What would you tell a patient who might be reluctant to try ortho-k because of fears about eye comfort?

Using the latest computer topography, we are now able to create highly accurate maps of the eye surface and individually craft lenses to best fit each eye. During the initial consultations, practitioners regularly measure and re-fit lenses to each eye to ensure both accuracy and comfort.

Some patients may notice glare during the day and others report some initial discomfort. However, because the lenses effectively use the patient’s own tears to gently reshape the cornea as they sleep, most report little if any discomfort. And contact lenses are not felt when eyes are closed.

How long does corneal reshaping last?

In many patients, it is not necessary to wear the ortho-k lenses every night because the re-shaping effect gives 24-48 hours of sharper vision.

Is there a particular type of person who might benefit the most from this kind of procedure?

For more than 40 years, ortho-k has successfully been used to treat people with moderate myopia (nearsightedness) of up to -4.00 diopters. However, recent advances have meant that people with astigmatism (irregularly shaped cornea) can also achieve sharp vision.

For the Baby Boomer generation, many of whom are 40-plus and suffering age-related presbyopia (inability to read fine print), advances in ortho-k lens technology are an excellent solution for those who want to avoid spectacles, or who wish to pursue active sports.

How do you use ortho-k to treat presbyopia ? As an example, do you use monovision (correcting one eye, if needed, for distance vision and the other for near vision)? And would a patient with both nearsightedness and presbyopia be a good candidate for ortho-k?

Presbyopia can now be successfully treated with ortho-k using a monovision approach. Nearsighted patients are often very suitable candidates. Monovision treatment for long-sighted ( farsighted) patients is now also possible.

Is ortho-k recommended for children?

Ortho-k is possible for nearsighted children older than 8 years of age, provided they are able to properly use and maintain the lenses. Apart from improving their vision, teenagers benefit from improved self-esteem, the ability to play all sports, and ability to wear designer sunglasses. And parents don’t have to worry about contact lenses, because they’re left at home and can’t be lost.

In the past, some criticism of ortho-k was directed at inconsistencies in vision outcomes. Have modern methods created more consistent outcomes? If so, how?

Since the advent of computer topography about four years ago, much greater accuracy can be achieved with ortho-k. The topography gives us highly accurate corneal assessment and improved lens designs mean we can provide greater fine-tuning for each eye.

Tibor Weisz holds a Bachelor of Optometry degree from the University of New South Wales, which is one of the world’s leading centers of contact lens innovation and research. He has successfully treated thousands of patients over 36 years as a contact lens practitioner. Weisz opened his first practice in Boronia in 1969, then Melbourne in 1986. Weisz is a Member of the Optometrists Association of Australia, the Contact Lens Society and also the Orthokeratology Society of Australia. His Dream Lenses web site has more information about orthokeratology.

by Marilyn Haddrill
Source: vision.about.com