Benefits

Do you have an active lifestyle? For example involved in sports or water activities? Do your day-time contact lenses feel dry, especially after hours of wear? Too young, have a shifting and progressive myopic prescription, or otherwise not ready for permanent LASIK vision correction? Consider Orthokeratology!

Orthokeratology (ortho-k) is a non-surgical method of correcting refractive errors, such as myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism. This technique involves the use of specially designed gas-permeable contact lenses that reshape the cornea while you sleep, providing clear vision without the need for glasses or daytime contact lenses. Ortho-k lenses offer a range of benefits for both adults and children, including:

Improved vision: Ortho-k lenses can improve vision in both low light conditions and bright light conditions, providing better visual acuity throughout the day.
Convenient and comfortable: Ortho-k lenses are worn while sleeping, so they do not interfere with daily activities, and are comfortable to wear.
Non-surgical: Unlike LASIK and other refractive surgeries, ortho-k is non-surgical and non-invasive, making it a safe option for people who do not want to undergo surgery.
Slow down myopia progression: Ortho-k lenses have been shown to slow down the progression of myopia, particularly in children, reducing the risk of developing eye diseases in the future.

Overall, ortho-k lenses are a safe and effective option for adults and children who want to correct their vision without the need for glasses or daytime contact lenses, while also potentially slowing down the progression of myopia.

Risks

Like any medical procedure or treatment, there are some risks associated with orthokeratology (ortho-k) lenses. Some potential risks of ortho-k include:

Infection: Wearing contact lenses increases the risk of infection. Proper hygiene and care of the lenses can help reduce this risk.
Corneal abrasion: The lenses may cause small scratches on the surface of the eye. This risk can be reduced by ensuring proper fitting and handling of the lenses.
Discomfort: Some people may find the lenses uncomfortable to wear or may experience dryness, redness, or irritation.
Glare and halos: Similar to LASIK, some people may experience glare and halos around lights at night, which can affect their ability to drive or perform other activities.

Alternatives

There are several alternatives to orthokeratology (ortho-k) lenses for correcting refractive errors such as myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism. Some common alternatives include:

Glasses: Glasses are a non-invasive, safe, and effective way to correct vision. They are a popular choice for people of all ages, as they are easy to wear and maintain.
Contact lenses: Soft or gas-permeable contact lenses can be worn during the day to correct vision. Some people may find them more convenient than glasses, particularly for physical activities or sports.
Refractive surgery: Procedures such as LASIK, PRK, or SMILE involve using a laser to reshape the cornea and correct vision. Refractive surgery is a permanent option that can provide long-lasting vision correction, but it is more invasive than ortho-k or contact lenses.

The choice of which method to use will depend on a person's individual preferences, lifestyle, and eye health.

Existing Wearers

It is recommended to have your orthokeratology (ortho-k) lenses re-evaluated annually by an eye care professional to ensure that they are still fitting properly and providing optimal vision correction. Over time, the shape of your cornea may change, and the lenses may warp or become misshapen, which can affect their effectiveness in correcting vision. Additionally, the condition of your eyes may change, and regular check-ups can help identify any issues early on, allowing for prompt treatment and prevention of potential problems. By having your ortho-k lenses re-evaluated annually, you can ensure that they are still the best option for your vision needs and that your eyes remain healthy and well-cared for.

Orthokeratology or-tho-ker-a-tol-ogy

Fee Schedule

Ortho-K is not covered by any medical or vision plans at present.

Fee schedule does not include the required annual comprehensive / routine eye examination, which can be picked up by your medical or vision plan carrier.

Onet set of lenses included and bundled into the professional fees.

First year: $1,600 to $2,000, depending on complexity

Subsequent years: $1,200 to $1,400, depending on complexity

Training fee for first time wearers: $60, assessed whether the fitting process starts.

Optional replacement lens set: $200 if ordered within 3 weeks of finalization, otherwise $400.