Orthokeratology (or Ortho-K as it is commonly called) is the reduction or elimination of refractive error from the application of an RGP contact lens onto the cornea. The process involves using a corneal topographer to map the exact corneal shape. From this map, we are able to design and fit an RGP lens that effectively reshapes the cornea to reduce a person's prescription. The lenses are worn for approximately 8 hours while the patient sleeps. Upon waking the Patient removes the lenses and they are able to see clearly all day without any contact lenses or glasses.
It is a great alternative to full time wear of glasses or contact lenses. It is the perfect correction for patients who play a lot of sport or swim, or someone who has experienced contact lenses drying in the past, or people who would like laser surgery, but aren't keen to go ahead with it for various reasons
It is also a totally reversible procedure. If the lenses are removed for a period of time, the eyes will reverse back to their old prescription.
Currently it is suitable for myopia from -0.75 to -4.00 with small amounts of astigmatism (up to -2.50 myopes are ideal). With new lens technology, higher amounts of myopia will be achievable as well as hyperopia and astigmatism.
Currently Ian Abraham (Devonport) and Heath Davis (Collins St) are certified Paragon CRT Contact Lens Practitioners.
