.. is a process which reshapes the cornea of the eye and thereby reduces dependence upon eyewear. The procedure started over 38 years ago and has had remarkable success since. Early on, only old-fashioned, hard contact lens material was used. The inherent problems associated with that plastic PMMA prolonged the procedure for up to two (2) years. 

With the advent of space-age polymers, computer-assisted lathes, and great technological advancement in the procedure, it is possible to achieve reduction of myopia in a matter of weeks to a few months. This procedure which found its origins in OrthoKeratology has been named Accelerated OrthoKeratology or AOK . 

The principle upon which AOK is based is quite sound and simple. Basically, an individual requires spectacles (glasses) to see when their cornea is too flat, too steep or out of round in relation to the other elements or parts of the eye. The cornea makes up about two-thirds of the eye's total power to focus the light precisely on the retina (receiving screen) which is located in the back of the eye. By making modifications in the shape of the cornea, clear functional vision is achieved when the lenses are removed. 

This is accomplished with a specially designed contact lens. It is similar to a regular contact lens in its appearance and the way it feels while being worn. The lens is working whenever it is worn, whether you are sleeping or awake. Improvement of vision is seen in just hours (in mild cases) to a few months (in very difficult cases). The lens is worn until the best vision is achieved. At that point, the wearing time is gradually reduced until a minimal-wear time is established that maintains the corneal shape and good functional vision. The cornea can easily be fine-tuned for the rest of one's life by minor modifications in the retainer lens. The retainer lens must be worn on a regular basis to maintain the improvement in vision. 

for more information see www.Ortho-K.net