Orthokeratology At Optometrist Parramatta
Orthokeratology, or Ortho-K is a safe, reversible, non-surgical method for correcting your vision overnight.
Ortho-K treatment involves wearing a customised hard contact lens while you sleep, which gently reshapes your eye to correct your vision.
If you are short-sighted and have minimal astigmatism, orthokeratology may be suitable for you.
Read on for more information about orthokeratology at Optometrist Parramatta or click here to book an Ortho-K consult.
What Does It Do?
Many common vision problems are a result of the eye being too long, too short, or misshapen, which interferes with the eye’s ability to focus light.
Orthokeratology changes the shape of the cornea, the dome-like window which focuses light onto the retina. Reshaping your cornea corrects your focusing ability and may improve your eyesight.
Ortho-K lenses are worn overnight, and you can take them out in the morning. Your eyes will then retain their corrected shape throughout the day.
How Does Orthokeratology Work?
We precisely measure the shape of your eyes to create rigid contact lenses that are customised for you. These lenses gently reshape the cornea while you sleep.
When you remove the lenses in the morning, the cornea maintains its moulded shape throughout the day, leaving you with clear vision without the need for glasses or contact lenses!
What Are The Benefits Of Ortho-K?
Ortho-K lenses are worn only while you are asleep, meaning you are less likely to experience the dryness and irritation that can occur with traditional contact lenses.
Research also shows that orthokeratology can play a role in slowing progressive myopia in children and adolescents.
Who Is Suitable For Ortho-K?
Ortho-K is suitable for people of all ages. However, it is generally most successful in younger patients. It is best for those who are short-sighted with minimal astigmatism and a prescription between the ranges of –0.50 and –5.00. To accurately determine whether or not you will be suitable for orthokeratology, a specialised contour map (corneal topography) of the eyes must be taken.
If you are worried about your prescription changing or your child’s eyesight getting progressively worse, ask our team if orthokeratology is right for you.
3 simple steps to great vision
Book In!
The first step is to book in for a comprehensive Ortho-K assessment to determine your suitability.
This includes a comprehensive 360° eye test, retinal photography, and corneal topography.
Using this information, we can create custom lenses for your eyes.
Trial lenses and Fitting
When your trial lenses arrive, your optometrist will show you how to insert, remove and care for your lenses correctly and safely.
We recommend a quick appointment after the first night’s wear and another appointment one week later. This is to check if any minor adjustments are required and to monitor your progress with the lenses.
By the end of the first week, you should start experiencing the benefits of Ortho-K.
great vision All Day!
If any final adjustments are required, your optometrist will make these changes and order your final lenses.
A follow-up is performed after one, six, and 12 months to monitor your progress with the lenses.
Book an Ortho-K consultation today
FAQ
We find that patients under the age of 30 experience the greatest success with Ortho-K.
It is most effective for people who are short-sighted with minimal astigmatism, and especially for children.
As Ortho-K is an incredibly personalised service, prices vary depending on the prescription and the complexity of your case. You can also use your Private Health Insurance to subsidise the cost of Ortho-K lenses.
Some health funds will partially rebate Ortho-K treatment, depending on your cover.
The initial assessment for Ortho-K is covered by Medicare, subject to eligibility.
Ortho-K has been successfully used since 1962. Because it is a temporary and reversible treatment, orthokeratology is considered a very safe technology with almost no potential negative side effects.
As with regular contact lenses, there is a small risk of infection if the lenses are not handled in a safe and hygienic manner. This risk is greatly reduced by following the cleaning and handling instructions, which your optometrist will discuss with you.
The great thing about Ortho-K is that after a bit of adaptation, most people don’t feel the lenses at all! They are a hard contact lens, so when you first insert them, you can feel them. However, just like a retainer, your eyes adapt and as you sleep you will forget they’re even there!
If you do decide to discontinue the treatment, your eyes will simply revert to their original, uncorrected state. Ortho-K is temporary, so once you stop wearing the contact lenses, the treatment stops working.
The first step is to book a commitment-free Ortho-K assessment so that we can establish your eligibility and get started with treatment!
