custom lenses that perfectly fit your eyes. Patients wear these lenses overnight while sleeping, and upon waking, their vision is noticeably sharper.
Patients return for follow-up visits to ensure the treatment is progressing well, and as long as they continue to wear the lenses at night, they can maintain clear vision throughout the day.
Three technological breakthroughs have made this process particularly effective:
- Soft Contact Lenses for Night Wear – These lenses are designed to be safe and comfortable for overnight use.
- Computerized Lathing Process – Precision-crafted lenses that perfectly match the shape of each cornea.
- Corneal Topography Device – A tool that measures over 3,000 points on each eye, ensuring accuracy in lens creation.
Success Stories: Clear Vision After Just One Night
One of the most impressive aspects of gentle corneal molding is how quickly results can be seen. Take Leslie, for example, a 13-year-old patient of Dr. Graebe. Her nearsightedness was rapidly worsening, requiring new glasses every six months. After undergoing gentle corneal molding, Leslie’s vision improved by 50% after just one night of wearing the lenses. By the third night, she achieved 20/20 vision.
Leslie’s experience isn’t unique. Over the past decade, Dr. Graebe has treated over 100 patients with gentle corneal molding, helping people of all ages, from 6 to 60, regain clearer vision. Many patients describe the results as “unbelievable,” with some experiencing drastic improvements after just a couple of nights of wear.
The Long-Term Benefits of Gentle Corneal Molding
Gentle corneal molding is not just a quick fix for nearsightedness. It offers long-term health benefits, particularly for children. Because this treatment slows the progression of myopia, children who undergo gentle corneal molding may reduce their risk of serious eye conditions later in life, such as glaucoma, retinal detachment, and macular degeneration.
These conditions, which can lead to permanent vision loss, are commonly associated with high levels of nearsightedness. By controlling the progression of myopia, parents can give their children a healthier visual future.
Why Choose Dr. Rick Graebe for Gentle Corneal Molding?
Dr. Rick Graebe FCOVD is one of the most experienced optometrists in Central Kentucky offering gentle corneal molding. With over a decade of experience in this treatment and hundreds of successful patients, Dr. Graebe’s expertise is unmatched in the region. As one of only four doctors in Central Kentucky trained in this specialized technique, he brings a wealth of knowledge and personalized care to each of his patients.
With two locations, Neuro-Visual Performance Institute in Versailles and Somerset, Dr. Graebe offers convenient access to this life-changing treatment for residents across Central and Southern Kentucky. Whether you live in the greater Lexington area, Frankfort, Danville, or surrounding areas, you can visit Dr. Graebe for expert care and cutting-edge vision treatments.
Schedule a Consultation Today
If you or your child struggles with nearsightedness and you’re tired of dealing with glasses or contact lenses, gentle corneal molding could be the solution you’ve been waiting for. At Neuro-Visual Performance Institute, Dr. Rick Graebe FCOVD offers this breakthrough treatment that can improve your vision—overnight.
To schedule an appointment at our Versailles or Somerset locations, call us at 859-879-0089 today.
Credit:
This blog is based on information from Dr. Rick Graebe as compiled and written by John Lynch.