Orthokeratology

About

Orthokeratology may also be known as: Ortho-K, Corneal Refractive Therapy (CRT), Vision Shaping Treatment (VST), Gentle Shaping System, Corneal Moulding and Gentle Moulding.

Ortho-K is a non-surgical procedure that eliminates the need for glasses or daytime contact lenses. It improves vision by gently reshaping your eye WHILE YOU SLEEP by way of specially designed contact lenses. You wear the lenses before bedtime and when you awake, you will have clear, sharp, natural vision for your waking hours. This safe and effective treatment can correct a wide variety of refractive errors. It is a great alternative to laser for those who are not yet ready for surgery.

Who is a good candidate?

Orthokeratology can be effective on long sighted, short sighted (myopic) as well as astigmatic patients. Ideally, optical prescriptions which fall within the range of +2.00 to -6.00 with no more than 2.00 dioptres of corneal surface astigmatism do best.

If you have been unable to wear contact lenses for any reason (discomfort, allergies, inconvenience, dryness, etc.) you are also a great candidate because this form of treatment is so easy to use and it's worn while you sleep.

Why are children good candidates?

Recent studies have taught us that Ortho-K can keep your children's myopia from getting worse. The literature has now proven that one of the main causes of progressive myopia is this phenomenon known as peripheral hyperopic defocus, a condition which may be exacerbated by the use of spectacle corrective lenses. Ortho-K can help rid the eyes of this myopic driver by ensuring peripheral light rays fall onto the retina rather than behind the retina which is the case when wearing spectacles.

How long will it take to achieve great vision?

This depends on your prescription, age, and treatment goals. In adults, the higher the prescription the longer it will take to mould. In most cases it can take up to fourteen nights to achieve good vision.