Why have we been fitting Ortho-K since 2003?
At this point in time Ortho-K’s are the best and most likely to be suitable for our patients to slow down or stop the progression of myopia. When we have a patient who is myopic we will present Ortho-K as an option, as everyone has their own myopia progression risk profile we will assess this and explore the options available to us.
Why do we care how short sighted our patient become?
First and foremost, it’s our duty of care to treat any and all ocular problems our patients may present. Secondly, the risks that high myopia carries, with possibilities of glaucoma, cataract, retinal detachment and associated myopic retinopathies, are too high to ignore.
As stated earlier in our page on Myopia Control, myopia prevalence is increasing rapidly globally. Both drugs (atropine) and overnight orthokeratology have been proven effective in slowing myopia progression in children.
Ortho-K is the forefront of treatment in myopia control, degreasing the rate of progression of shortsightedness by typically 25-75%.
But what are orthokeratology lenses?
To put it simply, overnight these lenses gently change the shape of your eyes through using tears so that in the morning you can see more clearly when the lenses are removed. Orthokeratology (Ortho-K/Corneal reshaping therapy, CRT) is a method of wearing custom rigid (hard) contact lenses designed to reshape your eye whilst you sleep.
If you choose to proceed with Ortho-K’s, we will monitor your progression with routine checkups. In these checkups we will measure the axial length of the eye with a Zeiss IOL Master and OCT biometry. We have highly experienced optometrists/contact lens specialists on hand to give you the best treatment tailored to your needs.
In short, the factors for myopia progression appear to be Genetics and Environmental (near work volume, illumination and posture – Sunlight/Outdoor activity – Diet). With this in mind, our optometrists will work with you, in conjunction to what we know about Ortho-K and myopia progression, to organise a plan of action. For more information about myopia we recommend you search “peripheral hyperopic defocus”, we also recommend you visit the following blogs and videos.
In short, the factors for myopia progression appear to be: Genetics – Environment (near work volume, illumination and posture) – Sunlight / Outdoor activity – Diet. So we can then work on the modifiable ones in conjunction with what we know about ortho-k and myopia progression. For a really good time on the internet further searching should include the words “peripheral hyperopic defocus”. That should help put you to sleep? Our recommendation is to look at the links at the bottom of the page and have an educated opinion and if you agree with us and the scientific research that is available we will support you in your decision as best we can.
See our awesome blogs on myopia:
or the link:
The following clips are for cleaning your ortho-K RGP contact lenses. The first one is for Biotrue Solutions and the second one is for Boston Solutions.
Cleaning your OK lenses with BIOTRUE solution
Cleaning your ortho-K lenses with BOSTON solutions
For external evidence based medicine and research behind orthokeratology:
http://www.myopiaprevention.org/references_orthokeratology.html
Before we get excited about myopia prevention, myopia control and risk factors it may be useful to understand why myopia progresses:
http://www.myopiaprevention.org/references_peripheral_defocus.html
For our downloadable pdf, click the link below: