How does OrthoK work?
There are various reasons you can’t see clearly: your eye may be too long, too short or the surface of the eye is out of shape. All these reasons mean images don’t focus correctly on the retina at the back of your eye. Normally we fix this and refocus the images by using glasses or contact lenses. But with OrthoK, we refocus the images by changing the shape of the front surface of the eye.
To make an OrthoK lens we first map your eye’s surface, using an ultra-precise instrument called a topographer. Then our optometrist uses this information, together with your prescription, to design a customised lens specially for your eye and its unique vision problems.
The lenses are made on a computer-assisted high-speed lathe, from materials with high oxygen permeability that allow your eyes to ‘breathe’ while you sleep, to maintain your eye health. The back surface of the lens has several specialised curves that gently shift the tear film under your own lens, and slowly reshape the front surface of your eye as you sleep. The result? After waking and removing your lenses, you’ll enjoy clear, sharp vision for the rest of the day. It’s pretty clever.
Could OrthoK be right for you?
Yes, if you:
- are unable to wear contact lenses due to allergies and dry eye
- work in a dusty or dirty environment
- are an active person who doesn’t want the inconvenience of glasses or contact lenses when participating in sports
- want freedom from their glasses and/or day contact lenses
- have mild to moderate myopia (less than -4.00D)
OrthoK is worth serious consideration for your child if their myopia (short-sightedness) is getting progressively worse.
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