Ortho-K is the most effective scientific proven method to stop the increment of myopia in children. Ortho-K is the nonsurgical solution effectively corrects all types of refractive errors such as myopia, hyperope, astigmatism, presbyopia, keratoconus and any corneal irregularities and post LASIK patient. Sleep with Ortho-K for 4 to 8 hours each time, it will restore your sharp vision without any optical aids such as spectacles or contact lens during awaken hour.
What Is Ortho-K?
Ortho-K is a special design custom made lens which is fitted to reshape the cornea during eye closure. Its effect of cornea reshaping will “zerorize” the spectacle power and result in clear vision without any optical aids during awake hours.
How long the lens must be worn?
Ortho-K lens needs to be worn during sleep as long as you want a clear vision in awaken hours. The reshaping effect of cornea and zerorizing power will diminish with time if Ortho-K were not worn during sleep for a short period of few days to a week.
How often must the lens be worn?
It varies from person to person. Some of them only need to wear it for 3-4 nights per week to maintain optimum vision, while others might need to wear it every night to have a clear vison in the following day.
How many hours per night must the lens be worn? What if I sleep for short period of hours?
Generally, 4- 8 hours of sleep is sufficient to allow Ortho-K to reshape the cornea and achieve sustainable vision for 24 -72 hours. However, if you skip one night or two, taking one to two hours short nap with Ortho-K can help to restore vision quickly.
How can this Ortho-K reduce myopic power?
A thin tear film buffers between the Ortho-K lens and the cornea. This creates forces to redistribute the corneal epithelial cells with flattened cornea centrally. This cornea reshaping will reduce the power accordingly.
How can this Ortho-K stop the progression of myopic power?
The flattened central cornea allows all rays to pass through and creates a clear region and not just a clear single dot of retinal image on the posterior eyeball. This clear region of retinal image prevents the growth of axial length of the eye ball and hence stops the increment of myopia. Every increase of 1 mm axial length will increase 3 diopters myopic power.
How often does Ortho-K lens need to be changed?
Clinically, if the lens is not soiled or has defects, or loss or breakage, a good fit Ortho-K lens can be used for at least 3-5 years.
Is Ortho-K new in the market?
The concept of Ortho-K was originated in ancient time using eye bag sac. Then since early 1960, hard contact lens had effect on cornea reshape. In early 1990, the advancement of computerized technology allowed an accurate edging of the Ortho-K lens which is able to correct refractive errors significantly.
Does Ortho-K give permanent effect on cornea?
No, Ortho-K does not give permanent effect on cornea, it is reversible, and so it is very safe. Corneal epithelial cells redistribute to their original position once stop wearing Ortho-K.
If it has no permanent effect, why should I choose Ortho-K ?
Ortho-K is safe for all age groups. Ortho-K is the only choice to control myopia in children. Those who do not qualified or fear for surgery, or intolerance to soft contact lens or dislike spectacles, Ortho-K is an excellent option. Post Lasik patients who need further enhancement for far and near visual task, Ortho-K can help to achieve their goal. Ortho-K is the best choice for athletes too.
I see with Ortho-K lens while I am wearing them?
Yes. The beauty of Ortho-K lens is you enjoy at least 24 hours good vision whether you have the lens on or off.
Does it take a long time for Ortho-k to work?
No, an excellent fitting of Ortho-K can give you a tremendous vision improvement just for an overnight wear. The latest modern lens designed can easily give optimum vision within 1 night to 3 nights.
I suffer from dry eye; can I still use Ortho-K?
All dry eye patients will be first regulated with our holistic complementary medicine. Indeed Ortho-K is the best option for many who suffer from dry eyes, especially those intolerant to soft contact lens. Ortho-K helps to retain tear film in the eye.
I used to be a contact lens wearer, but I stopped due to discomfort. Am I a candidate for Ortho-K?
Ortho-K is worn at night while you sleep. With eye closure, it greatly reduces any discomfort compared to day wear hard or soft contact lenses because no blinking when you sleep. Moreover, Ortho-K helps to conserve tear from evaporation and hence prevent dry eye discomfort. It is the best option for soft contact lens wearer.
Are there any risks in wearing Ortho-K?
If the Ortho-K is well fitted to your cornea by an experienced Ortho-K specialist, it has no risk if one complies with the prescribed hygiene regime.
Can I buy Ortho-K over the counter?
Ortho-K is a medical device, it requires a professional details eye check-up and tailor make to suit the individual cornea. Hence Ortho-K cannot buy over the counter.
Can I share my Ortho-K lens with others who have the same power?
It is definitely not. Corneal integrity is the foremost important in Ortho-K lens fitting. Individual eye has different sizes, curvatures, tear film, lids structure and ocular muscles which influence the success of Ortho-K fitting. Power of the spectacle is not the key factor.
Can I share my Ortho-K lens with others who have the same power?Inappropriate Ortho-K lens fitting can also give you a clear vision but at the expense of cornea and vision chronically in a long term!
Very often inappropriate Ortho-K fitting can give you a clearer vision but it may not be your optimum vision. Due to the inadequate knowledge on the cornea health related, the poor fitting can insult the cornea tissue and lead to higher risk of corneal ulcer.