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Perfect Vision Without Contact Lenses or Lasik - a Dream or Reality?

Posted: Monday, November 21, 2005

by Tanya Turner

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.

Tanya Turner is an eye health and vision expert. She provides consumer information, tips and advice about healthy contact lens as well as comparison and reviews of reputable online retailers of cheap contact lens

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Top-level comments on this article: (1 total)

» left by Julie 5 years 108 days ago.

I heard it was banned in China because a few people were left blind =_=

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