Orthokeratology, also known as Ortho-K is a safe method of reducing myopia, or shortsightedness. It is reversible and does not involve any surgical procedures. Ortho-K involves correcting vision overnight through the use of rigid lenses which gently reshapes the front surface of the eye.
The benefit of Ortho-K lenses is that it is a correction used overnight, which also means that the individual will not have to be bothered by contact lenses or glasses during the day. Ortho-K is also especially beneficial in younger patients, as it has been found to slow down the progression of myopia or short-sightedness. Myopia is currently a worldwide epidemic, being that more and more young people are becoming short-sighted due to extended use of digital devices and prolonged near work. Myopia may have detrimental impacts on eye health, especially at older ages where the eyeball has elongated substantially, and in turn, increased the risk of ocular conditions such as age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma, retinal detachment and permanent blindness.
Ortho-K is most commonly beneficial for all younger patients, although it has been found to work with older ages. This type of treatment finds most success in myopic patients with a prescription between -0.50D and -5.00D and astigmatism below -2.00D. To find if you are suitable for Ortho-K lenses.
Orthokeratology is incredibly personalised to the patient. First, the optometrist will need to determine a patient’s suitability for the treatment. This includes a very comprehensive eye examination including scans with retinal photography and corneal topography. These types of scans ensure that the lenses fit with the topography of the front surface of the eye. Each eye has a different topographic representation and is unique. It is especially important that the Ortho-K lenses (a type of hard rigid lens) match to fit.
After determining suitability, the optometrist will order a pair of trial lenses for the patient. These trial lenses are used to help teach the correct methods of inserting, removing, caring and cleaning of the lenses. Depending on the patient and each case, each individual will require between 7-12 consultations for the first 6 months of lens wear. At each meeting, your optometrist will examine the health of the eye and if any minor adjustments to lens measurements are needed. To find out more about orthokeratology consultations and costs, please call us on 9728 7288.
