Orthokeratology explained

Orthokeratology explained

Orthokeratology is a contact lens treatment that corrects your vision while you sleep. You simply insert the custom designed rigid contact lenses before you go to sleep at night, remove them in the morning, and wake up with clearer and sharper natural vision.

It is a safe, convenient, non-surgical alternative that allows you to achieve clear vision all day without the use of spectacles or contact lenses. The lenses need to be worn every night to help achieve ongoing clear vision.

Why choose Ortho-k?

Along with the convenience and freedom during the day, ortho-k has been shown to be one of the most effective methods of slowing the progression of short sightedness in children and young adults. This reduces the risk of associated conditions such as glaucoma or retinal changes.

Who is suitable?

The best candidates are those who:

  • Would like an alternative to glasses or soft contact lenses
  • Are involved in sport
  • Work in dusty or dirty environments

They are also a great alternative for people who suffer from dry eyes and cannot wear regular soft contact lenses. Children who have progressive myopia are also excellent candidates, as it can slow the progression of short sightedness. As the lenses are only worn at night, they are only handled at home when a parent can be present and it means that contact lenses or glasses are not required at school.

Factors that influence the effectiveness of Ortho-K:

  • Prescription (works best for prescriptions up to 6.00 dioptres of myopia and 2.00 dioptres of astigmatism)
  • Corneal shape
  • Corneal thickness

The degree of success is high, but the above factors can mean the myopia is reduced but not fully corrected.

 

What is involved?

Firstly, an appointment with our optometrist is required to assess your suitability for Ortho-K. If you are a suitable candidate, we will make a series of appointments in which insertion, removal, care and handling will be discussed. These appointments will be arranged over the course of a month to assess the fit and progress of the lenses.

To find out more information, please make an appointment with one of our experienced optometrists, who can discuss any further questions you may have.