Sayaka

Sayaka (age 17)

Starting age: 13 years old

Years of Ortho-K use: 3.5 years

Starting Prescription:
Right eye: -4.75 -0.75 x 004
Left eye: -3.00 -0.75 x 168

Total Prescription change on Ortho-K: No change in prescription since starting Ortho-K

Hobbies and Interests:
● Soccer - “I started playing when I was 8, and now I am playing on my highschool’s varsity team. I hope to continue playing competitively in college.”
● Hanging out with friends, Reading, Walking her dog
● Favorite subject - Environmental Science.

1) How has Dr. Lo and the staff at East Bay Vision Center helped shape your experience with Ortho-K?
“I think she was really patient with me, because at first I had a lot of trouble - my eyes would get irritated and the lens wouldn’t work. She would make time for me, and we tried 4 different types of solutions and even different types of lenses until there were no more problems. Now, I don’t get red or dry eyes anymore. She was very open to having me come in whenever I had some irritation. She said, “you can contact me whenever and I'll try to help you.”

2) Personally, what benefits of Ortho-K are you happiest about?
“Being able to see during the day without having to wear glasses or contacts! I play soccer, so there's no worries about my glasses breaking or contacts falling out. Overall, there’s less to worry about, and I’m better able to enjoy everyday life.”

3) How did you hear about Ortho-K lenses?”
“My parents were pretty worried, because my eyes were already pretty bad when we started the program, and they believed if my prescription got worse it would be detrimental. They found out about Ortho-K and how it can help slow down the progression of my prescription, so that was one of the benefits we looked into.”

“My friend on the soccer team wears Ortho-K lenses too!”

4) What was your experience like learning to use Ortho-K lenses and how would you describe your comfort with the contact lenses now?
“Initially, I wasn’t able to clean the lenses well. There would be air bubbles with certain types of solutions that affected my vision in the morning or build up on the lens that caused irritation. On top of that, my eyes were typically pretty dry, and I’ve always had sensitive eyes when it comes to being out in the sun. However, Dr. Lo was very patient with troubleshooting, and we found a solution for me to wear the lenses comfortably.”

5) What would you tell someone younger who has been recommended Ortho-K treatment by their optometrist, but they are on-the-fence about committing to it?
“Know that it might take a couple of tries to find the right lenses and ways to use the lenses that will work for you. If you have the opportunity and your family is willing to do it, be grateful because they are expensive! I used to wear contacts, and personally, I like these a lot more. With normal contacts my eyes would turn red by the end of the day because I have dry eyes.”