Orthokeratology
Also known as Ortho-K is the fitting of specially designed highly breathable gas permeable orthokeratology lenses that are you wear overnight instead of during the day. While you are asleep, the lenses gently reshape the front surface of your eye (cornea) so that when you remove the lenses on awakening you can see clearly during the day.
Ortho-K is not surgery. It is a reversible alternative to refractive surgery.
Contact us now for your Orthokeratology enquiry.
Why are Ortho-K lenses used?
Ortho-K lenses are prescribed primarily for three purposes:
- To allow freedom from both contact lenses and glasses for all or at least the majority of all waking hours. This can be ideal for those who find glasses and contact lenses inconvenient as well so those involved in sports or work in dusty environments.
- For children and young adults who are too young and others who are not suitable for LASIK laser refractive eye surgery
- To slow the progression of childhood myopia.
Who is suitable for Ortho-K?
Ortho-K is not suitable for everyone and every prescription.
It is most successful for those with low to moderate levels of myopia (less than 6 dioptres of short-sightedness) and up to 2 dioptres of astigmatism. Prescriptions above this are most likely to be inadequately corrected. Other individual factors such as corneal shape and thickness can affect the possible outcome.
Our optometrists can advise on your suitability.
How does Ortho-K work?
Orthokeratology lenses are designed to float on top of the eye’s tear film and apply gentle water-based (hydraulic) pressure to the front layer of the cornea (the epithelium). This pressure causes the cells of the epithelium to move from the centre of the cornea to the periphery resulting in a temporary reshaping of the cornea and correction of the refractive error (typically myopia).
The effects of wearing Ortho-K lenses overnight will last for around 24 hours and sometimes even longer. It is recommended to wear the lenses either every night for best results, although some individuals may find wearing the lenses every second night adequate.
Ortho-K for kids?
Ortho-K is not just for adults. Clinical research is showing that Ortho-K is one option that has been shown to help reduce the progression of myopia in children. Myopia can increase the chances of serious eye-health issues in later life including retinal detachment, macula degeneration, cataract and glaucoma.
While successful long term myopia control with Ortho-K cannot be absolutely guaranteed for every child it will still give those using it good eyesight during the day.
