Perfect Vision Without Contact Lenses or Lasik - a Dream or
Reality?
If you want to have good vision without wearing glasses or
contact lenses, but are unsure about lasik, there is another
alternative - you can wear contacts only at night and see well
all the next day. Find out about the pros and cons of this
solution and decide if it could work for you.
How does it work?
The method we are talking about is called orthokeratology, which
means that contact lenses are used to reshape your cornea, while
you sleep, so you can see well during the following day.
Shortsightedness is caused when the light coming into your eye
doesn't focus properly on the retina, because your cornea is not
quite the right shape. Normally the problem is corrected with
glasses or daily wear contact lenses. However, the same result
can be achieved by reshaping your cornea either permanently,
with lasik surgery, or temporarily with cornea reshaping contact
lenses.
Orthokeratology lenses only give a temporarily effect - about
18-20 hours. So to see well every day you have to wear them
every night. It usually takes about 2 weeks for your vision to
improve, after you start wearing cornea reshaping contact
lenses.
Could orthokeratology work for you?
It is important to understand that not all vision problems can
be corrected by cornea reshaping lenses. It only works for
myopia (shortsightedness) for up to -6 and astigmatism for up to
-1.75. If your prescription is higher, cornea reshaping lenses
won't work for you. They also don't work for people with
hyperopia (longsightedness).
Orthokeratology lenses suit people who don't like wearing
glasses or contact lenses during the day. If you have dry eyes,
work in a dusty environment or simply feel discomfort by the end
of the day of wearing ordinary contacts, cornea reshaping
contact lenses could be a solution for you.
Compare cornea reshaping contact lenses and common contact
lenses
Orthokeratology lens advantages: - You don't have to
fuss over putting in your lenses, in the morning
- You
can see well all day long. Most soft contact lenses are
recommended for wear up to 12 hours, while people usually need
their vision 16-18 hours a day
- No eye dryness or other
discomfort usually caused by contact lenses during the day.
Especially suited for people who suffer from dry eyes
Disadvantages: - The lenses used in orthokeratology
are Rigid Gas Permeable (RGP) contacts and some people find them
uncomfortable. Most contact lenses that patients wear during the
day are soft contacts
- Fitting orthokeratology contact lenses requires special
skills. Also you will have to visit your doctor several times.
As a result, this solution costs more than if you wore daily
wear contacts.
If you are tired of your usual contacts and are thinking about
lasik, also consider cornea reshaping contacts. The effect is
similar but, unlike lasik surgery, orthokeratology contacts are
absolutely safe because the effect they produce is temporary.