ORTHO K

Orthokeratology (Ortho-K) is the leading technology helping us to curb the myopia epidemic. As an evidence-based way to slow down progression and restore sight, this has been life-changing for the many patients in our practice who we have offered this to.

Ortho-K also has use for other conditions, including hyperopia (long-sightedness) and astigmatism to enable glasses-free vision correction.

What is Ortho-K?

Ortho-K is a specialised contact lens designed to gently reshape the front of the cornea whilst you sleep overnight, with the short-term benefit of restoring your vision throughout the day and long-term benefit of preventing further progression. This technology is safe, reversible and does not include any form of surgery. A way to think about Ortho-K lenses is like a brace or splint worn overnight to help an injured muscle to heal and strengthen with no limitation of activity throughout the day.

The contact lens itself is a rigid, gas-permeable lens which has a curve that redistributes the epithelial cells on the front of the eye to improve vision, staying comfortable to wear overnight. The design also allows oxygen in to keep the eye healthy.

Ortho-K is complex, and as such, not all practices are equipped with the tools to offer this to their patients. As a practice with cutting-edge equipment, skills and training to prescribe, fit and monitor as required for Ortho-K treatment, our optometrists are experienced in offering this option as a part of our myopia control clinic. Our team are also committed to lifelong learning, continuously refreshing their knowledge and undertaking professional development so that we can provide our patients with the most leading edge treatment plans and technology.

Both our Yarraville and Geelong clinics are staffed with specialised equipment, including the latest in ocular biometry (currently the only clinic in the Geelong region), digital corneal topography and 3D lens design techonologies.

What does Ortho-K entail?

Every Ortho-K lens is unique, and is individually designed according to a patient’s prescription, shape of the eye and visual needs.

• visual assessment

• order Ortho-K lenses

Fitting of Ortho-K lenses involves

Ortho-K are a unique type of rigid gas-permeable contact lens. It is precision-designed and shaped that when the lens is worn during sleep the lens and tear layer of the eye together produce a gentle pressure on the cornea, moulding its shape. Each fully customised lens has a treatment effect pre-programmed for each individual's prescription, eye shape and vision needs. Ortho K lenses are comfortable to wear.

When fitted successfully, an individual can enjoy clear vision after removing the lenses in the morning, with the effect lasting all of the waking hours. For best effect the lenses are worn every night during regular sleep. All our Ortho-K patients notice an immediate improvement in their vision after just one night of Ortho-K wear, and some even achieve 20/20 vision on day 1. Most treatments take 1-2 weeks to fully stabilise.

It is a safe and completely reversible process. If the lens is not worn for 48-72 hours, the effect wears off and the cornea gradually returns to its natural shape. For many individuals, Ortho-K is a safe, non-surgical and non-permanent alternative to laser corrective surgery. In children, it has the added benefit of significantly slowing down myopia progression that regular glasses and contact lenses simply cannot achieve.

 When should we expect to see changes in my/my child’s vision?

Vision improvement should begin after the first night but stable vision may take up to two to four weeks, depending on the level of your prescription.

Are there any risks or safety considerations?

If fitted properly, Ortho-K is a very safe and reversible procedure. Since being approved by the FDA in 2002, further improvements in technology and our understanding m… As wth any sort of contact lens wear, there is a small risk, most typically of minor infection which can be treated. This risk is minimised through good contact lens hygiene, including thorough, careful cleaning and disinfecting, by wearing the lenses as prescribed and maintaining regular visits.

Contact lens hygiene and other considerations will be discussed in depth at your Ortho-K fitting.