A VISION OF BETTER LENSES

Imagine contact lenses that you wear while you sleep so you don't need to wear glasses while you are awake. This technology already exists and the University of New South Wales Cornea and Contact Lens Research Unit (CCLRU) is investigating its long-term benefits.

The technology, Orthokeratology (or Ortho-K), works by generating pressure in the layer of tears between the lens and the eye, which subtly changes the cornea's shape and improves vision.

"Because there haven't been any long-term studies of the benefits of Orthokeratology lenses, we can't say how long the effects will last," said Renee Dutoit, head of the CCLRU study. "This study will allow us to see how permanent the changes are."

The lenses are worn every night for a month and vision will be noticeably improved after the first night. After a month patients will only occasionally need to wear retainer lenses to maintain their corrected vision.

In order to complete the study the CCLRU are looking for volunteers to trial the lenses. For further information please contact the CCLRU on 9385 7516 or via email at s.kasses@cclru.unsw.edu.au.

MEDIA CONTACT DETAILS: Renee Dutoit, CCLRU, tel. 9385 7516 or Victoria Collins, Public Affairs and Development, tel. 9385 3644.