Vision Space

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ORTHO-K FAQ

Enjoy Glasses-Free Vision with Night Lenses (Ortho-K)

At Vision Space Optometrist, we know how important your child’s eyesight is to the whole family. Our Night Lenses (Ortho-K) offer a gentle, non-surgical way to manage myopia while giving your child clear, comfortable vision throughout the day—without needing glasses or daytime contact lenses.

Children with poor eyesight may exhibit behavior change, and it may be difficult for them to verbally explain their frustrations. Conditions such as lazy eye (amblyopia) or squint eye (strabismus) can occur in young ones, and are treated more effectively when detected early.

What is Orthokeratology (Ortho-K)?

  • A non-surgical, reversible treatment using specially designed rigid gas-permeable lenses worn overnight to gently reshape the cornea.
  • Reshaping temporarily corrects myopia (near-sightedness) and low astigmatism.
  • Allows clear vision during the day without glasses or contact lenses.
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What types of vision problems can
Ortho-K correct?

Ortho-K lenses can correct a wide range of prescriptions, including some cases of high myopia, but there are practical limits and considerations:

  • Typical Correction Range: Commercially available Ortho-K lenses generally correct myopia up to about -6.00 diopters (D) and astigmatism up to around 1.75 D. This range covers mild to moderate myopia effectively.
  • High Myopia Correction:
    > Customized Ortho-K lenses can correct higher myopia levels, sometimes exceeding -10.00 D, and astigmatism up to 4.00 D, depending on individual eye parameters and lens design.
    > However, higher prescriptions require more specialized fitting and may take longer to achieve full correction
  • Limitations:
    • The corneal reshaping effect depends on safely thinning the central corneal epithelium. For very high myopia, the required corneal reshaping may exceed safe limits, making full correction less predictable.
    • Higher prescriptions may also lead to smaller treatment zones, which can cause visual distortions such as halos or glare, especially in low light36.
  • Partial Correction and Myopia Control: Even if full correction is not achievable, Ortho-K can still provide partial vision improvement and significantly slow myopia progression, which is especially important for children with moderate to high myopia.
  • Clinical Practice: Experienced practitioners have successfully fitted patients with myopia up to -10.00 D, but such cases require careful evaluation and ongoing monitoring to ensure safety and effectiveness.

In summary, while Ortho-K is most predictable and effective for mild to moderate myopia, advanced lens designs and customized fittings can extend its use to higher prescriptions, though with some limitations and the need for careful management.

Who can benefit from Ortho-K?

  • Both children and adults. 
  • For children, it not only corrects vision but also slows the progression of myopia, helping protect their long-term eye health while giving them freedom from glasses during the day. 
  • Adults benefit by gaining freedom from glasses and daytime contacts, especially those with active lifestyles or contact lens discomfort.
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Benefits of Ortho-K lens for Children

  • Freedom to enjoy clear daytime vision without depending on glasses or daytime contact lenses.
  • Eliminate issues like foggy lenses or frames getting in the way during school, sports, or play. 
  • Safe, non-invasive, and completely reversible.
  • Give families flexibility and peace of mind.
  • Clinically shown to slow myopia progression by up to 55%.
  • Help protect your child’s long-term eye health.

How does Ortho-K help slow down myopia progression in children?

  • Alters how peripheral light focuses on the retina, which is believed to slow the elongation of the eyeball responsible for worsening myopia. 
  • Studies show it can reduce myopia progression by 36-56% compared to traditional glasses or contact lenses.
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Understanding the
Ortho-K Treatment Journey

  • Your child will begin with a thorough eye examination to confirm if Ortho-K is suitable. 
  • Next, we take precise corneal measurements to design custom night lenses made specifically for their eyes. 
  • Once the lenses are fitted, we guide you and your child through proper handling and care. 
  • Clear vision typically begins within the first few days, with follow-up visits to ensure the lenses are working safely and effectively. 
  • Throughout the process, our team monitors progress closely to keep your child’s eyes healthy and their vision stable.

How soon will I or my child see results?

  • Typically after the first night of wearing Ortho-K lenses.
  • Stable correction usually develops within 1 to 2 weeks of consistent nightly wear.

How long does the vision correction last during the day?

  • The corneal reshaping effect typically lasts throughout the day, providing clear vision without lenses or glasses. However, the effect is temporary, so lenses must be worn nightly to maintain correction.

How do I care for Ortho-K lenses?

  • Proper hygiene is essential. 
  • Clean lenses nightly with recommended solutions, store them in a clean case, and always wash hands before handling lenses. 
  • Our optometrist will provide detailed care instructions.

How often do I need to visit the optometrist during Ortho-K treatment?

  • The typical follow-up schedule during Ortho-K treatment includes several key visits to ensure safety, effectiveness, and proper lens fit:

    • 1 day (the next morning)
    • 1 week
    • 1 month
    • 3 months 
    • and subsequently every 6 months once it’s stable.

    Throughout treatment, patients should bring their lenses to every visit for inspection. The frequency of follow-ups may be adjusted based on individual response and clinical judgment, but regular monitoring is essential to ensure safe and effective Ortho-K therapy.

What are the benefits of Ortho-K for adults?

  • Enjoy clear, glasses-free vision during the day.
  • Improved comfort compared to daytime contacts.
  • Freedom to engage in sports and activities without eyewear.
  • Safe and reversible option for active lifestyles.

Can Ortho-K replace laser eye surgery?

  • Ortho-K is a non-surgical, reversible alternative to laser surgery. It is ideal for those who want to avoid surgery or are not candidates for laser procedures. Unlike surgery, Ortho-K effects are temporary and adjustable.

What if I stop wearing Ortho-K lenses?

  • Cornea gradually returns to its original shape.
  • Your vision will revert to its prior prescription.
  • Regular monitoring is important to manage any myopia progression, especially in children.
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