How Does Orthokeratology Work?
We are proud to offer orthokeratology, a revolutionary technology that offers the freedom of clear vision without glasses. If you haven’t heard of orthokeratology before, it may sound confusing. If you’re wondering what is orthokeratology and how does orthokeratology work, this easy-to-follow guide is for you.
Read on to learn about this exciting treatment option for myopia control, astigmatism, and more.
What Is Orthokeratology?
Orthokeratology, also known as Ortho K, are revolutionary contact lenses worn overnight. By wearing Ortho K lenses at night, you can enjoy clear vision during the day without contact lenses or glasses.
Benefits of Ortho-K lenses include:
Non-invasive, non-surgical vision correction
Designed for comfort
Convenient
Rapid improvements in vision
Astigmatism correction
Few age restrictions (I have fitted children as young as eight with Ortho K lenses with exceptional results)
Ideal for a wide range of candidates
Minimal risks
Reversible
How Does Orthokeratology Work?
Orthokeratology works by gradually reshaping the centre of the cornea’s surface using rigid yet breathable contact lenses. Patients wear the Ortho K lenses at night. The lenses gradually flatten the cornea’s centre at night so patients can enjoy clearer vision during the day.
By reshaping the cornea according to your prescription, it corrects how light is focused on the retina. This allows for clearer vision of objects in the distance, providing a non-surgical, comfortable myopia treatment.
Ortho-K lenses can be also customised to correct irregularities in the cornea to treat astigmatism. Both vertical and horizontal distortions can be corrected to enhance overall vision clarity.
How Does Orthokeratology Slow Down Myopia Progression?
Myopia, also known as shortsightedness or nearsightedness, is a common refractive error. With myopia, light enters the eye and focuses in front of the retina rather than on it.
Because the lenses can correct how light hits the retina, Orthokeratology is a safe, effective treatment option for myopia control. Ortho K lenses are often recommended for children and young adults to correct vision and as an effective way to slow myopia progression.
There is significant evidence showing Orthokeratology is a safe option for myopia correction and control (Liu & Xie, 2016).
Orthokeratology is most effective when started early. Younger patients who are in the developmental stages of myopia often experience rapid change in their prescription and therefore have a large benefit the myopia control aspect of Orthokeratology.
Another advantage of Orthokeratology is how well-suited it is to combined myopia control treatments. For instance, combining Ortho K lenses with low-dose atropine can provide a higher level of myopia control in suitable patients.
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Getting Started with Orthokeratology
Here is the simple 5 Step Orthokeratology process you can expect at our Fremantle myopia control clinic.
1. Consultation, Eye Mapping, and Lens Design
Once we ensure you are an ideal candidate for Orthokeratology, we start by taking a detailed, computerised map of the surface of your eye. We use this data to design a lens that will perfectly match your eye’s unique contours.
The scan is performed using a device called a corneal topographer. This incredible machine is non-invasive and does not touche the surface of the eye, ensuring a comfortable process.
2. Lens Creation and Assessment
After the lens is designed, a specialised lab generates a custom lens to exacting specifications. The lens is made to fit comfortably on the eye and to be worn on an overnight basis.
3. Lens Delivery
The lens delivery takes around an hour. During this visit, the lens fit is assessed for comfort and that it is working properly. Lens care and maintenance are discussed together with teaching session on insertion and removal techniques.
4. Follow-Up Assessments
Follow-up appointments are one of the most important steps in the Orthokeratology process. During Ortho-K treatment, typically your progress will be checked the following day, at the one-week mark, the two-week mark, and the one-month mark. This allows any adjustments that may be required to be assessed so that the results of the process are optimised.
5. Ongoing Monitoring and Expert Supervision
Orthokeratology is an ongoing treatment program and scheduled follow ups are a crucial part of achieving the clear vision, comfort and safety. Although more frequent in the first year, in myopia control follow ups are typically six monthly. In stable adult cases follow ups are generally annually.
Our trained optometrists are Certified by the International Academy of Orthokeratology and Myopia Control and are here to help you enjoy long-term results.
Ready to Enjoy Clear Vision with Ortho K Lenses?
Orthokeratology is designed to correct the vision conditions myopia and astigmatism. Ortho K lenses are effective, convenient, comfortable, and ideal for a wide range of prescriptions and people.
The best orthokeratology results require patience compliance, a good lens care regime, and regular follow-ups with your optometrist.
If you are ready to enjoy clear vision without needing to wear glasses or contact lenses during the day, schedule your Orthokeratology consultation. Our optometrists are highly trained and experienced in administering Ortho K treatment and ongoing evaluations.
At your consultation, we can ensure that you are a good candidate for Ortho K lenses and answer any of your questions. If you pursue treatment, you may be able to enjoy clearer vision within just a matter of days!
Frequently Asked Questions
Does ortho-k actually work?
Yes, orthokeratology is proven to work.
What is the mechanism of orthokeratology?
Ortho K lenses work by gradually and strategically reshaping the centre of the corneal surface. Reshaping the cornea’s surface corrects how light is reflected onto the retina.
How long does ortho-k take to correct vision?
Ortho-K lenses often provide rapid improvements in vision. Many Ortho K wearers report a large difference in vision after the first night. Most users experience a noticeable vision improvement within the first week of wearing Ortho K lenses overnight.
With continued nightly wear, optimal vision correction is usually achieved within 2 weeks. For more advanced vision correction needs, full results may take 4 to 6 weeks.
How often do I need my eyes checked with Ortho K?
After Ortho K treatment, we check patients after:
1 day
1 week
2 weeks
1 month
After this initial phase of follow-up visits, we recommend seeing your optometrist every 6 months. These follow-ups allow your optometrist to ensure the lend is still fitting and functioning properly.
What happens if I skip wearing my corneal retainers for a night?
Ortho K lenses are meant to be worn on a nightly basis, The corneal reshaping is temporary. If you skip wearing your corneal retainers for a night, you may notice eye strain the next day.
Regularly skipping your Ortho K lenses will allow your cornea to revert to its original shape. Patient compliance is the biggest factor that affects the success of Ortho K treatment.
Will Ortho K permanently change the shape of my corneas?
No, orthokeratology is reversible, unlike Lasik surgery. If you discontinue the use of the lenses, your corneas will eventually return to their original shape.
Reference
Liu, Y. M., & Xie, P. (2016). The Safety of Orthokeratology—A Systematic Review. Eye & Contact Lens: Science & Clinical Practice, 42(1), 35–42. https://doi.org/10.1097/icl.0000000000000219
