Orthokeratology
WHAT IS ORTHOKERATOLOGY (ORTHO-K / DREAM LENSES / OK / NIGHT LENSES)?
OrthoK is a type of contact lens treatment where hard contact lenses are worn at night only, to gently mold the front surface of the eyes into a shape that refocuses light so that patients can see without the need for glasses or contact lenses during the day time.
Who is Orthokeratology appropriate for?
OrthoK is highly recommended in children between the age of 7 and 17 who are short-sighted and deteriorating rapidly. If their prescription is not stable, and is changing by -0.50DS a year or more, please ensure that they are being tested at least every 6 months by an optometrist who is up to date with the latest information on myopia control.
OrthoK is also appropriate for adults who are simply looking for an alternative form of vision correction.
What are the advantages over LASIK?
- It’s suitable for patients who don’t have a stable prescription
- It does not exacerbate dry eye
- OrthoK lenses can be adapted as your prescription changes
Who is a good candidate for Orthokeratology / OrthoK?
- Those unable to wear contact lenses due to allergies and dry eye
- Those working in dusty or dirty environments
- Active people who do not want the inconvenience of glasses or contact lenses when participating in sports
- People who want freedom from their glasses / day contact lenses
- Children whose myopia (short-sightedness) is getting progressively worse
- Mild to moderate myopia (<-4.00 cases are more straight forward)
What is Orthokeratology? How does Orthokeratology work?
OrthoK corrects unclear vision caused by the eye's length or shape issues. It reshapes the front surface of the eye using tear fluid forces, achieving focus. To create an OrthoK lens, a corneal topographer maps the eye's surface, and a custom lens is designed accordingly. These lenses are made from highly oxygen-permeable materials, ensuring eye health during overnight wear. Improved vision is noticeable after the first night, but stopping lens use will revert the eyes to normal within weeks.
What role does Orthokeratology play in Myopia control / management?
The number of children who are becoming myopic has grown rapidly over the last 25 years. The Centre for Disease Control in the United States has estimated, that by the year 2020, 50% of the world’s population will have myopia. The results of recent scientific studies point to OrthoK as one of the best options for controlling myopia progression. Although OrthoK has been shown to slow myopia progression in the groups studied, the same results cannot be guaranteed in individual cases.
Does Orthokeratology hurt?
The OrthoK contact lenses are made of a stiffer material than soft disposable contact lenses, however, the procedure does not hurt in any way. An adaptation period is required where initially the lenses may be more noticeable compared to your standard soft lens, however, this improves after a few nights.
Is Orthokeratology safe?
OrthoK is a safe and effective technique used mainly for correcting myopia but can also help with hyperopia, astigmatism, and presbyopia. It's a non-surgical alternative to LASIK. Approved by the FDA in 2002 and recognized by the Australian Therapeutics Goods Administration, OrthoK is reversible. However, like all contact lenses, there's a small risk of eye infections. Proper cleaning, care, and following your optometrist's instructions can significantly reduce this risk. Any infections can be treated by your eye care practitioner during follow-up visits.
Can Orthokeratology be used by children?
Children make great OrthoK lens wearers. Practitioners note that children are very motivated and follow their instructions. Children also learn how to handle and care for OrthoK lenses very quickly. The OrthoK lenses are inserted just before going to bed and taken out in the morning. This means that children will not need to handle their lenses during the day or at school. When lenses are inserted there may be some mild discomfort however, the lens sensation disappears when they close their eyes and go to bed.
Is Orthokeratology safe for children?
Orthokeratology has been used in children for over 20 years now and is a great way for parents to feel at peace with their child’s eye since they no longer need to wear glasses or contact lenses during the day, only at night under where parents can monitor their insertion and removal if they are concerned. Children quickly learn how to use these lenses themselves without the help of their parents.
Are contact lenses safe for children?
Evidence shows that young children are actually much safer contact lens wearers when compared to adults in their 20s. For more information about the safety of contact lens wear in children, please watch this short video.
Why haven’t I heard about Orthokeratology before?
OrthoK is not available everywhere because it requires specific equipment and training to design the appropriate lenses for you or your child. Your optometrist works closely with the laboratory, utilising measurements to the nearest micron.
What is the process for Orthokeratology?
OrthoK Program: Steps to Get Started
Book an appointment to measure your prescription and assess eye health. If suitable, proceed with an orthokeratology package with varying costs based on prescription strength and myopia control needs. A 50% deposit is required for lens manufacturing. Additional expenses include lens care and eye care products for the duration. Follow-up appointments will be scheduled once lenses are ready.
