Corneal reshaping: is it a good alternative to refractive surgery?

PURPOSE OF REVIEW To review current literature on overnight corneal reshaping and present this mode of vision correction in its current state. RECENT FINDINGS Overnight corneal reshaping uses specially designed rigid gas-permeable contact lenses. It is effective in temporarily reducing or eliminating low to moderate myopia. This nonsurgical mode of vision correction allows for good unaided vision during waking hours. There are reports of young patients experiencing serious adverse events, particularly bacterial and Acanthamoeba keratitis while using these lenses, although incidence rates are unknown. SUMMARY Overnight corneal reshaping is an alternative to refractive surgery and must continue to be studied and monitored to establish its safety.