orthok

[Gleevec]

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Ive been considering LASIK recently, but have backed off recently because the permenance of the procedure bothered me.

However, Ive heard about these new orthok lenses that reshape your cornea overnight. Have any of yall heard about them or have experience with them?

Ive been reading about them online, and have a few questions.

First, how long overnight must you wear them for to have 20/20 the next day? The reason I ask is because I fear later in med school and during residency that my nighttime hours will be limited. Is the solution to this just wearing them during the day for the remaining hours?

Also, what vision ranges are acceptable for correction? Ive seen different info on different websites. Im at -7.00 (yeah Im blind as a bat without my contacts).

Finally, does it hurt? I wore RGPs a long time ago and they were kinda annoying. Are the orthok lenses more painful? How do the lenses affect people with dry eyes?

Pretty much I want to use orthok until the new deposition vision correction comes out. Is this a good strategy for someone who doesnt want to wear contacts during the day and doesnt want to get LASIK or PRK?

Thanks!

 

[Richard_Hom]

..."

Also, what vision ranges are acceptable for correction? Ive seen different info on different websites. Im at -7.00 (yeah Im blind as a bat without my contacts).

Finally, does it hurt? I wore RGPs a long time ago and they were kinda annoying. Are the orthok lenses more painful? How do the lenses affect people with dry eyes?

Pretty much I want to use orthok until the new deposition vision correction comes out. Is this a good strategy for someone who doesnt want to wear contacts during the day and doesnt want to get LASIK or PRK?

Thanks!

Dear Gleevec,

The Orthokeratology studies are few but one study at U of Calif seemed to suggest that less than 50% will benefit. It also suggested that, if effective, it will be most relevant for patients with -3.00 Spherical Equivalent.

The above study used only daily wear RGP's. Recent case reports at the Global Orthokeratology Symposium have decreased the wearing time necessary to get maximum effect and to maintain it.
It also indicates that correction of spherical equivalents greater than -3.00 might be possible.

What makes Orthokeratology more accessible to patients is the programmed approach that Corneal reformation Therapy (CRT) has taken from Polymer Technology. In the past, orthokeratology was a "black art" with results generally varying from one practitioner to another. WIth the "programmed" approach, I feel that there should be a more common result amongst different doctors.

Richard_Hom