Ortho-K Lenses
Orthokeratology (Ortho-K) is Now Available at Sparks & Feros Optometrists
Orthokeratology, or Ortho-K, also known as sleep lenses, uses oxygen-permeable contact lenses to temporarily reshape the cornea. One of the main advantages of Ortho-K is that it can help control the progression of myopia in children. The lenses are worn while sleeping and removed upon waking. This enables your child to have clear sight during the day, allowing them to enjoy school, exercise and swimming without needing glasses or contact lenses. Adults can also benefit from Ortho-K lenses, particularly sportspeople, surfers, swimmers and those working in dusty environments or outdoor occupations where glasses or contact lenses may be a disadvantage.
Why Choose Ortho-K?
The aim of Ortho-K lens treatment is to control the progression of myopia, also known as short-sightedness. It has the additional benefit of giving clear vision without having to wear glasses or contact lenses during the day. The lenses are worn overnight to reshape the cornea, bringing light rays into sharp, clear focus. The corneal reshaping effect of Ortho-K is temporary and lasts for about a day, so the lenses need to be worn every night for best vision.
Controlling Myopia with Ortho-K Lenses
Standard Glasses vs Ortho-K Contact Lenses
Standard glasses and contact lenses focus light rays on the centre of the retina, known as the fovea, to correct myopia. However, they do not control the underlying progression of myopia. Ortho-K lenses reshape the central cornea to allow clear vision, while also changing the peripheral cornea to help reduce the progression of myopia. Children as young as 7 years of age can benefit from Ortho-K treatment.
Sparks & Feros provides eye screening for children from the age of 4 for early detection of potential eye problems.
It has been shown that children using Ortho-K lenses had their myopia slowed by about 43% compared to children using conventional spectacles.
How Do Ortho-K Lenses Work?
Ortho-K is a non-surgical alternative to wearing daytime contact lenses and glasses to correct vision. Ortho-K lenses are worn while you sleep and removed in the morning. They have a unique design that generates pressure in the thin layer of tears under the contact lens. It is similar to braces for your teeth. The cornea is highly elastic and will return to its original shape if the lenses are not worn regularly. For this reason, Ortho-K lenses are usually worn every night to maintain the reshaping effect once the desired cornea shape has been achieved.
After you remove the lenses in the morning, you have clear vision for the whole day without the need for glasses or contact lenses. Ortho-K causes no permanent ocular change, giving you control and flexibility with your vision correction without the risks involved in laser eye surgery. It is also a safe and effective way of controlling myopia progression in children. If your child is myopic, Ortho-K treatment may be worth considering.
History of Ortho-K Technology
Ortho-K has been around for over 50 years. Recent developments in corneal mapping technology, such as the Medmont E300 topographer now available at Sparks & Feros Optometrists, combined with new contact lens materials, have enabled very high accuracy in lens manufacture and improved lens comfort. Modern Ortho-K wearers can expect safe, comfortable overnight wear and clearer vision during the day.
Benefits of Ortho-K Lenses
Children
Ortho-K is a powerful way to help control the progression of myopia in children. If your child is myopic, Ortho-K treatment may be worth considering. Ortho-K can be suitable for children from 7 years of age and above.
Adults
Ortho-K is recommended for people who want to be free of glasses and contact lenses during waking hours. It is also recommended for sportspeople, surfers, swimmers and those working in dusty environments or outdoor occupations where glasses or contact lenses may be a disadvantage.
Other Treatments
Atropine Eye Drop Treatment – Studies show that 0.01% atropine can slow the progression of myopia with very few side effects. However, 0.01% atropine is not yet commercially available and is only dispensed by compounding pharmacists in Australia. It is worth mentioning that 1% atropine has also shown effective results in myopia control; however, it can lead to light sensitivity and poor near vision, and is rarely prescribed due to its side effects. This treatment is not currently available at Sparks & Feros Optometrists.
Sparks & Feros Optometrists is a member of the Orthokeratology Society of Oceania and the American Academy of Orthokeratology and Myopia Control, both of which are dedicated to promoting research and professional development in orthokeratology.
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If you would like to discuss myopia control, phone us on (02) 9872 1555 to arrange an appointment or book online.
