What is Ortho-K? By using a corneal mapping device called a topographer, we are able to custom design highly oxygen permeable rigid contact lenses. These contacts change the shape of the cornea without edema, distortion or any reduction in corneal health or visual acuity of the patient. Modern Ortho-K lenses are worn while sleeping and removed upon waking. The lens design generates pressure in the thin layer of tears and on the corneal surface that is responsible for the change in corneal shape. Most changes occur in the first 10 days of treatment. The main benefit of Ortho-K is that the patient can be free of glasses or contact lenses for the majority of their waking hours. Ortho-K uses the same optical principle to restore eyesight as laser surgery-central corneal flattening- but it is reversible and non-invasive. Patient satisfaction with Ortho-K is very high, with reports of excellent quality of vision, combined with the convenience of the elimination of daytime vision correction*.
Will it work for you? It works best when the patient gives his/her full cooperation. Ortho-K won't work if the patient does not comply. A considerable sum will be spent on your contacts. The doctor, the lab, and the software companies will design and monitor your Ortho-K procedure. As a patient, it is important to follow the doctor's advice and direction carefully for a successful outcome.
Ortho-K is a commitment to a lifestyle of vision correction using gas permeable reverse geometry contact lenses. It is not a whimsical "trial fit", that if it doesn't work, costs no one anything. When you are accepted into the Ortho-K modality, you agree to wear the lenses as directed by the doctor and to be present for all scheduled visits. We will not allow anyone to remain in Ortho-K who does not follow proper protocol. Poor compliance of Ortho-K lenses is unacceptable and can be dangerous. Ortho-K, done properly, takes only a few weeks to complete if the patient cooperates. Jumping into and out of the procedure is costly and not allowed. A minimum of 7 hours sleep (not just closed eyes) is required for Ortho-K to be successful. Those who do not get at least 7 hours of sleep should not enter Orthokeratology.
The unusual protocol is for delivery of lenses on day one and for the patient to return the morning of day two with the lenses still in their eyes. When you awaken, put a couple drops of solution in your eyes to loosen the lenses. Bring your suction cup with you to the office for this visit only. You will be seen a second time in a week in the morning, but you should not wear the lenses into the office unless you are instructed to do so. Depending on how things go, you will probably need to be seen again in one week or one month, then again in another two months, and then released from such tight monitoring. Normal monitoring after three months is yearly unless you have a problem. Office visits unrelated directly to Ortho-K are at usual and customary fees. |
