by Joel Harrison
11. April 2012 19:45

Professor Pauline Cho (the School of Optometry at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University) has recently conducted a study proving that orthokeratology (or ortho-K) contact lenses, apart from correcting refractive errors, effectively slow down the progression of shortsightedness.
Orthokeratology is a way of correcting vision problems by changing the shape of the cornea with the use of specially designed contact lenses, which are worn overnight. Thanks to wearing the lenses in their sleep, orthokeratology users can see clearly all day long without any additional means of vision correction.
Several years ago, Professor Cho found some evidence that ortho-K could control the progression of shortsightedness in children. To confirm it, she initiated two long-term studies: ROMIO (Retardation Of Myopia In Orthokeratology) and TO-SEE (Toric Orthokeratology-Slowing Eyeball Elongation).
The ROMIO study, in which 77 children participated, showed that myopia progressed in children using ortho-K lenses 43% more slowly than in children wearing glasses. The TO-SEE study, which included 37 children, additionally showed that ortho-K lenses are effective in reducing astigmatism (by 79% after a month).
According to Professor Cho, ortho-K lenses have improved significantly over the last few years and they can be a great option for most myopic patients.