Orthokeratology Perth & Fremantle

The advances in lens materials that breathe and provide a high level of oxygen to the eye have greatly improved the safety of overnight wear, making orthokeratology not just possible, but a reassuringly safe option. However, it's important to note that all contact lens wear (including Ortho-K) carries a small risk of infection, especially if instructions for safe and healthy wear are not followed.

The risk of infection with Ortho-K wear has been shown to be no higher than that of wearing soft contact lenses overnight. Children actually show a lower infection risk than adults.

When fitted with Ortho-K lenses, the process is strictly monitored by our qualified optometrists. You can trust that Ortho-K is a good option for improving your vision.

The main purpose of OrthoK is to be free of both contact lenses and spectacles for the majority (or all) of your daily (awake) hours.  The freedom from any artificial aid appeals to myopic spectacle and contact lens wearers and is ideal for those who play sport, work in a dusty or dirty environment. or people who find spectacles and conventional contact lenses inconvenient.  In addition, those who need to have a certain degree of uncorrected vision to satisfy their employer or a licensing body (for example, pilots or police) can be helped by OrthoK.  Most patients wear the lenses overnight and remove them on awakening.

One of the most common uses for using OrthoK is for the child or teenager with early myopia.  In addition to all the advantages given above, the procedure can slow the progression of the myopia.

No, it is temporary change that is reversible. If you, or your child, stops wearing the lenses regularly while you sleep, your vision will return to it’s original state within a couple of days.

Orthokeratology is not only a safe option but also effective in slowing down the progression of myopia in children, offering a hopeful solution that traditional glasses or contact lenses don't offer.

Starting young works best and has the greatest impact on myopia control. A key advantage of Ortho-K is that it is suitable for young children who are just starting to develop myopia. Whatever method is chosen for myopia control, the greatest compliance leads to the greatest success overall. Compliance is high in Ortho-K lens wear, as the effects of Ortho-K gently fade if the lenses are not worn.

Additional myopia control treatments, such as low-dose atropine, can be added to Ortho-K lens wear if required.  Your optometrist will monitor changes in axial length biometry (indicating that myopia is increasing) and advise if this is required.

Laser surgery, or Lasik, is a permanent surgical procedure. Laser surgery is not always 100% successful but is not reversible. Ortho-K is a gentle adjustment that is always reversible. An unsuccessful fit will not be a long-term problem. In addition, Ortho-K is always adjustable if your eyes change and you have the freedom to move between Orthok, spectacles or contact lenses as desired.

Yes.

1. No ethical surgeon will treat a patient until they are at least 18, or more usually 21 years old.

2. It does not cause the permanent hazy vision experienced by some patients following laser surgery.

3. Changes in prescription over time can be dealt with without further surgery.

4. The procedure is reversible (LASIK is not!)

5. There is good understanding of the effects of contact lens wear on the cornea, because of the many years of contact lens use by patients.  

6. There is no post-operative pain or recovery period.

7. OrthoK is significantly cheaper (around one quarter of the cost) and does not preclude surgery in the future.

The results of dry eye treatment will vary by patient. Anecdotal evidence suggests that after the first two treatments, minimal improvement may be noted. After three treatments, improvements are likely to be noticed by patients together with an improvement in clinical signs. The great majority of patients start to notice an improvement after 4 treatments. A cautiously optimistic approach is to expect improvement after 4 - 5 treatments together with a reduction in the use of lubricating eye drops.

The procedure is time consuming and may involve several lens changes.  For this reason, the initial costs are greater than conventional contact lens correction but less than refractive surgery.  Once the treatment is complete, the on-going costs are similar to regular contact lens wear. 

The current charges are a $1,100.00 consultation fee, and typically around $1,100.00 for the lenses. A deposit of $1,100 is payable at the time of the initial consultation.  50% of the lens cost is payable on lens delivery and the balance one month after delivery of the lenses.

For ongoing care, typically Ortho-K requires an eye examination every six-months to twelve months.

We have successfully fitted children as young as eight years of age with Ortho-K lenses. The key is the commitment of both the child and the parents to being successful with the treatment plan. It can be a great option for children and teens that are active in sports or other activities where glasses would get in the way.

Depending on your private health fund cover and level of rebate, yes you will be able to claim part of the cost. There is no rebate available from Medicare towards the cost of Ortho-K.

No. At For Eyes, we are a private billing practice. This allows us to prioritising your eye health and gives us the ability to invest in advanced technology, training and spend the right time to understand your concerns.