Orthokeratology for Northeast Philadelphia, PA | Modern Optometry

What is Orthokeratology?

Ortho-K is a treatment in which patients wear rigid gas permeable (RGP) contact lenses at night while they sleep. The lens gently pushes away moisture in the cornea and reshapes to provide clear vision. This effect allows patients to remove the lenses when they wake up and have clear vision all day long without the need to wear glasses or disposable contact lenses. Ortho-K also has the added benefit of myopia management. This is a method that controls the progression of myopia (myopia) in children by up to 60%. This is a particularly important consideration for myopic patients between the ages of 8 and 12, where the disease can progress fairly rapidly. Ortho-K has no age limit, but is generally suitable for her patients aged 6 and older. Adults often use Ortho K instead of LASIK surgery. The advantages of ortho-k over LASIK are that it is temporary and reversible if needed, it is inexpensive, and there are no risks associated with eye surgery.

Can All Eye Doctors Prescribe Ortho-K?

Optometrists must complete professional training to be certified in Ortho-K lens fitting. These require expertise and fitting to each individual eye unlike other contact lenses on the market. An orthokeratologist will not only correct your vision to the greatest extent possible, but also in the manner most likely to slow the progression of myopia (nearsightedness). We are at the forefront of rapidly progressing vision correction in children aged 8-12.

Is Ortho-K Safe For Me or My Child?

Ortho-K is designed to be worn while you sleep, making it a very safe treatment. It is called a gas permeable contact because it has excellent oxygen permeability. Proper lens care and hand hygiene counteract the possibility of contact lens infection. This risk is no greater with ortho-k than with other reusable contact lenses.

When Can I Expect To See Results?

The answer varies from person to person, but you can usually expect clear vision that lasts all day by the end of the first week. Vision quality and sharpness may continue to improve in the first month or two. Because the cornea in children is more malleable than the cornea in adults, treatment is initiated sooner and regression is less rapid. The higher the initial prescription, the longer it takes for the treatment to take full effect. In general, you can expect a 50% reduction in prescriptions on Day 1, but this may only last a few hours. The effect will last longer with each passing day. During this transitional phase, patients may experience a shadow or halo in their vision, which improves in the first few months.