Orthokeratology:
Freedom from glasses and contact lenses while you work and play
What is Orthokeratology? Orthokeratology (OrthoK) is a process in which specially designed gas permeable contact lenses are worn whilst sleeping. During the night, these contact lenses gently mould the shape of the cornea to correct your optical prescription. The next morning the OrthoK contact lenses are removed allowing freedom from glasses and regular contact lenses throughout the day. Depending on your prescription and the elasticity of your cornea, you may only need to wear the OrthoK contact lenses a few nights per week. OrthoK is not a new treatment, however, due to advances in testing equipment technology, lens design and manufacture we are now able to obtain very accurate results in a very short period of time.
Why haven’t I heard about OrthoK? The fitting of OrthoK requires specialised skills and equipment. As a result there are only a handful of optometrists in Melbourne with the skills and equipment to deliver this service.
Who is suitable for OrthoK? OrthoK was originally designed for people with moderate myopia (short-sightedness) and low amounts of astigmatism. More recent advancements now also enable treatment of, mild amounts of hyperopia (long-sightedness).
Is it safe? There are associated risks with wearing any contact lens such as infection, which in extreme circumstances can result in blindness. However, with appropriate fitting, lens handling and maintenance, the risk of infection is extremely small. The OrthoK lenses used by Focus on Laurimar have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug administration for overnight wear.
What are the advantages? The main advantage of OrthoK is freedom from glasses and contact lenses throughout the day. This means freedom for those who find glasses heavy and uncomfortable, those who don’t like the appearance of glasses or for those who find traditional contact lenses uncomfortable and drying. In addition, since OrthoK lenses are worn whilst sleeping, wearers report they are easy to adapt to and don’t cause dryness that traditional lens wearers often experience.
Ortho K treatment is particularly beneficial for:
- People in occupations where glasses and contact lenses are impractical such as dry or dusty environments
- People who experience dry eyes from air conditioning, computer use or dusty environments
- Sports people, specifically contact sports, where it is difficult to keep glasses on or risk dislodging a contact lens during play
- Water sports where there is an increased risk of infection or losing traditional contact lenses
- People who have considered refractive laser surgery, but are worried about the risks and cost. OrthoK is a completely reversible process: the cornea returns to its original shape when the lenses are not worn for a period of time.
OrthoK and myopia progression: Recent research suggests OrthoK may be beneficial in slowing the progression of myopia. Whilst more research is required, OrthoK may become a more readily promoted technique for the control of myopia in the future.
What is involved in obtaining OrthoK lenses?
An initial consultation is undertaken to obtain the baseline measurements required and determine your suitability for OrthoK. A corneal topographer is used to take digital images of the cornea. These images are used to calculate the contours of the corneal surface. Any questions you may have about the process of OrthoK will then be discussed in depth allowing you to make an informed discision about pursuing this treatment. This consultation is generally bulkbilled to Medicare.
If you choose to proceed, the results of the corneal topography are then used to calculate trial OrthoK contact lenses. An appointment is made to instruct you how to insert, remove and care for the contact lens. The lenses are then worn during the night. The following morning your eyes will be re-assessed to ensure the desired result is achieved. In most cases people experience a significant improvement in their vision overnight, however a few subsequent trials may be required to obtain the desired result.
Once the correct trial lenses are determined, The results are used to make a custom made pair of Ortho K lenses (retainer lens). These retainer lenses are assessed after one nights wear (morning), and continue to be worn nightly and reviewed again after one week (afternoon). The new corneal shape stabilizes over the following week.
The contact lenses and health of your eyes are closely monitored at regular intervals generally at 1 week, 1 month and at 3 months. These visits are made at the end of the day to establish how far through the day good vision is maintained. Once the OrthoK effect is established, the frequency of lens wear can be slowly reduced. Some people find they need only wear the lenses a few nights per week.
How much does it cost? The total cost for the process is from $1800.
This includes all consultations required for 12 months and the final retainer contact lenses. An initial non refundable fee of $800 is charged to cover the lenses and the time involved to calculate the contact lenses. This is payable upon collection of the lenses. The balance is payable at the 1 week aftercare appointment. The cost of the process reflects the time, expertise and equipment required for Orthokeratology. The price is comparable to some traditional disposable contact lenses over a two year period.
Where can I find more information?
The Orthokeratalogy Society of Oceania (OSA) website can be found at - www.osa.net.au
The University of New South Wales Department of Optometry and Vision Science website - www.optometry.unsw.edu.au/research/rok
