Ortho-K Lenses
Orthokeratology (ortho-k) fits specially designed gas permeable contact lenses that you wear overnight. These lenses gently reshape the front surface of your eye (cornea) while you are asleep, so you can see the following day after you remove the lenses. Ortho-Ks is a revolutionary FDA approved non-surgical procedure that eliminates the need for glasses or daytime contact lenses. It is a great alternative to Lasik for those not ready for surgery.
If you are suffering from nearsightedness or any refractive error, wouldn't you prefer to not depend on your prescription glasses anymore? If only you could improve your eyesight without having to go through eye surgery, right?
Orthokeratology is an excellent option for all adults who need myopic prescriptions. It’s also great for those who have lesser degrees of astigmatism. Additionally, ortho-k is often used as a proven treatment method for farsightedness (hyperopia) and age-related hardening of the eyes’ lenses (presbyopia). Even children as young as seven years old who have a family history of nearsightedness or experienced a sharp increase in this vision problem can also enjoy its benefits. Orthokeratology is a surgery-free way for some people to leave their glasses behind and not have to wear contact lenses all the time.
How does ortho-k work?
When a person can not see clearly, their eye is too long, too short, or the surface is misshaped. Images fail to reach or focus on the retina, which produces blurred or distorted vision.
The surface of your eyes is mapped using a high tech instrument called a topographer, which allows your doctor to create a custom lens specifically designed for your eye and its unique visual problem. These contact lenses are made of highly oxygen permeable material, which allows your eye to breathe overnight and maintain excellent health.
This corneal reshaping lens has several specialised curves that reshape your cornea (front surface of your eye). The tear film beneath this therapeutic lens continuously flows across the corneal surface, re-sculpting the shape. This improved shape focus images directly on the retina. The result is crisp, clear vision upon waking and removing your lenses
Is orthokeratology safe?
Ortho-k is associated with an increased risk of infection (microbial/bacterial keratitis). This risk is especially concerning for children and adolescents, who may be less able than adults to maintain good hand and contact lens hygiene.
Ortho-k lenses are prescribed for two purposes:
To correct refractive errors (primarily short sightedness, but also astigmatism and hyperopia). In some cases, ortho-k also is used to correct presbyopia.
To slow the progression of childhood myopia.