Orthokeratology - cheating the optometrist?

[Dupre]

I figure from a previous thread that orthokeratology is a method by which hard contact lenses are worn overnight, and press your eye into shape so that over the next day or two you have very good eyesight (www.orthok.co.uk).

Does anyone know what the CAA/JAA has to say about this? Can you get a medical on the basis of wearing them every night, but no lenses in the day? Or is it completely illegal, and if discovered you would be stripped of your licence and charged with deceiving.

I know if I wasn't becoming a pilot I would certainly give them a go! (just to get rid of annoying glasses).

Cheers,

Dupre.

[inverted flatspin]

Yes it does work but from what I have heard it is like putting sand paper in your eyes. If anyone is considering refractive surgery take a look at this site
http://www.keravision.com

This is supposed to be a lot better than laser surgery and reversible just in case it goes wrong. The FAA already approve it.

[Bomber Harris]

Dupre,
the best way to find out the opinion of the medics is to give your local authority a call. I'm sure they will answer that one. However, from a practical point of view, I would think a medical examiner will not be in favour of OrhoK. This method of vision correction distorts the lens and relies on the lens taking time to return to it's original shape. This means a gradual change in refractive correction required with no guarantee as to timing. A bit 'hit and miss' for a medical practitioner me thinks!

That is my guess but I may be wrong. As to prosecution, logically you would have your license/medical pulled if your were caught but surely if you plead ignorance and do a handful of medicals they would give it all back, but of course you may have lost your job in the mean time for not having a medical/license. I can't imagine being jailed or fined for something like this.

Let us know what they say if you do call.

[Dupre]

Thanks for the replies.

I e-mailed the NZ CAA and they wrote back to say absolutely NO to orthok, but interestingly you can have LASIK but need to undergo additional tests to get your medical (which you might fail!).

Cheers, Dupre.