SigMT

SIGMT 2022 Vol 14 Issue4

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SIGNATURE MONTANA | 95 joy that patients exude is indescribable when they have functional vision for the first time in many years. e last in the rigid gas permeable category is orthokeratology, also known as Ortho-K. As I described earlier, rigid gas permeable lenses changed the shape of the cornea when fit too flat. ese lenses are used as a mold to reshape the front layers of the eye, specifically the cornea, during sleeping hours. Patients are then able to remove the lens during the day while still being "corrected." It wasn't until the development of lenses allowing high oxygen transmission needed for overnight wear and equipment that practitioners could monitor and adjust the molds to create the corneal changes needed for centered, stable vision. Myopia is the majority of those treated with Ortho-K. Myopia is when the vision is blurry in the distance but clear up close. Myopia is increasing globally at an alarming rate and is considered an epidemic. About 28% of the world's population was myopic in 2010. It is expected to reach 50% by 2050. Myopia prevalence is a growing concern, especially in East Asian countries, affecting nearly 90% of high school graduates. e worry is not just the need for correction but the increased risk of certain conditions such as cataracts, retinal detachments, glaucoma, and myopic maculopathy. ankfully studies have found fiing Ortho-K or so lenses a certain way can decrease myopia progression by fiy percent. ese lenses have been fied "off-label" for myopia control for many years. "Off-label" just describes any non-FDA uses of any medications or medical devices. ere are two FDA-approved Ortho-K lenses for vision correction, but it wasn't until earlier this year that the FDA approved an Ortho-K lens for myopia management. is came on the heels of the first so contact lens for myopia management, achieving approval at the end of 2019. e designs and future applications of contacts are continually changing and improving. e possibilities are endless. Current products in development already stretch the imagination, such as lenses for dispensing medication, wound healing, monitoring blood sugars or eye pressure, magnifying vision for those affected by low vision, projecting your smartphone display on your retina, and even possibly controlling certain aspects of your phone. Some are years away from consumer use, but the innovation is astounding. ankfully your local eye doctor will be keeping all this in mind for you. S MT Compounding Specialist • Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement erapy • Sports Management • Pain Management • Pediatric • Hospice • Veterinary Compliance and Long Term Care Packaging Delivery/Mail Services • Locally Owned for 22 years 2828 10th Ave S. Great Falls 8am-5:30pm M-F • 216-3102 www.andersonfamilypharmacy.com Dr. Sexton graduated in 2012 from Illinois College of Optometry. She practices at Central Montana Eyecare, treating patients of all ages, and specializes in Specialty Contact Lenses.

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