Orthokeratology

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Orthokeratology, or Ortho-K, is a groundbreaking, non-surgical treatment that helps manage myopia by gently reshaping the cornea (front surface of the eye) while you sleep. This allows you to enjoy clear, glasses-free vision throughout the day without the need for daytime contact lenses. Whether you're a parent concerned about your child’s myopia progression or an adult seeking a non-invasive alternative to surgery, Ortho-K may be the solution you’ve been looking for.

Ortho-K is a custom designed hard contact lens retainer that is worn overnight. While you sleep, these lenses gently reshape the cornea, correcting myopia. This effect is achieved by the use of hydraulic forces, i.e. the retainer is not directly pressing on the cornea. Ortho-K lenses float on the tear film of the eye. The pressure causes fluid within epithelial cells of the cornea to move from the center of the cornea to the periphery. This movement of fluid thins it in the center and thickens it in the periphery. The central cornea is made thinner by only 5-10 microns. To put it in perspective - a strand of human hair is 70 microns thick. This corneal reshaping is completely reversible, and thus temporary - meaning you’ll need to wear the lenses each night to maintain clear vision during the day. Ortho-k is both comfortable and effective, offering you freedom from glasses and contact lenses in a non-surgical way.

Absolutely! Orthokeratology contact lenses are FDA approved. At Fighting Myopia, we ensure that every Ortho-K treatment is customized and carefully monitored for your comfort and safety. Ortho-K lenses are made from highly breathable materials that allow oxygen to reach your cornea, minimizing the risk of eye infections. We provide thorough aftercare and regular check-ups to ensure your treatment is effective and to address any concerns early. When properly fitted and cared for, Ortho-K is a safe and reliable way to manage myopia.

Ortho-K is ideal for:

• Myopia (nearsightedness), particularly if it’s progressing in children or teens
• Mild to moderate astigmatism
• Adults looking for a non-surgical option for vision correction
• Children whose myopia is still progressing and who wish to slow it down

Ortho-K is also a great choice for patients who don’t want to rely on glasses or daytime contact lenses. However, the best way to determine if Ortho-K is right for you or your child is to schedule a consultation with us, where we’ll assess your eye health and vision needs.

Many patients notice improvements in their vision after just the first night of wearing Ortho-K lenses. However, full stabilization typically takes a few days or up to a week. With consistent use, your vision will continue to improve, and you’ll enjoy clearer sight throughout the day without the need for corrective eyewear.

Yes, to maintain the reshaping effect and keep your vision clear, you’ll need to wear the Ortho-K lenses every night. The corneal reshaping is temporary, and if you miss a night or more, your vision may gradually return to its original state. We’ll work closely with you to ensure that you’re comfortable and confident with your Ortho-K routine.

Ortho-K is generally very well tolerated, but some people may experience minor side effects, such as:

• Dry eyes: A common issue during the initial stages, which can be managed with lubricating drops.
• Redness or discomfort: These issues are often related to improper lens fitting and can be addressed during your follow-up visits.
• Infection risk: Like any contact lens, Ortho-K lenses carry a small risk of infection, but this can be minimized with proper cleaning and hygiene.

At Fighting Myopia, we guide you through the entire process and offer personalized support to ensure the treatment is comfortable and effective.

With proper care, Ortho-K lenses can last from one to two years. Regular check-ups will allow us to monitor the condition of your lenses and replace them if needed. By following our cleaning and storage instructions, you can extend the lifespan of your lenses and ensure optimal performance.

Yes! Ortho-K is particularly effective in slowing or even halting the progression of myopia in children and teens. Ortho-k has been proven to reduce the rate of myopia progression in children by up to 50 percent. If you’re concerned about your child’s myopia progression, Ortho-K offers a proactive solution that can make a lasting impact on their vision.

Yes! Ortho-K lenses can be custom designed to treat mild to moderate astigmatism along with myopia. The lenses gently reshape the cornea to correct both issues, helping you achieve clear, sharp vision without the need for traditional glasses or contact lenses.

If you stop wearing Ortho-K lenses, your cornea will gradually return to its original shape, and your vision will revert to its previous state. This is why it’s important to wear the lenses regularly to maintain clear vision. If you ever decide that Ortho-K is no longer for you, we’ll discuss other vision correction options that may better suit your needs.

Ortho-k treatment ranges from $1900 to $2500 for the first year (depending on the complexity of the case). This includes designing a custom pair of ortho-k retainer lenses, all necessary training and follow-ups (usually a total of 6 visits during the initial year, which includes contact lens insertion and removal trainings, axial length measurements for monitoring of progression of myopia and personalized reports sent every 3 months).

Year 2 and beyond - maintenance fee of $800 (includes a fresh pair of ortho-k retainers, 2 visits minimum per year, which includes ortho-k retainer checks, axial length measurements for monitoring of progression of myopia and personalized reports sent every 6 months).

We’re passionate about fighting myopia and providing innovative solutions like Ortho-K to help you or your child achieve clear vision and a brighter future. If you're interested in learning more about Ortho-K and how it can help manage myopia, we encourage you to schedule a consultation.