What are the benefits of Ortho-K?

1) Prevention of myopia progression in children.
2) Clear unobstructed vision during the day allows active individuals to participate in sports activities comfortably.
3) Convenience: no need to worry about steam fogging the glasses or dusty lenses
4) Perfect alternative to day time contact lenses as it does not cause dry-eye

Is Ortho-K safe?

Today’s Ortho-K lens material allows excellent transmission of oxygen to the cornea, greatly improving the safety of Ortho-K treatment. Complications with Ortho-K lenses can be minimised with strict adherence to appropriate wearing and a cleaning regime.

Am I a good candidate for Ortho-K?

A number of factors determine if a patient is suitable for Ortho-K. This includes health of the eyes, cornea shapes, degree of myopia and astigmatism. To find out whether you are a suitable candidate for Ortho-K treatment, a comprehensive eye examination is warranted. This includes a full refractive evaluation, an ocular health exam and a corneal shape workup using equimpments such as corneal topography. Currently, we are able to correct myopia up to -8.00D, astigmatism up to -3.00D depending on individul's circumstances. As more advanced designs become available, it is possible that this range can be further extended.

Who is not a candidate for Ortho-K lens (OK lens)?

Persons who demonstrate some or any of following symptoms in the eye are not suitable for Ortho-K:

• inflammation or infection
• corneal diseases such as Keratoconus
• a systemic disease that affects the eye
• allergic reaction to OK lens or cleaning solutions

How often do Ortho-K lens wearers need to have eyes checked

To ensure the health of the eyes and effectiveness of the treatment, patients will need to be assessed at regular intervals after lenses are fitted: that is •during the first week •one month after • three months after and six months after. If no problem exists after the six month check-up, patients will be seen annually for a full eye examination, during which Ortho-K lens condition & its effectiveness and corneal health will be assessed.

Can I read with Ortho-K lenses (OK lenses) on before sleep?

Although patients can see clearly while wearing Ortho-K lenses, it is not recommended to wear Ortho-K lenses to read before sleep especially during the early treatment period. Patients often experience some discomfort or irritation upon insertion at the start. This discomfort may lead to excessive blinking which can cause lens mispositioning. Discomfort often dissipates after the first 2 weeks.

Do I need to remove Ortho-K lens (OK lens) if get up during the night?

No, there is no need to remove the Ortho-K lenses if get up briefly during the night. However getting up for more than 15 minutes is not recommended because it significantly reduces the effectiveness of the therapy.

How many hours do I need to wear Ortho-K lens (OK lens) at night?

It typically requires a minimum of 6 hours of sleep wearing Ortho-K lenses at night in order for the treatment to be effective.

How long does it take to achieve optimum vision?

Depending on your prescription, it takes between 2 days to 2 weeks to achieve stable clear day time vision.

How to remove the lens in the morning?

Whilst removal is usually easy, it is advisable to apply a few rewetting drops, then use a suction cup provided to remove an Ortho-K lens.

How to clean an OK lens?

Orthok lenses need to be cleaned, disinfected, and then submerged in sterile rinsing solution for storage every morning as soon as they are removed from your eyes. An additional regular protein removal process is usually necessary to keep Ortho-K lenses clean in order to maintain its efficacy. Please follow Ortho-K Lens Cleaning instructions carefully.

What is the difference between laser vision surgery and Ortho-K?

Ortho-K is non-invasive, non-surgical treatment. It is reversable. Your eyes revert to how they were before Ortho-K once you stop wearing the lenses for a few days. Unlike Ortho-K, Laser vision surgery is a non-reversable surgical procedure, the change to the cornea is permanent. Moreover Ortho-K is very effective in juvenile myopia control, an advantage that laser eye surgery does not possess.

How often do I need to wear Ortho-K lenses to maintain good daytime vision?

Most patients are required to wear the lenses every night in order to see clearly during the day, although some can wear Ortho-K lenses less frequently.

How long does an Ortho-K lens last?

Most Ortho-K lenses can last one to two years before need replacing. A regular cleaning regime that strictly follows the Ortho-K lens cleaning instructions as advised by your consultant will prolong the lifetime of the lenses.

Would Health Insurance cover the cost of Ortho-K?

Most health insurance will cover some contact lens costs. The best way to find out is to call your insurance company.