Ortho-K (Orthokeratology) in Hillsborough, NJ

Optimal vision can be achieved within one to four weeks. However, it is very common for some to reach excellent vision in the next day or two. Duration of the treatment depends on the severity of the initial prescription. While the cornea is being reshaped during the first few days, it may be necessary for some to be fitted with a temporary soft contact until optimal treatment result is achieved.

In order to obtain the optimal result for correcting nearsightedness, it should be worn every night or every other night. If you stop treatment for more than 3 days, you will need to wear glasses or regular soft contact lenses to maintain clear vision. Wearing the lenses on a regular basis is generally sufficient to eliminate your need for glasses or contact lenses for a day or two.

6 to 8 hours of wearing time per night should be followed in order to attain the intended results. Wearing time should not exceed 10 hours. Less than 6 hours or substantially oversleeping with lenses could affect the overall outcome of the treatment.

OK lenses are made of specially designed rigid gas permeable contact lenses that provide significantly higher oxygen flow than soft contact lenses. They are made from a firm plastic material that lacks water component, so protein and lipids from your tears do not adhere as readily as do soft lenses. Generally speaking, these lenses also provide relatively better vision, durability, and deposit resistance.

Myopia or nearsightedness in children has been growing at a fast pace over the last 25 years with more than 40% of the population in the United States who is currently myopic. These changes are rapid and they continue to worsen. Numerous published studies have shown that Ortho-K serves as an excellent method to slow or prevent the progression of myopia as part of a broader myopia management plan, but it works best at an early age, as young as five. Myopic changes are generally permanent, treatment will not reverse myopia, but rather preventing it from deteriorating.

Approved by the FDA since 2002, Ortho-K has proven to be very safe and effective. If desired, the procedure is reversible simply by stop wearing OK lenses. As with any contact lenses in general, there is the risk for infection and allergic reaction. Since these lenses are 7-10 times more “breathable” than soft contact lenses, the risk is greatly minimized, and can be easily addressed by antibiotic drops. Appropriate cleaning, disinfecting, applying the lenses as instructed by the doctor and maintaining necessary follow-up visits will ensure the best outcome of your treatment.

A comprehensive eye exam with a thorough consultation is required in order to determine the feasibility of Ortho-K treatment. Our doctor will answer any questions and discuss with you whether Ortho-K is appropriate.

Ortho-K is a non-surgical process without the risks involved in LASIK surgery. Ortho-K treatment is reversible, the effect is temporary while LASIK surgery is permanent. The cost of Ortho-K treatment is generally half the cost of LASIK surgery. As a safe alternative to LASIK or other refractive surgery procedures that are not available for young patients, children and teens make excellent Ortho-K candidates.