Ortho-K

Ortho-K is a non-surgical process which reshapes (flattens) the cornea of the eye using contact lenses. Accelerated Ortho-K uses reverse geometry contact lenses. If the amount of corneal flattening is accurately controlled, it is possible to bring the eye into correct focus and compensate for myopia (short sight).

This new method of vision improvement is gently achieved over a period of days or weeks. Ortho-K is safe, effective, and best of all, non-surgical and reversible.

Before Ortho-K lenses are applied to your eyes, the curvature of your cornea is measured. The latest procedure for acquiring this measurement is totally non-invasive and painless. It is done with a sophisticated computerised instrument called a Corneal Topographer, often called Corneal Mapping.
The elevation, shape, and power changes of the cornea are displayed with sophisticated coloured maps along with a variety of other computerised displays. This latest method of measuring the cornea is true state-of-the-art for analysing the initial shape of the cornea and subsequent changes as the corneal molding therapy progresses.

Once the initial lens is designed, you will be instructed in the care and handling of the lenses. You will be given exact wearing instructions, which typically involves wearing the lenses overnight only. Generally, you will be seen the day after lenses are dispensed. At that visit, the corneal health, vision, and corneal shape will be re-examined.

Many patients ask, "How can specially designed and customised contact lenses possibly improve my vision without surgery?" As mentioned, due to the precise design of the lenses, the central curvature of the front of the eye is gently moulded without removal of corneal tissue.

The lenses are worn at night and the new corneal shape is retained during the day. This method of reshaping reduces the light refracting power of the cornea and reduces or eliminates your short sight..

The high-tech, therapeutic lenses are manufactured using carefully constructed lathes, accurate to microns, to create the rigid gas-permeable material that allows enough oxygen to pass through the lens and allows the eye to remain healthy, even during sleep. Until a few years ago, the technology to manufacture these special lenses had not been developed. Current ortho-K lenses are made of highly oxygen- permeable materials, which are approved for overnight wear, allowing people to sleep with their lenses in. Also, these lenses result in a much quicker and greater improvement in unaided vision than previously possible.

Rapid Improvement in Vision
Most of the visual changes that occur rapidly with Ortho-K happen in the first few days and weeks. Because of the rapid improvement in vision, there is a need for frequent examinations during the initial phase of treatment. Disposable contact lenses are often provided until the myopia reduction has stabilised. Following the accelerated change to better vision, minor changes then follow at a slower pace over the next few months. Most patients achieve significant results in the first week. Once maximum results are attained, retainer wear is initiated.

After treatment and maximum desired results are accomplished, retainer contact lenses (like retainers for the teeth) are worn as necessary to stabilise the results. That is, we determine the minimum wear necessary to maintain the correction change. Not all patients will reach maximum improvement. Fortunately, this number is comparatively small. If lens wear is discontinued, the cornea will simply return to its original shape within a few weeks.

Risks
Many of the risks associated with Orthokeratology are the same as those for traditional contact lenses. Because the patient is monitored very closely, these risks are minimised.

While careful monitoring keeps the risks to an absolute minimum, the patient plays an important role: good hygiene while handling lenses; following lens care instructions and not cutting corners is essential. Keeping scheduled appointments will allow the early detection of any potential problem.

Benefits
• After correction, vision is improved without the help of glasses or contact lens wear during the day.
• Vision improvement occurs rapidly -- in days or weeks.
• Free from surgical risk, the Ortho-K process is convenient, comfortable and reversible.
• All children and adults can benefit.
• The natural vision achieved with Ortho-K is invaluable for recreation, sports and leisure.
• Occupational demands for unaided vision may now be met by pilots, and police and fire officers- Ortho-K is safe, rapid, and effective.

Are you a candidate for Orthokeratology?
In general, the ideal candidate for Ortho-K has a prescription of less than –6.00DS. Candidates must have healthy corneas and people with certain medical conditions or women who are pregnant may not be good candidates for Orthokeratology. Ask us, that’s our job!