Orthokeratology

Ortho-k shaping lenses are designed to temporarily reshape the central surface of the cornea systematically. Overnight wearing of the shaping lenses is surprisingly comfortable and most patients are unaware of their presence within a very short time after insertion.

While orthokeratology can help most individuals improve their vision (including those with certain types and amounts of astigmatism and moderately high myopia), the procedure is often most effective for those prescriptions falling within a specific range. Additional factors may include individual corneal rigidity and shape factors as well as an ability to wear contact lenses. A thorough consultation and examination using advanced computerized diagnostic instrumentation can easily determine if orthokeratology is right for you.

Ortho-k is safe when appropriately fitted and managed properly. Many people have been able to eliminate their dependence upon their glasses and standard contacts with no adverse effects. Unlike surgical procedures such as laser assisted in-situ keratomileusis (LASIK), radial keratotomy (RK), photorefractive keratectomy (PRK), and laser assisted subepithelial keratectomy (LASEK), the corneal tissue is not incised or vaporized by a laser. As with all contact lenses, proper lens care and handling must be performed to maintain eye health.

After treatment, maximum results are achieved and retainer shaping lenses are worn to stabilize and maintain the new corneal shape. Failure to wear the shaping lens on an ongoing basis will result in a return to the pre-existing prescription.

The risk of infection associated with wearing contact lenses overnight are similar to that of wearing contact lenses only while awake. However with the right cleaning regimen, that risk can be minimized. These contact lenses cannot become lost behind the eye and it is rare for ortho-k shaping lenses to become decentered from the cornea.

It generally requires four to seven consecutive nights of wearing the shaping lenses to achieve the desired result. It may take somewhat longer for those with higher degrees of nearsightedness.

Once the desired myopic reduction is obtained, the final shaping lenses act as retainers to maintain that level. Regular contact lenses are not needed. Glasses may be needed for reading or other part-time use. During the initial treatment period, if unaided vision does not last a full day, the patient will be given soft disposable contact lenses to wear to maintain normal distance vision.

Most people will need to wear the shaping lenses six to seven consecutive nights in order to enjoy good, unaided vision during the entire day. Patients with lesser degrees of myopia (nearsightedness) may find that wearing them every other night is satisfactory. However, this will be determined on an individual basis by the eye care practitioner.

The wearer’s eyes will return to their pre-treatment nearsightedness after about two weeks. In order to provide good vision during this transitional period, patients are refitted with gas permeable lenses or disposable soft lenses while the corneas recover their pre-treatment shape.