Orthokeratology

What is Ortho-k?

Ortho-k or orthokeratology is a non-surgical, reversible treatment for shortsightedness or myopia.  It’s the perfect non-surgical alternative to laser eye surgery and involves the use of specially fitted night-time contact lenses that gently reshape the cornea (the front of your eye).   When you wake up and remove the lenses, you can see clearly!  The reshaping refocuses light accurately on the retina, restoring vision for distance.

Unlike laser eye surgery, which permanently changes the shape of the eye, ortho-k treatment is not permanent and lasts for whole day and sometimes two days (depending on the individual).  It usually takes around a month for the treatment to be completed however you can go about normal activity during the treatment period with daily disposable contact lenses.

Ortho-k is as safe as conventional contact lenses and ideally suited people who cannot tolerate soft contact lenses or those who are involved in sports activities.  It is important to note that although laser eye surgery permanently changes the shape of the eyes, it does not stop your prescription from changing.  As a result, laser eye surgery may require ‘enhancements’ or further treatments if prescription changes cause blurring to vision.

Video: Alternative to Laser Eye Surgery

Why Get Treated by Dr. Dave?

Simple.  Dr. Dave is one of the first practitioners to perform modern ortho-k in the UK.  He is also a co-author on what is considered to be the most authoritative textbook on Ortho-k.  He has also published numerous clinical and scientific papers on the subject and lectured all over the World on ortho-k.  With this expertise in our practice, we ensure that all ortho-k treatments are performed exclusively by Dr. Dave.  EyeTech Optometrists was the first practice in the Midlands to perform modern ortho-k.

Patient Suitability is Similar to Laser Eye Surgery

Virtually anyone who’s shortsighted. There are limits to the degree of shortsightedness it can correct. Most research shows that ortho-k can treat mild to moderate shortsightedness. Furthermore, experts agree that treatments beyond -5.00D of myopia (shortsightedness) are not at all predictable and will result in night time visual disturbances. Ortho-k can also correct mild degrees of astigmatism but not predictably if the degree is over 1.50D.

Is Special Equipment Required?

Yes. Any practitioner performing ortho-k should always use a corneal topographer.  Measuring the shape of the eye is essential with procedures like laser eye surgery and ortho-k.  This technology is used to accurately measure the shape of the cornea and is also used to objectively demonstrate the change in shape to the cornea. Anyone performing ortho-k without a corneal topographer is not able to evaluate the effect of treatment on the shape of the eye. Virtually all the experts on ortho-k advocate the use of a corneal topographer.

The image to the left shows 3 things:

1. The shape of the cornea before treatment (top left)
2. The shape of the cornea after treatment (bottom left)
3. The change in shape (right).  Note that the power change demonstrates how much shortsightedness has been corrected.  The central blue colour also indicates that the result of treatment ideal – namely that the treatment is centred accurately over the centre of the cornea.

Without a corneal topographer none of these facts can be established.

Myopia Control for Children

Numerous peer reviewed published studies show that ortho-k is effective in slowing down the progression of myopia by up to 50% in children until the age of 16.  As a general rule of thumb, myopia usually increases by -0.50 per year in children.  So, if at the age of 6 a child starts to become myopic, then by the time they are 16. myopia could increase by -5.00 dioptres.  With ortho-k, this progression of myopia could be slowed down by 50% so at 16 the increase would only be -2.50!

As well as the visual benefits, having a lower degree of myopia has many medical benefits too.  A number of eye conditions are associated with higher levels of myopia such as glaucoma, cataracts and retinal detachments.

Are All Ortho-k Lenses the Same?

No! We’re trying to change the shape of the eye by a very precise amount. Our clinical experience shows that different lens designs can be more or less effective for different prescriptions and eyes. We’re not tied to any one specific supplier, however, we are exclusive providers of iGo Overnight Vision Treatment in Coventry and Warwickshire.