By Nigel Little 

Ortho-k lenses  worn only while sleeping can be the perfect solution for shortsighted glasses wearers whose New Year resolution is to throw away their specs in 2012. At this time of year, wearing glasses can be so frustrating - struggling outdoors with poor vision in the rain and snow then finding the lenses steam up completely when you get away from the cold air and head indoors. And for those who plan to take up a sport or other new physical activity to get fit and trim in 2012, having glasses can be a major hindrance. But if laser surgery makes you worry about the risks of something going wrong and if wearing daytime contact lenses seems like a hassle too then ortho-k lenses are the answer.

The great advantage of ortho-k lenses  is that they are only worn while sleeping then removed each morning after which the wearer has perfect natural vision all day long until the lenses are reinserted again at night. The lenses are custom designed to correct each person's prescription and treat shortsightedness by gently flattening the surface of the eye during sleep so that light can focus directly on the retina at the back of the eye rather than in front of it which is why distant objects appear blurred. The effect lasts for well over 24 hours and is fully reversible - if you stop wearing your ortho-k lenses, your eyesight will go back to what it was prior to wearing the lenses.

The road safety organisation Brake have pointed out that over 12m in the UK fail to get their eyesight checked at least every other year. In part, this reflects the fact that people are often sensitive to the idea that their eyesight is getting worse and hence try to avoid being told that they require stronger prescription glasses. Not only does this pose risks particularly for drivers, it also means that they delay the opportunity to try a completely new treatment. So since many people see the New Year as the best time to consider making a fresh start, it could provide the perfect opportunity for glasses wearers to finally throw the specs away and join the ortho-k lenses  revolution.

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