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CONTACT lenses worn only at night can temporarily correct long-sightedness by altering the shape of the cornea, a small pilot study suggests. The approach could be an alternative to surgery for people who do not want to wear contacts during the day.

The method, called ortho-k or orthokeratology, is already offered by a few clinics worldwide for treating short-sightedness, or myopia. Rigid gas-permeable contact lenses flatten the central region of the cornea, correcting moderate myopia. But when the contacts are removed, the cornea gradually resumes its normal shape, so people must wear the lenses regularly.

Now Helen Swarbrick’s team at…

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