By Nigel Little 

Ortho-k lenses  which correct short-sightedness overnight while sleeping could be a key new treatment option for Premier League referees who are under fire after a spate of controversial decisions. Over the past few months, major errors have included failing to give a goal when the ball has clearly crossed the line (Bolton against QPR) then awarding a goal when the ball equally clearly has not crossed the line (Chelsea against Spurs). No wonder managers and fans have been up in arms at various points over the course of the season and the referees' organising body, Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) has frequently been forced onto the defensive in supporting its members.

PGMOL is adamant that Premier League referees are all equipped with excellent eyesight given both regular checks which are undertaken and also the sports vision training which is provided by specialists to improve their field of vision. "The eyesight specialists can help extend people's peripheral vision," says Phil Dorward, Public Relations Manager for PGMOL. "It's very important in offside decisions." However, it seems that a number of referees are still reliant on conventional daytime contact lenses to correct any eyesight deficiency which can give rise to problems during wet or windy weather not to mention the risk of being dislodged. So switching to ortho-k lenses  which are only worn while sleeping to correct short-sightedness seems like a ‘no-brainer'

Based on the long-established optical science of orthokeratology, the lenses are custom-designed for each individual's eyes and their prescription. Under the pressure of closed eyelids during sleep the lenses gently flatten the surface of the eye to ensure light focuses directly on the retina rather than in front of it. This correction lasts for over 24 hours so wearers of ortho-k lenses  enjoy perfect natural vision all day long from removal of the lenses each morning until reinserting them at night. So referees could enjoy the kind of sharp eyesight necessary to get decisions right without worrying about dust or dirt getting onto a daytime contact lens, or finding their eyes affected by too much moisture or dryness which are typical problems experienced during the kind of weather affecting most of the football season.

Check if you are suitable for overnight ortho-k corrective contact lenses .