We have optometrists who specialise in Ortho-K (Orthokeratology) at Zacks London Eye Clinic – Warren Street, Fitzrovia, London W1 .
Ortho-K, also known as overnight vision correction (OVC) involves using specially designed rigid gas-permeable contact lenses to alter the shape of the cornea in order to reduce or correct myopia (short-sight).
In the last few years, advances in technology have made it possible to accurately scan the cornea and manufacture ortho-k contact lenses which achieve a controlled and precise reduction in spectacle prescription. New developments in lens materials enable this to be done safely with overnight wear which is why the procedure is sometimes known as overnight vision correction (OVC). At Zacks London eye clinic, ortho-k has become so popular that it now constitutes a large part of our clinical time. We achieve excellent results with myopic prescriptions up to -5.00 and sometimes it is possible to correct higher prescriptions.
Most of the visual changes with Orthokeratology occur rapidly in the first few days requiring frequent examinations and in some cases, progressive lens changes. Stabilisation follows at a slower pace over the next few weeks. The cornea is highly elastic, however and always eventually returns to its original shape. For this reason, retainer lenses are necessary to maintain the improvement in vision. They are usually worn overnight (or for a few hours during the day) after the ideal corneal shape has been achieved.
Advantages of Ortho-K:
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Good vision without spectacles or contact lenses for most of the day
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Children can be treated effectively and there is mounting evidence that increasing myopia (short sight) is retarded (myopia control).
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Ortho-k is not a surgical procedure and it does not cause the permanent hazy vision experienced by some patients following laser surgery
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Ortho-k is modifiable and reversible meaning that changes in prescription can be easily dealt with
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It does not hurt
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Well established ortho-k contact lens fitting techniques mean that there are very few risks
- Ortho-k works well for dry eye patients as they are free from contact lenses during the day.
