FAQs

No, the effects of Ortho-K are not permanent. The corneal reshaping achieved through Ortho-K is temporary, and regular lens wear is required to maintain clear vision. If you stop wearing the Ortho-K lenses, your cornea will gradually return to its original shape, and your vision will revert to its previous state. 

An analogy that could provide a clearer picture is to envision staying in the same spot on a couch throughout the night. When you eventually stand up, you'll notice an indentation in the couch cushion that will slowly return to its original shape during the day. If you were to sit in that exact spot consistently over multiple nights, the indentation would become more pronounced and endure for a longer time. Similarly, in orthokeratology, it usually takes around one week of wearing the lenses overnight to achieve the desired effect. Just as the couch cushion gradually regains its shape after each night's indentation, even with repeated use, the cornea's reshaping in ortho-k will still gradually revert once the lenses are removed.

The mechanism behind ortho-k's myopia control effect remains somewhat unclear, but the prevailing agreement is that it positively modifies the way light is directed onto the retina. Beyond just correcting myopia, the focus pattern generated by ortho-k is thought to convey a signal to the eye,  slowing the pace of eye growth. Studies indicate that Ortho-k yields a myopia control effect of 50%, effectively reducing myopia progression by approximately half.

When considering orthokeratology (ortho-k) lenses, it's essential to acknowledge that achieving optimal results is directly tied to the recommended duration of sleep while wearing the lenses. Ortho-k lenses work by gently reshaping the cornea overnight, and this process typically requires around 6-8 hours of uninterrupted sleep.

This requirement is a crucial factor in determining whether ortho-k is a suitable option for you. For individuals who might have irregular sleep patterns due to factors like university commitments, shift work, or on-call responsibilities, it's important to honestly assess whether you can consistently commit to the necessary hours of sleep with the lenses in.

Yes! Ortho K is safe when performed under the supervision of a qualified and experienced eye care professional. It's important to recognize that Ortho-k does elevate the possibility of eye infection. Nevertheless, recent studies indicate that the occurrence of such infections is minimal, occurring at approximately 1 to 2 instances of corneal eye infections per 2,000 years of patient lens wear. It's essential to follow your optometrist's recommendations, attend regular follow-up appointments, and maintain proper lens hygiene to minimize any risks.

When properly fitted and cared for, Ortho-K lenses should not cause significant discomfort. However, it's common to experience some mild discomfort or awareness of the lenses, especially during the initial adjustment period. This discomfort usually subsides as your eyes adapt to the lenses. If you experience persistent pain, redness, or discomfort, it's crucial to contact your eye care professional immediately.

Accomplishing a successful fit of ortho-k lenses demands specialized equipment and a high level of expertise.

To determine eligibility for Ortho-K, both the eye prescription (refraction) and the cornea's shape profile must be evaluated. Corneal shape is assessed using a corneal topographer, which captures a photo of a light pattern on the eye. Software processes this image to create a 3D model of the cornea.

 Typically, fitting ortho-k lenses involves more visits compared to standard daily soft contact lenses. This extended process is primarily due to the custom design of ortho-k lenses tailored to each individual case.