Orthokeratology (Ortho-K) is now available at Sparks & Feros Optometrists

Orthokeratology or Ortho-K (also known as sleep lenses) uses an oxygen permeable contact lens to temporarily reshape the cornea. The main advantage of Ortho-K is that if effectively controls the progression of myopia in children. The lenses are worn while sleeping and taken out upon wakening. This enables your child’s to have clear sight during the day allowing him/her enjoy school, exercise, and swim without needing glasses or contact lenses. Adults can also share the benefits of Ortho-K lenses and are particularly useful for sportspeople, surfers, swimmers, and for those working in dusty environments and in outdoor occupations where glasses or contact lenses are a disadvantage.

 

Why choose to use Ortho-K?

The aim of Ortho-K lens treatment is to control 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 the light rays into sharp and clear focus. The corneal reshaping effect of Ortho-k is temporary and lasts for about a day, so the lenses need to 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 the light rays on the centre of the retina (known as the fovea) to correct myopia. The problem being is that they cause a steady increase in the level of myopia. Ortho-K lenses reshape the central cornea allowing you to see clearly, while changing the peripheral cornea to 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 any potential eye problems.

It has been shown that children using Ortho-K lenses had their myopia slowed down by about 43% as compared to children using conventional spectacles.

 

Sleep 

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 are removed in the morning. They have a unique design, which generates pressure in the thin layer of tears under the contact lens. It’s like braces for your teeth. The cornea is highly elastic and will return to its original shape if the lenses are not worn on a regular basis. For this reason, Ortho-K lenses are usually worn every night to maintain the re-shaping 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 of glasses or contact lenses. Ortho-K causes no permanent ocular change, giving you ultimate control and flexibility of your vision correction without the risks involved in laser eye surgery and is a safe and effective way of controlling myopia progression in children. If your child is myopic then Ortho-K treatment should be considered.
 

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 has enabled very high accuracy in both lens manufacture and improved lens comfort. Modern Ortho-K wearers can expect very safe, comfortable overnight wear and clearer vision during the day.

 

Benefits of Ortho-K lenses

Children

Ortho K is a powerful way to control the progression of myopia in children. If your child is myopic then Ortho-K treatment should be considered. Ortho-K is safe and for children form ages 7 years 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 for those working in dusty environments and in outdoor occupations where glasses or contact lenses are a disadvantage.

Other Treatments 

Atropine Eye Drop Treatment – Studies show that 0.01% atropine slows the progression of myopia with very little 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 an effective result in myopia control, however, it leads 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 are members of the Orthokeratology Society of Oceania (OSO) and American Academy of Orthokeratology and Myopia Control which are both dedicated to promoting research, professional development of Orthokeratology.
 

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If you would like to discuss myopia control phone us on 9872 1555 to arrange an appointment or Book Online.