What is Orthokeratology?
'Ortho' means to correct. Orthokeratology corrects the refractive error by reshaping the front surface of the eye.
Orthokeratology, often shortened to Ortho-K, is a non-surgical and reversible procedure in which custom-designed contact lens devices are used to gently reshape the cornea. Lenses are worn while sleeping, giving you clear vision during the day without the aid of glasses or contact lenses.
Orthokeratology can correct refractive errors like short sightedness (myopia), long sightedness (hyperopia), oval shaped eyes (astigmatism), and can improve near vision after age 40 (presbyopia).
How does Orthokeratology work?
Your Ortho-K contact lens reshapes the front surface of the eye while you sleep. It uses the forces of the eyelid and tear fluid beneath the lens to reshape the top layers of the cornea.
For treatment of myopia, the lens produces a flatter central cornea and decreases the power of the eye. For hyperopia and presbyopia, the design of the lens steepens the central cornea and increases the power of the eye.
Improvements in vision can usually be seen the next day, with the procedure stabilising after a week or two. With higher prescriptions, the process can take two to four weeks to achieve full correction. Ortho-K does not permanently change the shape of the eye – it is completely reversible. Your eyes' shape will revert back to their original shape within one to four weeks if you stop wearing the lenses.
Who can benefit from Ortho-K?
People who play sports - especially contact sports and all types of water sports.
People working in dusty or dirty environments - dusty or dirty environments can play havoc with contact lenses and glasses.
People with dry eyes or allergies
People who want freedom from their glasses or contact lenses
Children with progressive myopia (see below)
Ortho-K lenses are an excellent option for children with progressive myopia (short-sightedness). Orthokeratology is scientifically proven to dramatically slow, or potentially halt the progression of myopia and can have a positive impact on the long-term health of your child's eye.
In short, Ortho-K works best for people who don't want to or are unable to wear glasses or contact lenses during the day, but don't mind wearing lenses while they sleep. People with healthy corneas who are unsuitable for laser eye surgery can still qualify for Ortho-K.
Contact us and book an appointment to see if you qualify for Orthokeratology treatment.
