There are two main purposes why people wear Ortho-K lenses:
1. To correct refractive errors (mainly short-sighted and astigmatism)
2. To slow down the progression of myopia

1. Children aged 6 and above to control myopia progression effectively
2.Athletes to go spectacle or goggles free that may hinder movement or pose as a harm
3. Adults that wants independence from spectacle wearing and/or can’t wear contact lenses due to dry eyes

Ortho-K typically works well in those with myopia/short-sightedness up to -6.00D and low to moderate astigmatism. In Vision Space, the highest prescription we treated is -7.00D. A higher prescription is possible; however, it may need longer wearing hours and might not fully correct the eye power.

Those with astigmatism may require a toric-designed Ortho-K to correct astigmatism.

There is no age limit to wear Ortho-K lenses.

As long as the individual can handle the lenses, they are suitable candidates to wear Ortho-K lenses. In Vision Space, our youngest patient to be fitted with Ortho-K lenses are five years old.

Ortho-K, like other contact lenses, carries the potential of infections, the most common of which is bacterial infection. However, the risk of infection is very low and can be prevented with good hygiene, proper handling of the lens and regular follow ups by the optometrist.

Besides that, ortho-K lenses are made up of materials approved by FDA for overnight wear for more than 20 years. The chances of getting corneal hypoxia (lack of oxygen) from wearing Ortho-K lenses are unlikely too.

At Vision Space, we have Ortho-K lenses from Paragon, Menicon and Brighten Optix.

Not all optometrists are qualified to fit Ortho-K lenses. They need additional training and specific instruments to be able to fit Ortho-K lenses. In Vision Space, all of our optometrists are qualified to fit Ortho-K lenses. An Ortho-K fitting session will take you around 1 to 2 hours.

To find the best pair of Ortho-K lenses, your optometrist will need to scan the shape of your cornea using an instrument called a cornea topographer. The results of the scan are required to determine if you’re suitable for Ortho-k and to place order for the Ortho-K lenses that suits your eyes.

Besides that, your optometrist needs to check your eye power to get the latest eye power. They also need to make sure your eyes are healthy and suitable to wear Ortho-K lenses.

After collecting all the necessary data, your optometrist will fit a trial lens to your eyes and keep them in for about 15 to 20 minutes. After the adaptation period, your optometrist will examine the fitting of your contact lens.

If the pair of trial lenses fit your eyes, your optometrist will order the lenses for you. When the lens arrived (after 3 to 4 weeks), your optometrist will teach you how to wear, remove and clean the contact lenses.