Myopia gives a person a lot of inconvenience. Objects are blurred, people's faces look like a solid spot. Today, there are different ways to correct vision. This is the selection of glasses, contact lenses, or more radical, such as eye microsurgery. However, not everyone knows that you can correct vision problems even during sleep. Orthokeratological lenses will help in this.
Night and ordinary contact lenses. Features
Contact lenses for the eyes, which are designed to be worn during the day, are made of soft material (silicone). Night lenses are worn before bedtime and removed early in the morning. The material from which they are made is quite tough, but has a good ability to pass air. They have a specific shape. Although the effect possessed by orthokeratological lenses is reversible, they nevertheless provide an opportunity to forget about vision problems at least for a while. In the past, you can leave both glasses and day lenses. The patient is no longer bothered by such moments as water procedures (an ordinary lens can simply be washed off with a stream of water). All kinds of sports (surfing, diving) become available. Smoke, dust also cease to bring discomfort. For women, the use of makeup is often a problem. Very often, mascara that crumbles gets on the lens and causes a burning sensation and discomfort. When using night lenses, all these disadvantages disappear.
What is orthokeratology
Orthokeratology is a modern method by which night vision correction is performed. In America, this method has been used for 40 years, in Russia, relatively recently, about 8 years. In the 90s, with the invention of new materials for lenses and devices to select them, this correction method received a second wind. And now, from year to year, orthokeratology is gaining popularity. Doctors' reviews indicate that night contact lenses can even slow down the process of vision impairment or even stop it. 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 fluctuates within 16,000 rubles.
How does vision correction work?
Improving visual acuity occurs due to deformation of the cornea. Orthokeratological night lenses create a certain pressure, under the influence of which the center of the cornea becomes flatter. This process takes place overnight, this form can last about 20 hours. Then the epithelium returns to its previous form, and vision deteriorates. However, the entire recovery process takes 2-3 months, it is important to remember those who decided on laser correction. It is best done after this period.
Indications for use
Orthokeratological lenses are prescribed for myopia (up to -6.5 diopters). They can also be used if a person suffers from astigmatism (up to -2.5 diopters). This correction method is perfect for athletes and those who lead an active lifestyle. Some professions also require the use of just such products (for example, special forces or high-altitude workers). Very often, orthokeratological lenses are also chosen for children. 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. Orthokeratological lenses will become indispensable even if there are contraindications for laser correction.
Night correction for children
Very often myopia actively progresses precisely in childhood. About half of schoolchildren have vision problems. If it does not stop falling in time, then various complications may appear, for example, retinal detachment. In addition, surgery is not performed until 18 years of age. In this case, the use of orthokeratological lenses is an excellent method to stop the process of vision loss. For young children, glasses are a cause for ridicule from peers. Conventional soft contact lenses also have their drawbacks: the child is actively moving, and the products can be lost. Hand hygiene is also not always followed. To all this, it is important to note the fact that children always spend the night at home. At the same time, parents have the opportunity to fully control the process of putting on and taking off products. Therefore, night lenses are a great alternative for children.
Selection of night lenses
Only a highly qualified doctor can choose the right lenses of this type. On examination, he needs to measure the parameters of the cornea, determine visual acuity. Diagnostics also includes biomicroscopy and video keratotopography. Then the patient tries on the lenses and the doctor examines the correct fit.
The second visit must be made after the first use (lenses should not be removed). The specialist removes them and again checks visual acuity. At the same time, orthokeratology (doctors' reviews here agree) is able to reduce myopia by 2 diopters in one night. The third visit occurs after a week of active use of the products. It is best to visit the doctor after lunch. At this time, some problems are possible: blur, blurred vision in the afternoon. And finally, the fourth time the patient comes to the 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
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 correction method. Diseases of the eyelids, their chronic nature are one of the contraindications. With a high degree of astigmatism, orthokeratological lenses are also not suitable. Reviews say that if a person is not able to use the products correctly, maintain the necessary level of eye hygiene, then he should abandon this type of correction.
Lens care
First of all, you need to carefully monitor the cleanliness of the hands. You can only touch the lenses with clean, soap-washed hands. Wearing and removing them is best in front of the mirror. Having drawn the eyelid well, you need to install the lens. Do not press it hard. Removing occurs 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. A damaged lens should be replaced. Containers require replacement once every 3 months, the puller will last six months. It should be remembered that with diseases that are accompanied by high temperature, you can not wear night lenses. Weakened immunity can cause dry eyes and discomfort. If you experience unpleasant sensations, inflammatory processes, you should immediately contact a specialist.