Thorough Eye Examination

1. Detailed history
   To obtain information on:

   • occupation, age, hobbies

   • previous contact lens wear

   • reasons for wanting Ortho-k treatment (motivation)

   • possible contraindications for contact lens wear (e.g. allergies, oily skin etc

 

2. Refraction

   • To determine suitability of Ortho-k treatment and the power of the final lens to order

 

3. Binocularity assessment

   • To assess binocular vision functions and ensure no contraindications for contact lens wear

 

4. External and internal eye examination

• To ensure good ocular health and no contraindications for contact lens wear
  

5. Corneal topography

   • To gather information for selection of trial Ortho-k lens and final lens ordering

• To use as baseline data for monitoring changes to the cornea during and after Ortho-k treatment
  

6. Intraocular pressure

   • To ensure no contraindications for contact lens wear

 

7. Trial lens fitting and wear

   • To allow the patient to have a feel of what the lens is like on the eye.

   • To allow the optometrist/contact lens practitioner to evaluate the fitting of the lenses before actually ordering them for the patient.

   • To allow the determination of the appropriate dimensions of the lenses needed.

 

8. Assessment of lens fitting (see #7)

Apart from #7 (Trial lens fitting and wear), all the other procedures are also usually carried out at the subsequent aftercare consultations, in particular, #2, 4, 5 and 8, to ensure healthy Ortho-k lens wear, good ocular health, and to modify lens fitting if indicated.

Regular aftercare consultations are VERY IMPORTANT and should not be neglected.

When regular contact lens wear is achieved, it is still essential to have the eyes and lenses checked regularly. This is to

• check the state of health of the eyes

• evaluate the performance and fit of the lenses

• monitor ocular changes

• discuss any problems the patient may be experiencing.

In many instances, ocular changes due to contact lens wear may occur without producing any particular symptoms. These may be easily rectified if detected at an early stage so that the patient can continue to enjoy the lens wear free of symptoms.