Orthokeratology

What is Orthokeratology (Ortho-K)?

Orthokeratology, also known as Ortho-K or OK lenses, involves wearing a specially designed rigid gas permeable contact lens while you sleep, aiming to reshape the cornea (front part of the eye, which is responsible for 70% of our eye’s refractive power). This enables the wearer to experience freedom and achieve what they love without the need for glasses or contact lenses during the day.

Ortho-K lenses are worn at night when you are asleep, and taken out in the morning. This temporarily changes the shape of the cornea. It is a safe, non-surgical, and reversible procedure. This technique has existed for more than 50 years, however recent improvement of the technology in lens design, manufacturing and the extensive research has transformed Ortho-K into a much more efficient and safe option that many individuals are opting to go for.

How does it work?

The corneal shape of our eye will be measured using a specialised tool called Topographer, it allows us to measure the 3D perspective of the cornea in micron-meters. The Ortho-K lens will then be specially designed according to our eye shape and prescription.

It is crucial that the lens is designed very precisely so the Ortho-K lens does not physically touch the eyeball but creates the necessary correcting force to alter the shape of the cornea. This is important as the cornea is responsible for 70% of our eye's refractive power. The correcting forces gently remould the cornea into a flatter shape (for short-sighted individuals) and steeper shape (for long-sighted individuals), which ultimately results in a change in the prescription to achieve clear vision during the day.

Ortho-K and Myopia Control

Ortho-K lenses have been shown to slow myopia progression, which is very important for children and teenagers whose prescription is continuously changing.

Ortho-K lenses are also used in myopia control (another benefit from Ortho-K lens other than simply correcting prescription during day-time), a portion of the altered shape of the cornea have effects on slowing down the elongation of the eyeball and thus slowing down the progression of short-sightedness in young individuals. Click here to understand more about myopia (short-sightedness) and risks involved in high myopia prescriptions.

Who Can Benefit From Ortho-K Treatment?

Since glasses or contact lenses are not required during the day for those who use Ortho-K lenses, many different types of people can greatly benefit. Below are a few examples:

Ortho-K lenses are an excellent option for children and teenagers who suffer with progressive myopia (short-sightedness with a continuously changing prescription). Studies have shown this treatment can slow the progression anywhere between 30%-60% or even higher.
People who lead active lifestyles, especially those who play water or contact sports can enjoy the freedom of not worrying about breaking their glasses or damaging contact lenses.
Occupations with physical environments, or dusty/weather dependent environments.

Great for individuals who cannot tolerate traditional contact lenses worn during the day.

An option for those who want freedom from their glasses or daytime contact lenses.

Ortho-K lenses are also a great option for those who suffer ocular allergy or dry eye.

What is the process?

If you are interested in Ortho-K, apart from our routine eye test, our optometrists will also take a measurement of your cornea shape using a machine called corneal topographer. Assessing tear quality and cornea condition, together with your prescription our optometrists can discuss with you if Ortho-K is the most suitable option. There are also other options for myopia control if Ortho-K is not suitable for you.

Read more about other options of myopia control.

Once both you and the optometrist decided Ortho-K is suitable for you, our optometrist will design the most suitable ortho-K lens for you according to your corneal shape taken by the corneal topographer. We use Forge Lens and Paragon CRT lenses.

Fit and teach appointment - during this session the optometrist teaches you how to insert and remove the Ortho-K lenses as well as how to clean and care for them. That night you will wear the lenses for the first time.

First review appointment - we will then see you early the next day for a first morning review. Here we will assess how the Ortho-K lenses are reshaping your eyes and review your insertion and removal techniques as well.

One week review appointment - to measure the reshaping of the cornea, change in vision and check the health of the eye. Of course, we are also happy to see you in between to answer any questions or help while your vision is still stabilising. During the transition period while the vision is stabilising, we can provide soft contact lenses to use during the day.

On-going follow up appointments are scheduled for one month, three months and six months to ensure the stability and best visual outcome. Sometimes, more follow up appointments are needed as per the individual’s case. We usually recommend six monthly check-ups to ensure the health of your eyes and the condition of the lenses, as well as to monitor for any changes.

Fees

The cost of Ortho-K treatment is $1950 - this includes a pair of custom made Ortho-K lenses, all Ortho-K related consultations for 12 month, starting pack of cleaning and care solutions, lubricating eye drops, contact lens remover, and a case.

Call us on 09 576 4769 or Book Online for an initial eye exam to check whether Ortho-K is suitable for you.

How long will it take to reach good vision results?

Results may be noticed in the first few days and best achievable vision will be reached after one to two weeks. However people with higher prescriptions may take longer for vision to stabilise.
Are the results from Ortho-K permanent?

The results are only effective as long as the lenses are worn, once the lenses are no longer worn regularly vision will return to the previous prescription.
Are the lenses easy to insert and remove?

Yes. Insertion and removal techniques are taught in clinic, we will make sure that you are confident with the technique, most people are confident after the teaching and fitting session. Contact lens suction remover is provided.
Do the lenses hurt?

No, the lens will initially cause minor discomfort (the feeling of the lens on your eye) as your eyes adjust.
Are there any risks or can the lenses damage my eyes?

If any type of contact lens is not worn, handled or fitted correctly then damage or infections can occur. During the fit and teach session, we will make sure you are confident with the correct handling techniques. With proper care and correct techniques, the risk of infection for Ortho-K lenses are less than half compared to over-night wear soft contact lenses.
How is Ortho-K different to soft disposable contact lenses?

Ortho-K lenses are hard contact lenses made from higher oxygen permeable materials. This means different fitting, handling and cleaning procedures. Another major difference is that Ortho-K lense are worn while you sleep, soft contact lenses are worn during the day. Most importantly, Ortho-K lenses can also help with managing myopia control. See our myopia control page for soft contact lens options for myopia control.
Do I need to wear the Ortho-K lenses every night?

Yes. The longer and more consistently you wear the Ortho-K lenses, the better and more stable your vision will get.
How long do I need to wear my lenses for each night?

It is recommended to wear the lenses for 8 hours to achieve best vision results.
What happens if I forget to wear them?

There will be a slight deterioration in vision the next day. Putting the lenses in the next night will restore your vision in a few days.
How long does the myopia control effect last?

Myopia control effects last while Ortho-K lenses are worn. Myopia control effect is aimed throughout teenage years and into an individual’s early twenties, by which time vision change should slow down and stabilise.
What if my drivers licence says I must wear glasses for driving?

Your optometrist can write a letter to explain that you are being treated with a vision correction treatment that eliminates the need for corrective lenses while driving.
How is Ortho-K treatment different to laser eye surgery?

Laser/Lasik eye surgery is an invasive surgical procedure which physically removes parts of the cornea to reshape it, thus achieving clear vision without glasses or contact lenses. However, like any other surgical procedure, there are risks involved. If you are interested in refractive laser surgery feel free to consult our Optometrists for more information. Orthokeratology is a non-invasive procedure to reshape the cornea by wearing Ortho-K lenses overnight, thus achieving clear vision during day-time. Ortho-K is reversible by discontinuing wearing the lenses.