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Orthokeratology is a non-surgical procedure wherein the cornea is reshaped to provide improved vision. In many cases, the result of this procedure eliminates the need for eyeglasses or contact lenses. There are very few people who are not good candidates for this procedure.
Ortho-K offers the ultimate in contact lenses. It can make imperfect vision significantly and dramatically better for just about everyone with healthy eyes. For some people with more severe refractive problems, it opens up a new world that they may never have seen before without reliance on strong corrective measures, surgery, or useless exercises.

Ortho-K is a program of corrective eye care through the therapeutic use of contact lenses. Studies over the past three decades have shown that when a rigid contact lens is fitted to someone with imperfect vision, and the patient adapts well, the cornea will gradually change for the better. Uncorrected vision will improve.

Drs. Buffington & Lilley carefully monitor these changes with the use of computerized corneal mapping. When a certain corrective level is reached, the contact lens prescription is changed, causing the cornea to change. As these changes are monitored and new lenses fit to meet the new needs of the eye, the eye progresses toward more perfect vision.

Finally, when maximum improvement has been reached, the patient begins wearing retainer lenses over decreasing periods of time. Progress depends upon how soon a problem is diagnosed and its severity. But this science has enabled people who couldn't see the big E on the eye chart to improve their vision to the point that they can see well enough to drive a car without wearing corrective lenses.

The Buffington & Lilley Procedure

Our program of Orthokeratology is unique and innovative. Results can be seen in as soon as 2 or 3 hours. Our technique involves the following:

  • An extensive examination to determine the entire surface topography (shape) of the cornea, the health of the eyes, severity of the visual defects, tear composition and the blinking patterns.
  • The fitting of specially designed oxygen permeable contact lenses to allow the eyes to adjust.
  • A reevaluation of the health of the eyes, and the fit of the contact lenses. In-office modification of the lenses is necessary to encourage the cornea to change, moving the eyes toward better vision.
  • With advanced computer technology the topography of the surface of the cornea is monitored as the vision improves.
  • Refitting, or adjusting, contact lenses every 3 to 6 weeks, depending on your individual progress. Usually 4 to 5 pairs of lenses will be needed during the therapeutic treatment process.
  • When the eyes have reached their maximum stage of improvement, retainer lenses are designed to maintain stability of the improved vision. All patients will need at least some continuing retainer wear. Often the retainer lenses can be worn overnight and removed during the day.

Since 1972, the advanced Orthokeratology techniques pioneered by Drs. Buffington and Lilley have made thousands of people less dependent of optical aids.

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