Ortho-k - Orthokeratology FAQs

 

What is Orthokeratology (Ortho-K)?

  1. Orthokeratology is a form of vision correction by wearing a specially designed, custom-made, extended gas permeable contact lenses overnight, allowing it to gently reshape the cornea of your eye. Wearer could enjoy the freedom of vision without spectacle in the daytime simply by sleeping with the Ortho-K lenses at night.

What are the benefits of Orthokeratology?

Ortho-K lenses is one of the corrective options for myopia (shortsightedness), as well as astigmatism, just like what the normal contact lenses do.

  1. Freedom of vision (Good Functional Vision without wearing any eyewear) makes Ortho-K lenses very popular for people with an active lifestyle.
  2. Besides, Ortho-K  is also one of the most effective options in slowing down the progress of childhood myopia.

Who would make a good candidate for Ortho-K?

  1. People with mild Myopia and mild astigmatism are good candidates for Ortho-K. 
  2. Children with fast myopia progression, people with active life style, participating contact sports, and workers in dusty environment, will enjoy the freedom of vision without spectacle or contact lenses.

When can we start wearing Ortho-K lenses?

Orthokeratology could start as early as the child just starts primary school., at the age of 8.  However , it is subjected to the eye examination results and assessment by Optometrists.

Once started Orthokeratology, can I stop wearing it in future?

Orthokeratology is reversible, non-invasive and could be stopped anytime as the wearer's desire.

How frequently can a patient use Orthokeratology?

Unlike eye surgeries, such as LASIK, which could only be done for a limited times due to the restriction of corneal thickness, Orthokeratology is not restricted by the eyeball corneal thickness. The Ortho-K lenses design could be altered according to the corneal shape and prescription changes anytime.

When will I have “Freedom of Vision” after wearing Ortho-K lenses?

It depends on various factors, especially the amount of myopia prescription (degree) and astigmatism. Usually, mild myope with little astigmatism will experience good functional vision after wearing the Ortho-K lenses for a few days. For higher prescription , it can take a few weeks to achieve the maximum correction effect.

Some people may notice blurred vision and mild glare in the beginning, these will usually become less obvious after using the lenses longer. Also, in some cases, mild glare and halos might persist after maximum Ortho-K correction.

What is the procedure for Ortho-K lenses fitting?

Besides the usual eye examination which includes subjective refraction (eye degree checking), slit lamp biomicroscopy to check eye health status, optometrists will also conduct a 3D scanning of the eye corneal shape (Topography).  After gathering the details information of the eyeball, your optometrist will use these information to custom-made the ortho-K lenses for your eyes.

The whole process of getting your ortho-K lenses may involve 2-3 visits with each visit around 1-2 hours. 

Do I need to come back for review after collecting my Ortho-K lenses?

In order to ensure your eye health is not compromised, optometrists will need to examine your eye regularly. There will be more frequent eye examinations in the beginning of Ortho-K usage (e.g. first-day visit,  first-week visit, first-month visit..) , your eye examination visit will finally become a 6-month visit regularly.

How much are Ortho-K lenses?

Because Ortho-K lenses are custom-made according to eye ball's landscape and prescription, it requires a high level of precise and definition work.

The cost of Ortho-K lenses are relatively higher than the ordinary contact lenses.

One pair of Ortho-K lenses will cost a few times more than a normal Gas Permeable (GP) Lenses (The market price for GP lenses are around S$350 to S$1,000).

How long will a pair of Ortho-K lenses last?

This depends on a few factors such as prescription change, physical wear and tear conditions of the lenses and hygienic consideration.

Usually, the Ortho-K lenses users are advised to have their lenses changed every 18-24 months.

Can I buy the Ortho-K lenses from internet?

To buy Ortho-K lenses (in fact, including all types of contact lenses) from internet is not safe because we could not confirm whether the quality of the contact lenses are being compromised. Besides, Optometrists need to have a detailed eye examination to confirm both a good lens fitting as well as good corneal health status.

Purchase of Contact lenses from Internet is NOT safe and is strongly discouraged by Eye Care Professionals.