Though it’s not brand new, orthokeratology’s promise of freedom from glasses (or contacts) for near- and farsighted people has made it a popular topic of discussion.
Ortho-k, or ortho-keratology, is described here
In a nutshell, it’s the use of gas-permeable contact lenses to improve myopia (short-sightedness), hyperopia (far-sightedness), and astigmatism by temporarily reshaping the cornea overnight. The remarkable result is that you can spend the whole day (and maybe longer) without your glasses or contacts.
In what universe did I miss this information? Why, as a person who is constantly on the lookout for new approaches to healthcare, was I unaware of a method that dates back more than 60 years? It’s a conundrum.
Why are eyeglasses problematic?
Traditional eyewear may not be the best option for myopia sufferers. When doctors of optometry prescribe glasses for myopia, it often begins a downward spiral that ultimately necessitates even stronger glasses.
Due to peripheral defocus, a regular concave lens will inevitably lead to worsening myopia. Myopia has apparently increased in prevalence in Singapore since the 1960s; it is predicted that by 2050, one in two children will be near-sighted and one in ten will be extremely near-sighted. As a result, lessons have been adjusted so that kids may spend more time in the great outdoors.
Ortho-K: A Brief History
· The first glass lenses, developed by George Jessen in the 1960s, had inconsistent results.
· In the 1990s, computerized corneal topography made it possible to map the cornea’s surface curvature in a way that was both painless and precise, opening the door to individualized care for patients. They may be worn overnight because of advancements in base materials, similar to those seen in Ortho K Singapore lenses. With the advent of computer-controlled precision lathes, production could finally be profitable.
· In 2002, 15 years after approval in various European nations, the CRT overnight corneal reshaping lens became available in the United States.
· Organizations dedicated to the practice of orthokeratology may now be found in a variety of countries.
Is it possible to have orthokeratology often in Singapore?
There is an increase in the number of optometrists that provide this service, however most of them still utilize generic lenses. Qualified optician optometrist in Singapore doesn’t often provide it because of unknown reasons. That’s despite the fact that a ton of studies with promising outcomes have been published in reputable academic publications.
Who may benefit from orthokeratology?
Anyone looking for a non-invasive alternative to correcting their eyesight using glasses or contacts throughout the day. The range of ages and degrees of visual impairment over which it may be used is surprisingly broad.
Typically, the maximum amount of myopia that mass-produced lenses can correct is about -5.00 diopters. However, we have had success correcting myopia as high as -12.00 with our custom-made ortho-k lenses and astigmatism as low as -6.00.
My presbyopia has worsened after having LASIK surgery; will ortho-k still help me?
You very well may qualify as a candidate. However, this only applies to our completely customized ortho-k service, since the lenses are made to fit your unique corneal shape.
Ortho-k may be done at any age, but it serves a very different purpose. Both myopia management and improved vision are priorities for kids, whereas adults merely need glasses. The situation becomes more challenging when presbyopia is included in, although it is not impossible.