Orthokeratology goes by many names…. Ortho-k, corneal refractive therapy, Gentle Vision Shaping, corneal molding, and others. At Bright Eyes Family Vision Care, we tend to call it corneal reshaping or Orthokeratology. But regardless of whatever terms we choose to call it, our patients call it “awesome!”

Watch for yourself:

(Click here to watch on Youtube).

This last weekend I was fortunate enough to  attend and speak at  the Orthokeratology Academy of America (OAA) educational conference. The OAA is an international organization of orthokeratologists who provide a nonsurgical alternative to refractive surgery for nearsightedness, astigmatism and hyperopia. Current research also shows that Ortho-K can slow myopic progression in children.

The international faculty of presenters covered topics including myopia control (including soft lens technology), corneal reshaping research, safety of corneal reshaping, progressive/hyperopic Ortho-K lens designs, new corneal reshaping techniques. I heard speakers from Australia, Japan, China, Italy, Spain, and from all over the US.

President Dr. Cary Herzberg had the pleasure of announcing the inception of the new International Academy of Orthokeratology(IAO). The IAO brings together ortho-K organizations from the America (OAA) as well and Europe and Asia. This international organization will support, promote and advance corneal reshaping worldwide thru quality education and research presentations at meetings held around the world.  For more information about the OAA click here.

At Bright Eyes, we have successfully treated patients from 7 to 59 years old with orthokeratology. This includes pilots, lawyers, retirees, and lots of kids like Christopher (above). If you would like more information about Orthokeratology, call our office in Westchase at 813-792-0637 or visit http://BrightEyesOrthoK.com

Nathan Bonilla-Warford, OD
Bright Eyes Family Vision Care
Located in the Westchase area of Tampa.

I am happy to note that my friend and colleague, William Stephen O.D. of St. Lucy’s Vision Center was featured extensively discussing orthokeratology, also known as ortho-K, CRT, or Precise Corneal Reshaping (PCR). The video aired on Fox 13′s Dr. Jo health segment.

Here is the description of the video from the Fox 13 website. “Patients head to the eye doctor every year, often times for a stronger prescription. But, some people are getting “perfect vision” without contacts or glasses. FOX 13′s Dr. Joette Giovinco shows why “Eye Braces” are being called the vision of the future.”

You can watch the entire video here:

There are several optometrists that provide Ortho-K in the Tampa area.  We the only office in Westchase to provide the service.  If you have any questions about this exciting treatment option or want to schedule a screening, please do not hesitate to call the office at 813-792-0637 or email at office@brighteyestampa.com.

Be Well!

Nathan Bonilla-Warford, OD
Bright Eyes Family Vision Care
Located in the Westchase area of Tampa.

Ahah! I was scooped on this story by one of my favorite bloggers, Ann Z. from LittleFourEyes. I was going to write a post about this exciting news today, but since she already has. Check it out here.

I Will leave you with a quote from yesterday’s press release:

According to Dr. S. Barry Eiden the trial will also investigate why these special lenses may be effective in slowing myopia.

“Current thinking suggests that these CRT lenses flatten the cornea but other evidence suggests that these lenses may influence the growth in eyeball length (termed axial length). A major contributor to progressive nearsightedness is axial length elongation. Corneal reshaping may actually result in decreased axial length growth. The exact mechanism by which this happens is still being investigated” said Dr. Eiden.

“The results of the SMART Study so far are very exciting,” said Dr. Davis. “The outcomes of this study may revolutionize how we manage young nearsighted patients from this point forward”.

You can go to the SMART study facebook page to find more information.You can also watch a news report on the study here.

It should also be noted that the SMART study is building on additional recent studies that have also found that Orthokeratology has been successful in slowly the progression of myopia.

To find orthokeratology doctors in Tampa and elsewhere: go to the Orthokeratology Academy of America. If you are curious, feel free to call or come in for our no-cost consultation to determine if you are candidate.

Be Well.

Nathan Bonilla-Warford, OD
Bright Eyes Family Vision Care
Located in the Westchase area of Tampa.

I was scanning the web the other day doing some research on orthokeratology and I found this video. It was made by my friend and colleague, Richard Anderson, O.D., of Camarillo Optometry. No, he isn’t from Tampa Bay, but he is an exceptionally cool guy.

You may not have heard about orthokeratology (PCR Ortho K) before. It is  a method that uses contact lenses worn at night to eliminate the need for glasses or contacts during the day. You can find out much more at the Orthokeratology Academy of America.

If you have an interest in Ortho K or have family members that are candidates, I encourage you to watch Dr. Andesron’s  video. It is highly explanatory and shows what patients experience.

If you have questions about whether or not PCR Orthokeratology is right for you, call our office or send an email to askdrb@brighteyestampa.com.

Be Well.

Nathan Bonilla-Warford, OD
Bright Eyes Family Vision Care
Located in the Westchase area of Tampa.

This new 13 minute video does an excellent job of describing Precise Corneal Reshaping for patients of all ages.

If you have questions about the process or are curious if you are a candidate, please contact the office.

Be well!

Nathan Bonilla-Warford, OD
Bright Eyes Family Vision Care
Located in the Westchase area of Tampa.