Orthokeratology

Orthokeratology  for short sightedness

Image from http://www.vision-and-eye-health.com/orthokeratology.html   

Orthokeratology also known as Ortho-K is a non-surgical process which reshapes the cornea of the eye using special rigid contact lenses to reduce refractive errors of shortsightedness.  The lenses  are worn at night and gradually reshape the cornea and the new corneal shape is retained during the day.  This method of reshaping is said to reduce the light refracting power of the cornea and reduce or eliminate shortsightedness and astigmatism.
After lengthy optical examinations a precise and accurate measurement is taken of the eye detailing the curvature of the cornea and then custom made lenses are manufactured for you. You need to have several follow up appointments with your Ortho-K practitioner to monitor your progress.  It is claimed that your shortsightedness  up to -5.00 and mild astigmatism can be corrected by this moulding of your cornea.  It is not a permanant fix for shortsightedness, once your corneas have been reshaped you will need to continue to wear the night lenses as a maintenance measure,or your eyes will return to their original shape and your vision will deteriorate. 
However the idea that you can wear these reshaping lenses at night and be glasses or contact lens free with great vision all day the following day is quite fascinating!  


Find out more about Ortho-k therapy here: http://www.allaboutvision.com/contacts/orthok.htm
and here http://www.vision-and-eye-health.com/orthokeratology.html