Did you know that there is now a proven way to reduce the onset of Myopia in Children?

There are now two clinically proven treatment options to reduce the progression of myopia.

1. Special Daily wear Contact lens. “Mi Sight”.
2. Special Overnight Contact lens. “Ortho-K”

We offer both treatments, and one of our Optometrists can advice patients once a consultation has been done.

A consultation is £50. This will include a full examination and advice for treatment. Follow up appointments are usually required every 6 months and are £25.

Overnight Vision Correction / Orthokeratology

Ortho-K, also known as overnight vision correction (OVC) involves using specially designed rigid gas-permeable contact lenses to gently alter the shape of the cornea in order to reduce or correct myopia (short-sight). The aim of ortho-k is to be free of both contact lenses and spectacles during waking hours making it a viable alternative to refractive surgery.

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).

Most of the visual changes with overnight vision correction treatment 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 after the ideal corneal shape has been achieved.

Advantages of Ortho-K, Overnight Vision Correction:

• Good vision without spectacles or contact lenses for most of the day
• Children can be treated effectively and there is strong evidence that increasing myopia (short sight) is retarded.
• Overnight vision correction (OVC) is not a surgical procedure, so both eyes can be corrected at the same time and it does not cause the permanent hazy vision experienced by some patients following laser surgery
• Ortho-k is modifiable and reversible meaning that changes in prescription can be easily dealt with, or treatment can be halted.
• Over night vision correction does not hurt.
• Ortho-k, overnight vision correction has approval by the FDA (US Food and Drugs Administration) for correcting up to -6.00 D of myopia. 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.

Disadvantages of Ortho-k, Overnight Vision Correction:

• Ortho-K is not a permanent solution or a cure and is reversible.
• Overnight vision correction requires long term maintenance, with strict hygiene and regular aftercare appointments (usually every 6 months following the initial treatment when the contact lenses need to be replaced).
• The refractive error correctable by OrthoK is limited (usually to -6.00).
• The corneal response to Ortho-k gentle moulding procedure, shows individual variance and is not always predictable.
• During the initial stage of Orthok treatment, the effect is progressive so vision correction will be variable and daily disposable contact lenses may be required.
• It is common to experience some glare around lights and mild ghosting or haloes which typically reduce by the end of the initial treatment phase.
• Ortho-K, overnight vision correction is not suitable for patients with ocular surface disease, keratoconus or corneal dystrophies.
• As with any contact lens wear there is a small risk of infection, allergy and corneal erosions.

If you are interested in trying Overnight Vision Correction, call us to make an appointment with one of our specialist contact lens consultants on 01494 258 690

The initial consultation fee is £50 which includes an advanced eye examination with detailed scans and your latest prescription. A detailed report is provided at the end of the consultation.

Call 01494 258690 to book your appointment.