What Is Ortho-K
Orthokeratology or Ortho-K is an FDA approved treatment that gently reshapes the cornea using specially designed lenses worn overnight while sleeping. The next morning you wake up with close to or exactly 20/20 vision.
- Ortho-k lenses are commonly prescribed to slow the progression of childhood myopia.
- Ortho-K lenses are also called “corneal reshaping lenses” or “overnight contact lenses to correct or control myopia.”
- Ortho-K enables patients to be able to see clearly without the need to wear eyeglasses or contact lenses during the day.
- Ortho-K lenses are worn most nights, although some people can obtain clear vision even without wearing the lenses every night.
Who Is A Good Candidate For Orthokeratology?
Individuals who are...
- nearsighted,
- farsighted,
- astigmatic,
- those that are over 40 and need different powers for distance and near
- Children who are rapidly becoming more nearsighted.
- Athletes that want to be able to see clearly without having to use resort to wearing eyeglasses of contact lenses
- those who are not candidates for LASIK
- those who want to enter careers that require clear unaided vision
...are all good candidates for Ortho-K.
Ortho-K as a safer alternative to LASIK.
Children are not candidates for LASIK because their vision continues to change.
How Long Does It Take For Maximum Ortho-k Effect?
Most people begin to see clearly after a day or two of overnight ortho-k wear. This may depend on several factors, such as the amount of nearsightedness (and possibly astigmatism) the individual has when they begin the ortho-k process. Customized lenses usually enable the individual to obtain greater changes in shorter time.
At times, individuals may need to wear contact lenses of lesser power in the beginning, until the vision stabilizes. Rarely, some individuals have mild glare and halos even after maximum Ortho-K correction.
Ortho-K is reversible, and modification, if needed, is possible. On rare occasion, individuals who have Ortho-K have later had LASIK, and those who had LASIK but regressed, can then have Ortho-K.
LASIK removes healthy corneal tissue permanently, while Ortho-K re-shapes the cornea without removing tissue. Ortho-K is therefore a safer option.
Dr. Roth has prescribed Ortho-K for many individuals and for many years and therefore is able to treat those who have more extreme problems. As with all contact lenses, there are possible side effects or complications, particularly if someone does not care for their lenses properly.
