Orthokeratology

How long has Orthokeratology been around for?

Ortho-K has been around for several decades, with its origins dating back to the 1960s. The concept of reshaping the cornea to correct vision using contact lenses was initially explored as a potential alternative to traditional glasses and contact lenses. However, Ortho-K has undergone significant advancements over time, resulting in improved safety, efficacy, and accessibility. 

 

Is Ortho-K permanent?
No, the effects of Ortho-K are not permanent. The corneal reshaping achieved through Ortho-K is temporary, and regular lens wear is required to maintain clear vision. If you stop wearing the Ortho-K lenses, your cornea will gradually return to its original shape, and your vision will revert to its previous state. 

An analogy that could provide a clearer picture is to envision staying in the same spot on a couch throughout the night. When you eventually stand up, you'll notice an indentation in the couch cushion that will slowly return to its original shape during the day. If you were to sit in that exact spot consistently over multiple nights, the indentation would become more pronounced and endure for a longer time. Similarly, in orthokeratology, it usually takes around one week of wearing the lenses overnight to achieve the desired effect. Just as the couch cushion gradually regains its shape after each night's indentation, even with repeated use, the cornea's reshaping in ortho-k will still gradually revert once the lenses are removed.

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How does Ortho-K control Myopia?
The mechanism behind ortho-k's myopia control effect remains somewhat unclear, but the prevailing agreement is that it positively modifies the way light is directed onto the retina. Beyond just correcting myopia, the focus pattern generated by ortho-k is thought to convey a signal to the eye,  slowing the pace of eye growth. Studies indicate that Ortho-k yields a myopia control effect of 50%, effectively reducing myopia progression by approximately half.

 

Am I a candidate for Ortho-K?

Orthokeratology is typically considered effective for correcting up to -6.00D of myopia and up to -3.50 of astigmatism, which is widely regarded as an acceptable correction range. 

Although Ortho-k can achieve correction for higher degrees of myopia, the probability of achieving positive results decreases as the level of myopia increases. It's important to acknowledge that the success of vision correction through Ortho-k hinges on individual attributes and factors.

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How long do I need to wear Ortho-K for?

When considering orthokeratology (ortho-k) lenses, it's essential to acknowledge that achieving optimal results is directly tied to the recommended duration of sleep while wearing the lenses. Ortho-k lenses work by gently reshaping the cornea overnight, and this process typically requires around 6-8 hours of uninterrupted sleep.

This requirement is a crucial factor in determining whether ortho-k is a suitable option for you. For individuals who might have irregular sleep patterns due to factors like university commitments, shift work, or on-call responsibilities, it's important to honestly assess whether you can consistently commit to the necessary hours of sleep with the lenses in.

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Is Ortho-K safe?

Yes! Ortho K is safe when performed under the supervision of a qualified and experienced eye care professional. It's important to recognize that Ortho-k does elevate the possibility of eye infection. Nevertheless, recent studies indicate that the occurrence of such infections is minimal, occurring at approximately 1 to 2 instances of corneal eye infections per 2,000 years of patient lens wear. It's essential to follow your optometrist's recommendations, attend regular follow-up appointments, and maintain proper lens hygiene to minimize any risks.

 

Does Ortho-K hurt?
When properly fitted and cared for, Ortho-K lenses should not cause significant discomfort. However, it's common to experience some mild discomfort or awareness of the lenses, especially during the initial adjustment period. This discomfort usually subsides as your eyes adapt to the lenses. If you experience persistent pain, redness, or discomfort, it's crucial to contact your eye care professional immediately.

 

How are Ortho-K lenses fitted?

Accomplishing a successful fit of ortho-k lenses demands specialized equipment and a high level of expertise.

To determine eligibility for Ortho-K, both the eye prescription (refraction) and the cornea's shape profile must be evaluated. Corneal shape is assessed using a corneal topographer, which captures a photo of a light pattern on the eye. Software processes this image to create a 3D model of the cornea.

 Typically, fitting ortho-k lenses involves more visits compared to standard daily soft contact lenses. This extended process is primarily due to the custom design of ortho-k lenses tailored to each individual case.

 

A typical visit schedule includes:

1. Initial Measurements: Refraction and eye measurements are taken to order the lenses.

2. Lens Collection: A visit to learn lens application, removal, and care.

3. First Morning Check: After the first night of lens wear, this visit confirms successful overnight use and reinforces lens care. Early signs of fit success may be apparent, but full effect usually takes around a week.

4. One-Week Check: About a week of overnight lens wear yields the full effect. The optometrist assesses fit and adjusts if needed. Full effect might take longer for some.

5. Ongoing Visits:  Subsequent appointments depend on fit adjustments. Ortho-k lenses are custom-made, and wear provides insights into individual responses.

In some cases, more wear nights might be required before confirming fit. Adjustments to lens design could be ordered for a better fit. Appointments become less frequent once optimal fit is attained.

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Why Choose Ortho K?

 

1. Daytime Freedom: Imagine waking up with clear vision and going through your day without the need for glasses or contacts.

2. Discomfort/Dryness from conventional contact lenses: As Ortho-K is worn in the evening, the likelihood of dryness/discomfort is reduced as the cornea is not exposed to dirt, debris or allergens. Research shows that some people who have experienced dry eye symptoms in soft contact lens wear can actually find ortho-k a more comfortable way to correct their vision - with their dry eye symptoms improving and these wearers preferring Ortho-k.

3. Non-Surgical: Ortho-K offers a non-invasive alternative to surgical procedures like LASIK, making it an excellent option for those seeking reversible vision correction or for individuals who are not yet of age for LASIK .

4. Great for Active Lifestyles: If you're an athlete or enjoy outdoor activities, Ortho-K provides stable vision without the worry of eyewear interfering with your pursuits (or contact lenses being dislodged from the eye).

5. Myopia Control: Orthokeratology stands as one of the most effective choices existing today for controlling myopia, supported by a substantial body of research affirming its capacity to decelerate the advancement of myopia

 

If you're interested in exploring the benefits of orthokeratology or have any questions about our services, Dr. Fong is here to guide you every step of the way. Schedule your consultation today and take the first step towards clear, comfortable vision without the hassle of daytime eyewear. 

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