ORTHOKERATOLOGY
Imagine having clear vision with out the need for surgery glasses or soft contact lenses! Orthokeratology is a non-invasive treatment used to correct short sightedness without the need for surgery. This is achieved by wearing a specially designed contact lens while you sleep which temporarily reshapes the cornea to reduce myopia (short sightedness). The result is clear vision for the day without the need to wear glasses or contact lenses. Orthokeratology has been around for a long time however it has not been until the last decade that Ortho-K lenses have been designed in a way to make predictable and controlled changes on the corneal surface. Orthokeratology is safe, reliable and a viable alternative to Laser eye surgery.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS?
If you don't want surgery and you want freedom from your glasses or soft contact lenses than you should consider Orthokeratology. Orthokeratology is great for people who:
Several studies have been conducted for using Orthokeratology in children to slow the progression of myopia. So far there is no solid evidence that shows overnight wear of orthokeratology lenses slows the progression of myopia however, a recent study from Hong Kong and Ohio did suggest that myopia was slowed by up to 50% using orthokeratology, but there was no way to predict the result would work for each individual child.
HOW DOES IT WORK?
Orthokeratology works by using a reverse geometry rigid gas permeable lens to shift the epithelial cells on the front surface of the cornea. The shift and movement of the cells flattens the cornea changing the total power of the eye giving the wearer clear vision for most or all of the waking day. The change in corneal power is achieved using a reverse geometry rigid contact lens. When the Ortho-K lens is not worn the epithelial cells slowly start move back to their normal position - this is called regression. Regression is a slow process and the rates of regression will vary from each individual however despite the effects of regression the induced changes with Orthokeratology usually last the wearer for most, if not all of the waking day.
AM I SUITABLE FOR ORTHOKERATOLOGY?
Orthokeratology works best for prescriptions that are between -0.50 to -6.00 and have an astigmatism (or cyl) less than -1.50. Orthokeratology is also available for people who are long sighted or have astigmatism, however the results may be less predictable. If you are presbyopic and wear a monovision correction with contact lenses you may also be suitable.
WHAT IS THE PROCEDURE FOR ORTHOKERATOLOGY?
The first step in using orthokeratology to correct your vision is to have your prescription and health of your eyes checked. This initial consultation is usually covered by Medicare and during this consultation we will discuss in detail the fitting procedure. If you are an eligable candidate and decide to continue with the orthokeratology treatment, measurements of your cornea will be taken. These measurements are required so the orthokeratology lenses can be custom made to your eyes and prescription. After you are fitted with the lenses you will need to return for several followup consultations. The regular followups are required to monitor the changes induced by the orthokeratology lenses and during the followup visits, changes may be made to the lenses in order to achieve clearer vision.
