If you’re dependent on your specs or contact lenses to see clearly at all times but you’re not keen to consider laser surgery, Ortho-K may be for you.
What is Orthokeratology?
Orthokeratology or Ortho-K is the fitting of specially designed, breathable contact lenses that are worn overnight. They are sometimes referred to as corneal re-shaping lenses. While you sleep, the lenses reshape the front surface of the eye (the cornea) so that you can see clearly in the morning when you remove your lenses.
Ortho-K lenses are only worn while sleeping, giving you clear vision during the day without the aid of glasses or contact lenses.
Orthokeratology can correct refractive errors like near-sightedness (myopia), far sightedness (hyperopia), moderate amounts of astigmatism. It is also used in children as it has been proven to slow the progression of myopia.
Who can use Orthokeratology lenses?
Ortho-K is ideal for children and adults with the following prescriptions:
-1.00D to -8.00D of myopia
+1.00D to +4.00D of hyperopia
Up to -4.00D astigmatism
Your optometrist can advise you on whether orthokeratology is right for you. If you have a prescription that is beyond these parameters or if you have any corneal conditions or diseases, orthokeratology will not be right for you.
How does Orthokeratology work?
Your custom-designed Ortho-K contact lenses reshape 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.
Improvements in vision can usually be seen the next day, with the procedure stabilising after a week. With high myopia over -6.00D, astigmatism and hyperopia the process can take two to four weeks to achieve full correction. Ortho-K does not permanently change the shape of the eye. Your eyes' shape will revert back to their original state within one to four weeks if you stop wearing the lenses.
Comfort & Safety
Ortho-K lenses are surprisingly comfortable to wear. Most people comment that they forget they have lenses in after the first week of wear. With proper care and maintenance, the risk of inflammation and bacterial infections due to poor hygiene can be minimised.
Who can benefit from Orth-K?
People who play sports - especially contact sports and all types of water sports.
You can enjoy the freedom of playing sports without worrying about your glasses getting damaged or your contact lenses falling out. Ortho-K lenses are only worn at night while you sleep, leaving you with perfect vision during the day on the sports field, court or in the swimming pool.
People working in dusty or dirty environments
Dusty or dirty environments can play havoc with contact lenses and glasses. If you're a tradesman who needs to squeeze into tight spaces or work in dusty work conditions, Ortho-K lenses will allow you to see clearly and get on with the job.
People with dry eyes or allergies
Ortho-K lenses are great if you suffer from allergies or dry eyes and work long hours on the computer or in air- conditioned environments.
People who want freedom from their glasses or day wear contact lenses
Children with progressive myopia
Ortho-K lenses are an excellent option for children with progressive myopia (short-sightedness). Orthokeratology is scientifically proven to dramatically slow the progression of myopia and can have a positive impact on the long-term health of your child's eye. Wearing Ortho-K lenses only at night gives kids the freedom to run around, play sports and wear fashion sunglasses during the day without worrying about their glasses or contact lenses in the eye.
How do I get started?
A full eye exam is required. Each Eyetek practice has an optometrist who specialises in Orthokeratology lens fitting. During your consultation overall health of the eye, as well as vision and corneal shape, will be assessed to establish your suitability for Ortho-K.
