Well now a solution might be on the horizon, thanks to a technique pioneered by the Chinese many years ago. Overnight Vision Correction (OVC) is the modern-day equivalent of a concept discovered by the Chinese in ancient times and was discovered after the history books have it that warriors would sleep with small sand bags over their eyes before going into battle. While we will never know how these ancient people predicted the effect this strange act would have on their sight, their bed-time ritual served to flatten the cornea, which improved shortsightedness.

 

Having a vision...

Modern day Overnight Vision Correction (OVC) is based on the long established science of orthokeratology (Orthok). George Jessen, an optometrist who was an early pioneer of the contact lens, created what was probably the first orthokeratology design in the 1960s. However, these early designs had generally unpredictable results, required a series of lenses and could only be worn during the day, leading to the belief that Orthok was more luck than science.

 

More recently, it was realised some people who wore hard lenses gained a temporary benefit of being able to see without their lenses after they were first removed. This inspired some optometrists to experiment with trying to prolong this effect, but it wasn't until new measuring instruments and computers were available that it was possible to apply the theory to create designs with repeatable results using one lens.

 

Seeing the possibilities...

Three key developments have happened in the last few years to make i-GO OVC contact lenses a true solution for people who suffer from shortsightedness:

• Computerised corneal topography - enabling a very accurate map of the surface of eye to be generated thereby enhancing diagnostic capabilities.

• Computer programmed lathes - which can accurately machine lenses to a sub-micron accuracy from these diagnostic maps increasing first time fit rates and efficacy

• New lens materials - with a very high oxygen permeability allowing lenses to be worn safely overnight OVC works by gently pressing onto the cornea of the eye, thereby correcting the focusing distance to the back of the eye (the retina). The cornea is elastic, so when the lens is removed in the morning the cornea retains the shape, enabling wearers to see clearly throughout the day, without the need for conventional contact lenses or glasses. The effect has been likened to the indent an elastic band leaves on your wrist if kept there for a prolonged period of time.

 

WHAT

i-GO Overnight Vision Correction (OVC) contact lenses offer the first real consumer breakthrough in eye care since the introduction of laser surgery. i-GO OVC contact lenses work by correcting vision while sleeping; when they are removed in the morning, wearers will have restored unaided vision all day long.

 

HOW

Modern day Overnight Vision Correction (OVC) is based on the long established science of orthokeratology (Orthok). Orthok was originally developed in the 1960s as a correction for myopia, and works by gently pressing onto the cornea of the eye, thereby correcting the focusing distance to the back of the eye (the retina). The cornea is elastic, so when the lens is removed in the morning the cornea retains the shape, enabling wearers to see clearly throughout the day, without the need for conventional contact lenses or glasses. The effect has been likened to the indent an elastic band leaves on your wrist if kept there for a prolonged period of time. Eye care professionals will ensure the effect will last right up until the wearer goes to sleep at night.

 

WHY

Freedom - Once the lenses are removed in the morning, wearers can forget about them for the rest of the day 

Reversible - A non-surgical, fully reversible treatment, and vision will return to its original prescription if lens wear is discontinued 

More comfortable Experience greater comfort during the day, and no more dry eyes or problems with contamination from dust, water or pollen

Sport-friendly - During sports and leisure activities, wearers can stop worrying about loss, breakage or displacement of conventional lenses or glasses Fast-working - Around 70% of the prescription improvement is achieved in one night and 90% is achieved after one week

Healthier - Lenses are worn for around six-eight hours each night, compared with up to 16 hours for daytime contact lenses

Laser alternative i-GO The benefits of laser surgery without the risk

 

WHO

They are great for people with hectic lifestyles as they offer the freedom from conventional contact lenses and glasses, and the ability to see properly 24 hours a day, seven days a week. They can be used as an alternative to eyeglasses, any eye surgery, or for those who prefer not to wear contact lenses during the day, such as working professionals or sports people (because lenses may become dislodged during sport).

 

WHERE 

WHERE i-GO OVC contact lenses are patented and custom designed, so they are totally unique to each individual wearer and can only be fitted by an accredited i-GO eye care professional. For more information call 0800 077 8185.