Orthokeratology lenses: selection, contraindications, reviews of doctors and patients

Myopia is a lot of inconvenience for a person. Objects blur out, people's faces look like a solid stain. To date, there are different ways to correct vision. This is the selection of glasses, contact lenses, or more radical, such as microsurgery of the eye. However, not everyone knows that you can correct vision problems even while you sleep. The orthokeratological lenses will help in this.

Night and usual contact lenses. Features

Contact lenses for the eyes, which are designed for wearing during the day, are made of soft material (silicone). Night lenses are worn before bedtime and taken off early in the morning. The material from which they are made is rather stiff, but has a good air-permeability. They have a specific form. Although the effect that orthokeratological lenses have is reversible, they nevertheless allow at least some time to forget about vision problems. In the past, you can leave both glasses and daytime lenses. The patient is no longer bothered by such moments as water procedures (a normal lens can simply be washed off with a stream of water). All kinds of sports (surfing, diving) are available. Smoke, dust also cease to bring discomfort. For women, the use of decorative cosmetics often becomes a problem. Very often mascara, which crumbles, gets on the lens and causes burning and unpleasant sensations. When using night lenses, all these disadvantages disappear.

What is orthokeratology?

Orthokeratology is a modern method, which helps to correct vision at night. In America, this method is used for 40 years, in Russia it is relatively recent - about 8 years. In the 90's, with the invention of new materials for lenses and instruments that allow them to be picked up, this method of correction got a second wind. And now, from year to year, orthokeratology is gaining popularity. The doctors' testimonies testify that night contact lenses can even slow down the process of vision deterioration or even stop it altogether. The main problem is the acute shortage of specialists who can competently provide advice and choose lenses. Another feature that orthokeratological lenses have is price. It varies within 16,000 rubles.

How is the vision corrected?

Improve visual acuity is due to deformation of the cornea. Orthokeratological night lenses create a certain pressure, under which the center of the cornea becomes more flat. This process takes place overnight, this form can last about 20 hours. Then the epithelium returns to its former form, and vision deteriorates. However, the whole process of recovery takes 2-3 months, it is important to remember those who decided to laser correction. It is better to hold it after this period.

Indications for use

Orthokeratology lenses are prescribed for nearsightedness (up to -6.5 diopters). They can also be used if a person suffers from astigmatism (up to -2.5 diopters). This method of correction for athletes and those who lead an active lifestyle is perfect. Some professions also require the use of just such products (for example, special forces or high-altitude workers). Very often, and for children choose orthokeratological lenses. Reviews say that their use does not cause much trouble and allows you to lead a familiar lifestyle. The age for this method of vision correction is from 6 years to 60. With regular use, even progressive myopia slows down the pace. Orthokeratological lenses will become indispensable if there are contraindications to laser correction.

Night correction for children

Very often, myopia is actively progressing precisely in childhood. Approximately half of schoolchildren have problems with sight. If its fall in time can not be stopped, then there may be various complications, for example, detachment of the retina. In addition, surgical intervention is not carried out until age 18. In this case, the use of orthokeratological lenses is an excellent method for stopping the process of deterioration of vision. For young children, glasses are a reason for ridicule by peers. Conventional soft contact lenses also have their disadvantages: the child actively moves, while the products can be lost. Compliance with the rules of hand hygiene is also not always fulfilled. To all this, it is important to note the fact that children always spend the night at home. Parents at the same time have the opportunity to fully control the process of putting on and taking off products. Therefore, night lenses are an excellent alternative for children.

Selection of night lenses

It is only the physician with high qualifications who can choose the right lenses of this type. Upon examination, he needs to measure the parameters of the cornea, determine the visual acuity. Diagnostics also includes biomicroscopy and video keratotopography. Then the patient tries on the lenses, and the doctor examines the correctness of the fit. The second visit should be made after the first use (the lens is not removed). The specialist removes them and again checks the visual acuity. Thus orthokeratology (responses of doctors here converge) is capable in one night to reduce a myopia on 2 diopters. The third visit occurs in a week of active use of products. It is best to visit a doctor after dinner. At this time, some problems are possible: blurriness, visual impairment in the second half of the day. And, finally, the fourth time the patient comes to a specialist in a month. As a rule, at this time, vision becomes as sharp as possible. When using night lenses for the eyes, it is necessary to visit an ophthalmologist every 3 months.

Contraindications for use

As with conventional lenses, orthokeratology also has contraindications. First of all, night lenses are not prescribed for diseases of the cornea, including inflammatory ones. Patients who have dry eye syndrome should abandon this method of correction. Diseases of the eyelids, their chronic nature are one of the contraindications. With a large degree of astigmatism, orthokeratological lenses also do not work. Reviews say that if a person does not have the opportunity to properly use products, maintain the necessary level of eye hygiene, then he should give up this type of correction.

Care of lenses

First of all, you must carefully monitor the cleanliness of the hands. Touch the lens can only clean, washed with soap and hands. Put them on and put them on before the mirror. Well pulling the eyelid, you need to install the lens. Do not press it hard. Removal is using a special puller. A special shampoo is washed, then it is washed off with running water. Store night lenses only in a special solution for hard lenses. It is important to avoid them falling, you can not touch the products with your nails. Damaged lens should be replaced. Containers require replacement every 3 months, the puller will last six months. It should also be remembered that with diseases that are accompanied by high fever, wearing night lenses can not be. Weakened immunity can cause dry eyes and discomfort. If there are unpleasant sensations, inflammatory processes should immediately contact a specialist.