Orthokeratology (Ortho - K)

 

Orthokera...what?

Imagine: Clear vision without contact lenses or glasses...

It’s back in the news and it has been improved and is more predictable than ever before. Orthokeratology (Ortho-K /Corneal Refractive Therapy/CRT) is a method of wearing custom rigid (hard) contact lenses, whereby you only wear these lenses to bed. Overnight these lenses gently change the shape of your eyes using your tears so that in the morning you can see clearly when the lenses are removed.     

The effect of clear vision lasts all day, and in some case lasts two to three days, so that the lenses are only worn every second or third night. These lenses are great for teenagers and for those who play sport or spend a lot of time in the water. You could almost say these lenses are an overnight success!

Now you can be free of daytime contact lenses or glasses and enjoy great vision during your daily activities without undergoing surgery! Recent clinical research combined with the latest corneal surface mapping technology, computerized manufacturing and space age oxygen-breathing materials have brought new science to corneal reshaping.

Ortho-K is ideal for low-mid short sighted people who:
•    Want clear natural vision all day - every day.
•    Find soft contact lenses do not fulfill the comfort demands their lifestyle places on their eyes.
•    Are involved in recreational and sports activities where periods without wearing contact lenses is ideal.
•    Have difficulty with dry eyes from air conditioning, computer use or dusty environments.
•    Loose their contacts easily, or suffer from allergies from some contact lenses.
•    Have considered refractive surgery because of the freedom it provides, but are worried about the risks.

•    Have an approximate spherical spectacle prescription of -0.75D up to -5.00D and astigmatism of up to -1.50D - depending on corneal topography.

Controlling Shortsightedness

A major benefit for younger people with progressing myopia (short sightedness that continues to get worse each year) is that wearing Ortho-K contact lenses has been shown to control myopia by slowing or stopping its progression. This is especially important in families with a history of short sightedness. Controlling myopia doesn’t only mean less money spent on new glasses each year—it reduces the risk of the eye health problems that can occur with higher levels of myopia, and opens up more options for future vision correction. No other type of spectacles or soft contact lenses can offer this benefit.

How does Ortho-K work?

Ortho-K lenses are manufactured from special highly oxygen permeable material - Boston XO™. When worn during the night these lenses apply a controlled shape to the ‘window’ at the front of the eye (the cornea), eliminating your short sightedness. This is achieved as the Ortho-K lens floats on your tear-film and while you sleep the lens gently reshapes your cornea. This effect stays strong enough for you to function the entire day without spectacles or contact lenses.

As well as being an expert in all types of contact lens fitting, your Optometrist will have attended an extensive program of training prior to treating patients with Ortho-K in order to be better familiarised the techniques and lens designs. Your practitioner will be able to advise you as to your suitability for Ortho-K.

FAQs

Can I really just sleep and see?

Yes, once the effect is complete you simply remove the lenses each morning and can see normally. Also - and this is really clever - you will be able to see clearly with the lenses in when you wake up in the morning (or in the middle of the night). It really is a clear future 24/7!

How quickly will it work?

After the first night most of the necessary correction has been achieved. Normally within a week your sight during the day will be ‘treated’ and you will no longer be reliant on glasses or contact lenses.    

Is Ortho-K safe?

Yes. Research and experience show that the whole process is 100% reversible. So if you decide to stop wearing Ortho-K for whatever reason, the eye will return to its original shape and you will see clearly with your glasses again. This makes Ortho-K an excellent alternative to laser eye surgery.

How is it possible to wear lenses overnight?

Ortho-K lenses are made of one of the very highest oxygen permeable materials, Boston XO™*, for maximum comfort and safety during overnight wear. The other unique benefit with Ortho-K is that unlike normal lens wear the eye spends its waking hours with natural oxygen levels, uninhibited by contact lenses.

Can I still get laser surgery done later?

Yes, the procedure is reversible, simply stop wearing the lens and wear spectacles for several weeks.

How much does it cost?

It will cost you less than laser surgery and equal or slightly more than some forms of contact lens wear. The costs may vary depending on your prescription.

 

An Ortho-K Contact Lens