Orthokeratology: a therapy for myopia
WHAT IS ORTHOKERATOLOGY?
Orthokeratology is a noninvasive treatment for myopia (nearsightedness) that involves changing the curvature of the lens of the eye, the cornea, by reshaping and moulding it rather than using a surgical intervention. The therapy requires wearing semi-rigid moulding lenses while you sleep, so you can enjoy crisp, clear vision during the day without lenses or glasses. Orthokeratology also helps control the progression of myopia by strongly reducing one of the mechanisms known to increase the condition: hypermetropic defocus of the retina, in which focus is behind the retina. Orthokeratology is advantageous for many people as an alternative to laser surgery.
Recovery Time. For the majority of people, recovery of vision takes place within one or two nights.
Duration. Vision can stay clear for about 24 hours after one night of treatment. After a few months, most people with mild to moderate amounts of myopia can skip one or two nights without any problem.
Permanency. The changes brought on by Orthokeratology are temporary. A new wearer who stops wearing their night lenses will see their original myopic condition return. However, if the treatment is followed over a number of years, there will generally be a lasting improvement.
Safety. As with all complex treatments, Orthokeratology must be undertaken within a professionally controlled, hygienic framework. Under these conditions, we do not know of any harmful long-term effects, other than the risks associated with the wearing of any other type of contact lens. In case of an unanticipated reaction, simply ceasing use of the lenses returns the situation to normal.
Prevention. With very young children whose myopia has developed rapidly, this treatment can be used not only to reduce the present myopia, but also to help curb future development.
Laser, Lasik, LIO and more. For some people, a more aggressive approach is necessary. Thorough examinations allow us to identify low-risk candidates. We work in collaboration with excellent surgeons in private practice.
