Wake up to a vision revolution with Orthokeratology

If you are short sighted (myopic) you have probably been aware of three alternatives to regain clear vision: spectacles, contact lenses or refractive surgery. Now there is a safe, convenient and non-surgical alternative, Ortho-K. The freedom and convenience of clear vision without spectacles or contact lenses and without the need for expensive and irreversible surgery can be yours.

What is Ortho-K and how does it work?

Ortho-K or orthokeratology describes the gentle reshaping of the cornea (the clear dome of tissue at the front of your eye) while you sleep. Upon waking, your corneas are the correct shape to accurately focus light enabling you to see clearly without assistance. The reshaping is achieved using special contact lenses which are removed upon waking.

What does the treatment involve?

Your practitioner will firstly carry out a full eye examination and take precise measurements of the shape of your corneas using special computerised instrumentation. Assuming your prescription and corneal shape are suitable, you will undertake an overnight trial wearing Ortho-K 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 optimise the lens design. With most people, 70% of the reshaping is obtained during the first night and 100% within 10 days. To retain thecorrect shape, your Ortho-K lenses need to be worn overnight a few times a week – alternate nights is the most common frequency. 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.

What if I have been unsuccessful with contact lenses before?

There is a good chance that you will still be able to succeed with Ortho-K. Many contact lens wearers discontinue wear because of dryness or discomfort. These are usually not an issue with Ortho-K because the lenses are only worn while you sleep. Also, because your eyes are not wearing lenses while awake, they receive more oxygen to help maintain optimum eye health.

How safe is Ortho-K?

Ortho-K has been prescribed by contact lens specialists for many years and many thousands of people have been successfully treated. However, it is only in the past few years that the advanced BE Ortho-K design has enabled a new level of accuracy to be achieved. The safety and effectiveness of BE Ortho-K has been demonstrated by independent studies at University Research Departments in Australia and New Zealand. BE lenses are made from a material that is extremely permeable to oxygen. As with all contact lenses, regular check-ups are important.