How to Focus the Eye by Changing the Shape of the Lens

The lens of the eye is called the cornea. For hundreds of years, the only way to improve focus of the eye was by bending the light before it entered the cornea. Eye doctors did this with eyeglasses and, later, contact lenses.Today, a specialist can change the shape of the cornea itself, eliminating or reducing the need for eyeglasses or daily contact lenses. LASIK (Laser-Assisted In-Situ Keratomileusis) eye surgery uses a laser to cut the shape of the cornea. Orthokeratology uses contact lenses to squeeze the corneas each night, changing their shape temporarily, but long enough to last the next day.

Instructions

LASIK Eye Surgery

• 1

  Hold the eyelids open with a speculum (a type of medical clamp).

• 2

  Place a suction ring around the cornea.

• 3

  Place a cutting blade called a microkeratome above the cornea and press it down against the eye to flatten the cornea.

• 4

  Slide the microkeratome across the eye, slicing into the cornea and creating a thin flap.

• 5

  Lift the corneal flap out of the way.

• 6

  Change the shape of the cornea by cutting it with a laser.

• 7

  Close the corneal flap.

• 8

  Wait for the incision to heal for a couple days. The eyes should be able to focus without eyeglasses or contact lenses.

Orthokeratology

• 9

  Map the shape of the corneas with a corneal topographer. Using this device is painless and the process takes only a minute for each eye.

• 10

  Prescribe a pair of contact lenses. For example, optometrists and opthalmologists often prescribe Paragon Corneal Refractive Therapy (CRT) or Bausch & Lomb Vision Shaping Treatment (VST). The FDA has approved them.

• 11

  Put the CRT or VST contact lenses on your eyes before going to sleep. The lenses will gradually reshape the corneas. The effect should improve every day for about two weeks, when the eyes should be close to perfect vision in most cases. Continue to wear the lenses each night to maintain their effect on the shape of the corneas.