ORTHO-K

Orthokeratology (also called ORTHO-K or corneal reshaping lenses) is a procedure which allows people suffering from Myopia (or short-sightedness) to enjoy clear, natural and corrected vision during the day without wearing contact lenses or spectacles.

Numerous studies have shown that ORTHO-K can dramatically slow the progression of short-sightedness, and can also be effective if you have a low degree of astigmatism (where your eye is shaped a bit like a rugby ball rather than a football and this distorts your distance and near vision) – thus making it a fantastic solution for many children as well as adults.

If you are interested in orthokeratology treatment, please call us or discuss this with your Optometrist during your next appointment.

How does it work?

Orthokeratology works by using specially designed rigid gas-permeable (RGP) contact lenses to gently reshape the curvature of the eye overnight, creating a slightly flatter cornea. It is the cornea which plays a key role in creating a sharp optical focus.

Upon waking, the slight change in corneal curvature is enough to create clear, sharp vision for the duration of the day, and so can temporarily reduce or correct your short sight.

Unlike laser eye surgery, it is non-invasive and reversible, making it a good choice for anyone who has considered refractive surgery, but are concerned with the risks.

Who is it for?

ORTHO-K is ideal for…

  • People who want clear natural vision all day – every day
  • People who are sporty and active and find that spectacles or contact lenses are restrictive
  • Young people – as it can help to reduce the progression of short-sightedness
  • People who have considered laser surgery but are worried about the associated risks
  • People who find contact lenses uncomfortable and suffer from discomfort, or who find spectacles inconvenient

Further FAQs

Can I really just go to sleep with them and wake up with corrected vision?

Yes, once the effect is complete, the lenses are simply removed each morning and you can see clearly for the duration of the day. Even before you take the lenses out in the morning, or if you get up in the middle of the night, your vision will still be clear – so the benefits work around the clock for you.

How soon will it start working?

After the first night of wearing the lenses, most of the important correction has been achieved. Usually, daytime eyesight is corrected within the first week, and there is no longer any need for spectacles and regular contact lenses.

Is ORTHO-K safe?

Yes. Research and trials show that the process is entirely reversible. If you decide that ORTHO-K is not for you and want to stop wearing them, the eye will return to its original shape and eyesight to its former condition. This flexibility makes ORTHO-K an excellent alternative to laser-eye surgery.

How much will it cost?

The treatment is comparable in price to wearing a pair of quality, daily-disposable contact lenses every day. We recommend replacing your ORTHO-K lenses every six months in order to ensure that they continue to provide optimum vision correction.

Don't the lenses irritate the eyes when left in overnight?

Not at all, because ORTHO-K lenses are designed from a gas-permeable material. This revolutionary design allows oxygen to pass through the lens into the eye, preventing dryness and irritation.

There can be an adaptation period when starting to wear these lenses, however, most patients find them to be incredible comfortable. Their comfort is aided by the fact that no lens are worn during the day, so the eyes benefit from natural oxygen levels whilst they are not being worn.

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