Stephen Olwell Opticians: Overnight vision correction

Hi everyone, for this month’s article, I wanted to return to myopia management, and talk to you about Orthokeratology, my favourite method of slowing the progression of myopia.

Orthokeratology, or overnight vision correction, is a safe, reversible alternative to laser surgery, available for adults and children. 

This is something that is not very well known in Ireland, although it has been around in some shape or form since the late 1960s, and is very popular in Europe and the Far East. 

Orthokeratology (Ortho-K for short) is a temporary treatment for myopia, similar in effect to laser surgery, but lasting only 1 day. It is safe, reversible and effective. 

We use a rigid contact lens which is worn during the night, to gently reshape the cornea (the front surface of the eye). The cornea is flattened by less than the thickness of a human hair. This then leaves a person with clear vision all day long without the need for glasses or contact lenses. 

The effect is temporary, so the lens is worn every night, and removed in the morning.

Orthokeratology for Children

Ortho-K has been shown to be one of the most effective treatments for progressive myopia.

The benefit of this treatment for children is in the particular way that the lens reshapes the front of the eye. This new shape allows the child to see clearly while also slowing down the progression of myopia.  

Slowing myopia can reduce the risk of long term vision problems like glaucoma, macular degeneration and retinal detachment. 

Ortho-K works very well in children with prescriptions ranging from -1.00 to -5.00, and has many benefits over normal contact lens wear. 

These benefits include:

Ortho-K lenses are only worn at night and so they are always used under the supervision of an adult until a child is responsible enough.

The effect is completely reversible, so if a child prefers glasses, they can go back to these easily. 

Because these lenses are only worn at night and not during the day, a child can have perfect vision for all sorts of activities where normal contact lenses are not advised, including water sports and swimming. 

The lenses can be used in conjunction with other forms of myopia management to limit the progression for very high myopia.

Orthokeratology is, in my opinion, the best form of myopia management available for children, as it has the benefits of other methods, but without the need for glasses or contact lenses during the day.

Ortho-K for Adults

As we said before, Ortho-K is not just for children. Adults with myopia between -1.00 and -5.00 can use these lenses to see clearly all day long, as a safe, reversible, effective alternative to laser surgery. 

I’ll be back next month with more talk about eyes.

Stephen Olwell Opticians

10 Grafton Court 

Longford 

Ireland

Contact: 043 33 42653

Facebook: Stephen Olwell Opticians

Instagram: @stephenolwellopticians

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