Orthokeratology (Ortho K)
What is Orthokeratology?
Orthokeratology, also known as Ortho K, is a specialized area of contact lens fitting in which rigid, hard contact lenses gently reshape the contour of the cornea while you sleep to correct nearsightedness and astigmatism. This means no more daytime contact lenses or glasses.
Why Ortho K?
Ortho K is a great option for patients who:
- Want to eliminate the need for daytime contact lenses and glasses without surgery.
- Have experienced discomfort with soft contact lenses and are looking for another option.
- Want to slow down the progression of their nearsightedness.
- Are active in sports and physical fitness where daytime contact lenses and glasses are not ideal.
Who is a candidate for orthokeratology?
- Our office currently accepts new Ortho K patients as young as 6 years old, with near sighted prescriptions up to -6.00D and astigmatism up to -2.00D. Patients who have had previous cornea surgery (LASIK, PRK, RK) and those with certain diseases of the cornea are not ideal candidates. While Orthokeratology can correct certain types of farsightedness, our office is not currently fitting these patients.
Is Orthokeratology safe?
- Yes! Ortho K has been around since the 1960s but has gained popularity recently as new research shows it is one of the most effective ways to slow the progression of nearsightedness. Risks of Ortho K include infections and corneal abrasions, among others. However, recent research has shown that the risk of infection with Ortho K is no greater than that of soft lenses. As with all contact lenses, proper lens care procedures are essential to minimized complications.
What can I expect during my Ortho K fitting?
Ortho K lenses are worn at night to correct your need for glasses or contacts during the day. It can take 1-2 weeks to achieve the full effect of these lenses. During this time, you will likely see well soon after taking out the lenses, but the effect will wear as the day goes on.
- Once adapted to the lenses, it is recommended that you wear the lenses every night. Without lens wear, your cornea and prescription will go back to normal. The Ortho K effect can last anywhere from 1 to 2 days, meaning some patients can still see even if they forget to wear the lenses one night.
- When wearing Ortho K lenses, patients are able to see clearly. However, some patients will experience lens discomfort while wearing their lenses during waking hours, especially while still adapting to the lenses.
How much does Ortho K cost?
- Ortho K is a very time consuming and specialized field. As such, our office charges a global fee of $1500 for new patients. This fee includes the initial pair of lenses as well as all follow up visits related to Ortho K for one year. Patients who decide to discontinue Ortho K treatment during the first 30 days from their first fitting visit will receive a 50% refund on return of the lenses. For patients who are previous wearers of Ortho K, the fee is reduced at the doctor’s discretion. This depends on complexity of the case, type of lenses you are currently wearing, and possible need to be re-fit into a different type of lens. To qualify as a previous patient, you must be currently wearing Ortho K, you must have lenses, and you must obtain previous records including your current contact lens parameters (We are happy to assist where we can).