ORTHOKERATOLOGY
Lets get into the details on Orthokeratology
Am I a Candidate for Orthokeratology (Ortho-K) Treatment?
If you are over 40, your reading correction may be addressed with Hyperopic/Presbyopic, Myopic/Presbyopic or Mono-vision Ortho-K. Mono-vision Ortho-K involves correcting one eye for distance and the other eye for near vision, and your brain automatically chooses the appropriate eye for the given task with a little bit of training. Another alternative is to have both eyes corrected for distance vision and wear over-the-counter reading glasses whenever you want to perform near tasks.
No, unlike the age limits imposed on refractive surgery, we can fit anyone in need of Orthokeratology therapy, from young children to retirement age and beyond.
How Successful is Orthokeratology (Ortho-k)?
The rate of success is high but it depends on your original prescription and treatment goals. During your initial evaluation, your Optometrist will give you information about your potential outcome.
Patients who wear their lenses as prescribed find that they have great vision well into the evening. Some patients are even able to wear their lenses every other night and still maintain their improved vision. However, if you stop wearing your lenses while sleeping, your vision will return to its original state.
This will depend on your prescription, age and treatment goals. In adults, the higher prescriptions can take 2-4 weeks to achieve good vision. Children’s corneas are molded much easier, therefore their ability to reach good vision will be faster if they cooperate and follow the doctor’s orders. Some patients report seeing more clearly in as little as one night!
Yes. This allows you to read in bed or watch TV before falling asleep.
How safe are Ortho-K lenses?
They are very safe. However, there is a small risk of infection or abnormal blood vessel growth when any contact lens is worn. These risks are minimized by adhering to scrupulous disinfection and care procedures, by wearing your lenses only as instructed, and by coming in for regular progress checks.
Ortho-K lenses are easier to insert and remove than a soft contact lens.
Recommended replacement of your lenses is every year, depending on their condition. Lenses that have been warped or have deposits and build-up will not allow proper oxygen to get to the cornea and may lead to infection.
Yes, you may be eligible because Ortho-K lenses are only worn while you sleep. Dry eyes are usually not a problem when you’re sleeping because closed eyes prevent tears from evaporating. If dry eyes are a problem when you sleep, dry eye treatments can offer a simple resolution. In addition, Orthokeratology can provide excellent vision to those who are unable to wear conventional contact lenses due to dry eyes without compromising their comfort.
Since Ortho-K’s corneal re-shaping lenses are worn only while you sleep at night, this greatly reduces any chances of discomfort you may have experienced while wearing contact lenses during the day.
Ortho K Questionnaire
Do you wear glasses or contact lenses for nearsightedness, farsightedness or astigmatism?
Are you interested in LASIK but don’t feel ready?
Are you unable to wear contact lenses due to allergies or other sensitivities?
Are you tired of getting debris stuck underneath your gas-permeable lenses?
Do you feel contact lenses inhibit your ability to enjoy sports such as skiing, swimming, hiking, or going to the gym?
As a parent/guardian, does your child’s eyes require a stronger eyeglass prescription every year?
As a parent/guardian, does your child need contact lenses but has trouble wearing or caring for them?
Do you want to wake up during the night and able to see?
If you answered “Yes” to one or more of these questions, it indicates that Orthokeratology might be a good option for you.
Please contact our office for further testing. You can also watch this video for more information.
