Orthokeratology
Orthokeratology, or ortho K for short, refers to the use of rigid gas permeable (RGP) lenses overnight to reshape the cornea, allowing for the correction of certain refractive errors.
What is Orthokeratology?
Orthokeratology, or ortho K for short, refers to the use of rigid gas permeable (RGP) lenses overnight to reshape the cornea, allowing for the correction of certain refractive errors. It offers a safe alternative to refractive surgery for patients looking to get away from day time use of spectacles and/or contact lenses but are hesitant to go under the knife.
Who can benefit from orthokeratology?
Orthokeratology can be beneficial to people who battle with day time contact lens wear due to allergies, dry eyes or working in dusty environments. It has also been scientifically proven to reduce the progression in myopia (shortsightedness) and is therefore an ideal solution for myopic children.
Ortho K can correct myopia (up to -8.00), astigmatism (up to -4.00) and hyperopia (up to +3.00).
Is ortho K safe?
With any form of contact lens wear there is an increased risk of corneal infections compared to people who do not wear lenses, and this applies to orthokeratology as well. However, practicing good hygiene and following the cleaning and maintenance regime recommended by your eye care practitioner will greatly reduce this risk.