So, what can Optometry do to slow myopia progression?

In the last 10 years there has been an explosion in research and methods to treat myopia progression. Before that time Orthokeratology practitioners believed that these lenses slowed myopia progression. This has since been proven and still today this is the most effective lens modality for controlling myopia.

Other methods include specially designed soft multifocal contact lenses, bifocal and multifocal spectacles and atropine. It has been found that combining these different modalities can help certain, more difficult cases.

Orthokeratology and Myopia Control

Orthokeratology is a contact lens technology that involves wearing a specially designed lens while sleeping. The lens reshapes the front surface of the eye to correct your vision overnight. Patient’s who wear ortho k can see clearly in waking hours without wearing glasses or contacts. Orthokeratology lenses were first fitted in the 1960’s, but due to poor understanding of the lens design needed to change the eye’s shape, there was limited success. It wasn’t until the early 1980’s that Ortho K lenses were effective at correcting vision.

Recent research has found that orthokeratology can reduce the progression of myopia (short sightedness) by an average of 50%. So, this technology, not only corrects your vision at night but is also the best lens solution for protecting your child from the consequences of myopia. Dr Boneham was one of the first optometrists to practice orthokeratology in Australia and is active in researching and implementing new technologies to improve the efficacy of this technique.

If you are interested in Ortho K and what it can do for you, call 9264 6784