Ortho K

What is Ortho-K?

Orthokeratology, or Ortho-K, is a revolutionary way to help you see clearly throughout the day without having to wear glasses or contacts and without having to get permeant laser eye surgery.

Ortho-K contact lenses are made out of a special gas permeable material and are custom made to fit each patient. The lenses are worn overnight and the lens gently reshapes the front surface of the eye, the cornea, while the patient is sleeping. In the morning, you can remove the lenses and still see clearly throughout the day without the use of daytime glasses or contact lenses.

Who Should Consider Ortho-K?

There are a number of reasons a patient would be a great candidate for Ortho-K such as:

• Myopia Management (link) or children with increasing glasses prescriptions

• Athletes, especially swimmers, who do not want to worry about glasses or contacts

• Sensitivity to traditional contact lenses

• Dry eye that is made worse by wearing soft contact lenses

• Poor LASIK candidates who want the ability to wake up and see clearly

How Long Does It Take?

Once you receive your custom Ortho-K contact lenses, many patients will be able to see clearly the entire day in less than a week. However, some of our patients find that their vision has improved after only wearing their lenses for a single night! During the first few days, you may also still need to wear prescription lenses to see clearly enough to drive or get through your normal day, but that is generally quickly resolved. Also, some patients experience some mild discomfort for the first few nights, but as your eyes adjust over a few days, you should no longer be bothered by the feel of your lenses.

Is Ortho-K safe?

Orthokeratology was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2002. The procedure is considered safe, effective, and reversible. Ortho-K lenses are considered just as safe as wearing traditional soft lenses. If at any time a patient wants to discontinue Ortho-K, their eyes will transition back to their pre-treatment prescription.

Overview

If you want to be free of wearing contact lenses or glasses every single day and would like an alternative way to correct your vision, consider trying Ortho-K. If you would like more information on Ortho-K, please call our offices today and see how we can improve your everyday life.