At North York Eye Clinic, the doctors offer orthokeratology lenses. Orthokeratology (also known as Ortho-K or corneal reshaping therapy) lenses are specialized contact lenses that are designed to temporarily change the shape of the cornea, the clear front surface of the eye.
These lenses are rigid hard contact lenses that are worn overnight while you sleep, and they gently reshape the cornea to correct myopia (nearsightedness) and sometimes mild astigmatism. In the morning, the lenses are removed, and the cornea retains the new shape, providing clear vision throughout the day.
Ortho-K lenses are made of a rigid gas permeable material, which allows oxygen to reach the cornea. They are custom-fit for each individual based on the shape of their cornea, and they can take a few weeks and a few different custom-made lenses to achieve maximum effectiveness.
Ortho-K lenses are typically used by people who want an alternative to traditional glasses or contact lenses, and who do not want to undergo surgery such as LASIK. They can also be a good option for people who participate in sports or other activities where glasses or contacts may be inconvenient or uncomfortable.
Some advantages of Ortho-K lenses include:
- Freedom from glasses and contact lenses during the day: Ortho-K lenses are worn overnight, and the cornea is reshaped while you sleep, so you can enjoy clear vision without the need for glasses or contact lenses during the day. They can provide clear vision for up to 24 hours, depending on the individual and the severity of their refractive error.
- Non-surgical solution: Ortho-K lenses are a non-surgical solution for vision correction. They are a great option for people who are not eligible for laser vision correction or are hesitant about undergoing surgery.
- Slow down myopia progression: Studies have shown that Ortho-K lenses can slow down the progression of myopia in children and teenagers. This means that wearing Ortho-K lenses can help to reduce the risk of developing severe myopia and associated eye conditions in the future.
- Convenient for sports and outdoor activities: Ortho-K lenses are convenient for sports and outdoor activities, as they do not require the use of glasses or contact lenses. They provide clear vision without the risk of losing or breaking glasses or contact lenses during physical activities.
- Cost-effective: Ortho-K lenses can be a cost-effective solution for vision correction, especially over the long term. They can eliminate the need for regular purchases of glasses or contact lenses, and may be a more affordable option than surgery.
However, it's important to note that Ortho-K lenses may not be suitable for everyone, and they require regular check-ups with an eye care professional to ensure their safety and effectiveness.
At North York Eye Clinic we offer the following orthokeratology lenses:
1.) Corneal Refractive Therapy (CRT) from Paragon Vision Sciences
2.) Vision Shaping Treatment (VST) from Bausch & Lomb
3.) Be Free Lenses from PTS Precision Technology
4.) Moonlens from Cardinal Contact Lenses