The results are similar to laser surgery but the procedure is non-invasive with no surgery involved. Also, importantly, it is totally reversible and cost effective being about one third of the cost of laser surgery.
Ortho-K was first practised in a rudimentary way hundreds of years ago when the Chinese slept with small sandbags placed over their eyes. Rigid lenses were first used in the 1960s but with limited success. Now with the advent of precision engineered rigid lenses designed for overnight wear it is possible for the first time to predict accurately the likelihood of success.
Regaining clear vision is so easy you can do it with your eyes closed.
Recently too, data has been published
which demonstrates that Ortho-K slows down and retards the development of myopia and hence it is a good option
for the emerging myope.
The lenses are worn initially every night until the desired result is achieved and then perhaps only every second or third night depending on the amount of prescription to be corrected.
Ortho-K offers a safe and efficient means of visual correction. Better vision is achieved without the dangers of surgery where the cornea is cut, burned or vaporised. Also in Ortho-K corneal strength is not compromised by thinning the tissue.
The benefits of Ortho-K
• NON surgical vision improvement
Very effective for:
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People who enjoy sports especially swimming, all water sports and ball sports. |
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Outdoor activities such as camping |
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Occupations in which glasses or contact lenses can interfere with performance: police, firefighters, pilots, athletes and those in dusty environments. |
What does the treatment involve?
Our fully accredited Ortho-K optometry specialist will firstly carryout a full eye examination and take precise measurements of the shape of your corneas using a corneal topographer, a special computerized instrument. (See right)
Assuming your prescription and corneal shape are suitable, you will usually undertake an overnight trial wearing the special reversed geometry lenses. The following morning your eyes will be assessed and any lens adjustments made. It may be necessary to have more than one trial to optimize the lens design. With most people 70% of the reshaping is obtained during the first night and 100% within ten days.
To retain the correct shape, your Ortho-K lenses need to be worn overnight sometimes only a few times a week. If wear is stopped the cornea gradually returns to its original shape. Therefore unlike surgical options, if your needs change, you can simply return to wearing spectacles or contact lenses.
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