About Ortho-K Treatment
WHAT IS ORTHO-K?
Have you ever imagined waking up and being able to see without glasses or contacts? Looking for a non-surgical Lasik alternative that's also less expensive? Orthokeratology a.k.a Ortho-K (also called Corneal Refractive Therapy a.k.a. CRT, Vision Shaping Therapy a.k.a. VST, Corneal Molding, and Non-surgical Vision Correction) is the solution. This nighttime vision correction gives you freedom from glasses and contacts all day without refractive surgery.
How does Ortho-K work?
Orthokeratology is the process of using specially designed corneal molds (made of the same material as a rigid gas permeable contact lens) to change the shape of the cornea. The molds are worn while sleeping, similar to a dental retainer. After waking up and removing the molds they can see great with NOTHING in the eye. Another great feature is the corneal changes made by orthokeratology are not permanent, unlike laser vision correction
How long does it take for Ortho-K to improve my vision?
It's common for patients to see improvements from orthokeratology almost immediately! For others, it can take from one to two weeks to achieve excellent vision. The speed is depends in part to your inital prescription, Once the target vision is achieved it may even be possible to skip nights after your adaptation period is over.
Am I a good Ortho-K candidate?
If you answer "Yes" to any of the quesitons below then you most certainly are!
-
Do you suffer from dry eye, making contact lens wear impossible?
-
Are your child's eyes getting worse and worse every year?
-
Would you like to enjoy sports, workout, hike, swim, or ski without wearing glasses or daytime lenses?
-
Would you like to snorkel and actually see the fish?
-
Do you want tow ake up in the night and SEE?
-
Do you have a job that requires excellent vision without contacts or glasses (law enfocement, lifeguard, etc.)?
-
Are you interested in Lasik but not quite ready?
Is it Ortho-K safe?
Orthokeratology is very safe and has been FDA approved since 2002. The treatment is completely reversible and non-surgical. While this treatment has a proven record of safety and effectiveness, many people have not heard of it simply because it's a specialty treatment that few doctors are trained in. At Eye D Vision, our Ortho-K Treatment is led by Dr. Diana Nguyen and Dr. John Gelles, who is the only FIAO certified doctor in Brooklyn, NY.
Can Ortho-K stop my eyes from getting worse every year?
Studies have shown that Ortho-K Treatment can dramatically slow myopia. Numerous published studies have documented that children under treatment experience little to no myopic progression during treatment which makes them ideal for this treatment. Even chidren as young as 5 can start the treatment and have the security of protecting their future sight.
Why haven’t I heard about Ortho-K before?
Orthokeratology is very complex and not a lot of doctors are proficient at designing and fitting these lenses. Each year however, more doctors are becoming certified in the procedure and Ortho-K is beginning to become more available and recommended
My child’s eyes get worse every year. Will that continue to happen if they do
Ortho-K?
Orthokeratology may in fact be the best treatment for younger children! There are several studies ongoing to see if Ortho-k can help slow or stop the progression of myopia (nearsightedness) in children. We are finding that indeed children who are treated with Ortho-k appear to be slowing down their rate of myopia progression, though the research is still in progress. This does not mean that Ortho-k “cures” myopia, it simply means that the strength of prescription stops changing.
Do the Ortho-K molds hurt?
No. Initially, most people have “lens awareness”, but no pain. After the first one to two weeks, the awareness subsides for most patients
How much does Ortho-K cost?
In general, the price for Ortho-K treatment varies anywhere from $1,650 to $2,000 for both eyes depending on the prescription and complexity. This fee includes all follow-up care with the physician. This is about half the cost of LASIK surgery. We do recommend replacing the lenses annually which generally range around $600 and is priced similarly as a year supply of daily contacts