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Orthokeratology
and clear vision without the need to wear spectacles or contact
lenses during the day
Orthokeratology
is a vision correction therapy that provides clear vision
without the need to wear contact lenses during the day. This
is achieved by wearing specially designed contact lenses during
the night which flatten the cornea, causing less shortsightedness.
All of our optometrists have completed Orthokeratology training
courses and use the latest advanced equipment and software
to fit and monitor treatment.
Orthokeratology
is ideal for shortsighted people whose prescription is between
-0.75D and -4.50D with astigmatism up to -1.50D and who want
the freedom of clear natural vision during the day. Perhaps
soft contact lenses have caused dryness and irritation of
the eyes in the past, and are thus not suitable. Or perhaps
spectacles are troublesome during sporting or recreational
activities. This procedure is especially suitable for children
or those whose prescription is still changing. Orthokeratology
is a safe and reversible procedure, without the risks of refractive
laser surgery.
How
Does Orthokeratology work?
Your
optometrist will use specialist corneal mapping equipment
and software to determine the shape of your cornea and then
calculate the extent of corneal flattening that needs to occur
to neutralise the focussing error of your eye. Gas permeable
contact lenses will then be made using the data obtained from
your corneal measurements. These are worn at night when you
are asleep. Should you wake in the night, you will be able
to see clearly in the lenses. You will also be able to see
when you wake in the morning. The lenses are removed during
waking hours and once the effect is complete, you will be
able to see clearly throughout the day.
How
Quickly Will it Work?
After
the first night most of the correction has been achieved.
Usually within a week your sight during the day will be clear
and you will no longer be reliant on spectacles or contact
lenses.
Is
Orthokeratology Safe?
Yes.
The contact lenses are made using a highly oxygen permeable
material, which makes night-time wear very safe. Plus research
and experience has shown that the process of corneal reshaping
is completely reversible with discontinuation of contact lens
wear. The cornea will return to its original shape with cessation
of contact lens wear, and clear vision in spectacles will
return.
What
will It Cost?
The fitting fee includes:
- A
full eye examination to determine your exact prescription
- Intraocular
pressure measurement
- Visual
field investigation
- Careful
internal and external examination of your eyes
- Any
further investigation that may be necessary given your medical
history and family ocular history
- The
fitting of the Orthokeratology lenses
- The
first pair of lenses
There
is also a monthly fee which provides for:
- Six
monthly routine aftercare appointments
- Other
follow-up appointments as necessary
- A
new pair of lenses every six months
- Free
replacement of damaged lenses
- Two
lenses per year to ensure lens function remains highly accurate
- A
pair of spare lenses at reduced cost
David
Austen Optometrists have been members of the British
Orthokeratology Society since its foundation and further
details may be found on their website at:
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