Corneal molding (CM) is a non-surgical treatment for nearsightedness (myopia) that offers patients a legitimate alternative to laser vision correction. CM treatment is similar to orthodontics (braces) in dentistry. Special oxygen breathing lenses are prescribed for overnight wear to gently reshape the front of the eye (the cornea) and reduce or eliminate the need for full-time glasses or contact lenses. The treatment is painless and vision improvement is usally seen in one day. The goal of CM is to provide clear and stable vision during the day without the need for glasses or contact lenses.
The first step is to determine if you are a good candidate for CM. Have an eye examination by a doctor who is experienced in CM treatment, then ask questions and read literature in order to better understand the treatment and how It may help you. Before proceeding with CM treatment, you should understand the following:
1. The basics of how CM works.
2. The goal of CM treatment in your case.
3. The benefits and risks involved.
How CM works:
CM works similarly to laser vision correction in that they both flatten the cornea in order to reduce or eliminate nearsightedness (myopia). Instead of surgery, however, CM is accomplished with gas permeable (oxygen breathing) lenses that are worn at night. Advanced computer technology is utilized to design and manufacture these special lenses resulting in custom lens shapes that are extremely accurate. CM lenses are made of special plastics that breathe enough oxygen to allow safe and comfortable overnight wear.The goal of CM treatment in your case:
The definition of success depends upon the goal. Talk to your CM doctor about your visual needs. For most patients, the goal is to be able to see clearly during the day without wearing contacts or glasses. Depending on the specifics in your case, the goal may be to reduce dependency on glasses or contacts for most occasions. Some patients actually wear CM lenses on a daily basis, but when they remove the lenses, they can still see, as opposed to being blurred when the lenses come out, as is the case in conventional contact lens wear.Benefits and risks:
CM is considered to be as safe and effective as conventional contact lens wear. There are technical limitations, such as the shape of the cornea and the amount of eye prescription to be corrected. Potential complications include, but are not limited to, eye irritation, fluctuating vision dryness, infection and inducement of astigmatism. The se complications are uncommon and treatable. If all fails, complications may reverse upon discontinuation of CM treatment.The benefits of CM include freedom from glasses and contacts during the day, which most people would consider life enhancing. Athletic acti8vities, water sports, work environment and eye allergies are among the reasons that people seek CM treatment instead of conventional contact lens wear. Some people are concerned about the risks associated with eye surgery and would rather try CM and leave surgery as a last resort.