ORTHO-K (orthokeratology) – Correct your vision overnight
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An Ortho-K lens on the eye |
OrthoK – also called Orthokeratology, Corneal Refractive Therapy or CRT – involves wearing custom designed RGP contact lenses while you sleep, which gently change the shape of the eye surface overnight using your tears. When you remove the lenses in the morning you can see clearly all day long without the need for glasses or contact lenses!
Imagine the freedom with Ortho-K – for children and adults!
The effect of clear vision lasts all day, and in some case lasts longer, allowing you to occasionally ‘skip’ a night of wear. Now you can be free of daytime contact lenses or glasses and enjoy great vision during your daily activities without undergoing surgery! Best of all, it is safe and suitable for both children and adults who want unrestricted daytime vision.
Latest clinical and scientific research shows that OrthoK can slow the progression (worsening) of short-sightedness, or myopia, in childhood by around 50%. In some children OrthoK can even halt the progression of myopia.
Gerry & Johnson Optometrists have fit over 500 children and adults with OrthoK, and our Optometrists have lectured at national and international conferences on this special type of contact lens.
 Right - Mapping of the cornea (corneal topography) which shows the corneal shape before OrthoK (top left), after OrthoK (bottom left) and the overall change to shape (right). These changes which correct your vision are as small as 20 microns – that’s 0.02mm!
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Ortho-K is ideal for adults and children who:
- Want clear natural vision all day - every day
- Are involved in sports and recreation activities where contact lenses can be restrictive or annoying, such as water sports
- Find soft contact lenses do not fulfil the comfort demands their lifestyle places on their eyes
- Have difficulty with dry eyes from air conditioning, computer use or dusty environments
- Loose their contacts easily, or suffer from allergies from some contact lenses.
- Adults who have considered LASER surgery because of the freedom it provides, but are worried about the risks
- Children whose myopia (short-sightedness) is getting progressively worse
Ortho-K is now available for adults who only need reading glasses! We are at the forefront of the latest research in Ortho-K for presbyopia.
Is your child’s vision getting worse?
Once a child becomes myopic (short-sighted), it is common for their vision to get progressively worse at a fast rate. Parents can feel helpless to do anything about this progression, which can increase risk of certain eye diseases and limit future options for vision correction. Constant replacement of glasses or contact lenses can also become expensive.
Ortho-K is scientifically validated to slow the progression of myopia by around 50%, and in some children even 100%.
We are experts in this area and are happy to discuss the best options for controlling your child’s myopia.
FAQs on Ortho-K (orthokeratology)
Can I really just sleep and see?
Yes, once the effect is complete you simply remove the lenses each morning and can see normally. Also - and this is really clever - you will be able to see clearly with the lenses in when you wake up in the morning (or in the middle of the night). It really is a clear future 24/7!
How quickly will it work?
After the first night most of the necessary correction has been achieved. Normally within a week your sight during the day will be ‘treated’ and you will no longer be reliant on glasses or contact lenses.
Is Ortho-K safe?
Yes. Research and experience show that the whole process is 100% reversible. So if you decide to stop wearing Ortho-K for whatever reason, the eye will return to its original shape and you will see clearly with your glasses again. Research also indicates that OrthoK holds less risk for eye infections than soft contact lenses or surgery. This makes Ortho-K an excellent alternative to laser eye surgery.
How is it possible to wear lenses overnight?
Ortho-K lenses are made of one of the very highest oxygen permeable materials, Boston XO™*, for maximum comfort and safety during overnight wear. The other unique benefit with Ortho-K is that unlike normal lens wear the eye spends its waking hours with natural oxygen levels, uninhibited by contact lenses.
Can I still get laser surgery done later?
Yes, the procedure is reversible; simply stop wearing the lens and wear spectacles for several weeks.
How much does it cost?
It will cost you less than laser surgery and equal or slightly more than some forms of contact lens wear. The costs may vary depending on your prescription.
