ortho-k
vision correction without surgery
Controlling myopia
with ORTHo-K
What is Orthokeratology?
Ortho-K is short for Orthokeratology. It is a non-surgical treatment using custom-designed corneal lenses to reshape the curvature of the eye. Ortho-k eliminates the need for glasses or daytime contact lenses. Simply put the custom-designed corneal lenses that are unique to your eyes before bedtime, and when you awake, you will have clear and crisp vision during waking hours.
This safe and effective treatment can correct near-sightedness and astigmatism.
Fitting of ortho-k corneal lenses is not the same as traditional contact lens fitting methods. Dr.Kaur has received additional training and certification to be able to design and fit these specialty contact lenses.
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How Does Ortho-k Work?
Ortho-K works by changing the curvature of the cornea to change how light is focused on the retina at the back of one’s eye. This is accomplished using a custom-designed rigid gas permeable contact lens that gently flattens the cornea by pushing the central epithelial layers from the pupil towards the periphery. Ortho-K refocuses light on the retina the same way as LASIK or PRK surgery.
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Why Choose Ortho-K?
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Clear vision without daytime contact lenses or glasses
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Research proves ortho-k helps to slow down or stop vision from progressively worsening in children
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Great for active children and adults
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LASIK cannot be performed on children under 18 years of age. Ortho-k is a great non-surgical way of correcting nearsightedness
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Ortho-k frees individuals from distractions caused by glasses fogging
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Clinical trials have reported slowing myopia 55% to 100%
The CANDY Study
The CANDY (Controlled Astigmatism and Nearsightedness in Developing Youth) Study showed that modern corneal shaping lenses were effective in reducing progression of nearsightedness in children between the age of 9 and 18 years. The CANDY study concluded that orthokeratology was an effective means of myopia prevention.
What Should I Expect?
People with mild to moderate myopia (nearsightedness) are good candidates for treatment. Ortho-k is a great alternative to LASIK surgery for those who don’t want to pursue permanent surgery or patients who are swimmers or athletes.
Patients interested in ortho-k start with a comprehensive eye exam or a complimentary consult if a recent eye exam was performed within the 90 days. There are several tests that need to be performed prior to determining if you are a good candidate for ortho-k. After determining your glasses prescription, Dr. Kaur will examine the health of the front of the eye and retina. The other key test is corneal topography, mapping of the cornea. Corneal topography shows irregularities in the cornea and is essential in designing ortho-k lenses. The information from your prescription, size of the cornea, and topography are used to design unique corneal lenses.
Once your ortho-k lenses arrive, you are scheduled for an appointment to instruct you on how to insert, remove, and take care of your lenses. Dr. Kaur will also evaluate the fit of the lenses before dispensing them for overnight wear. You will then be scheduled for an appointment after your first night of wear. At the 1-day follow up, Dr. Kaur will evaluate your vision, and also the fit of the lenses and corneal maps are performed every visit to track your progress. At every follow-up visit, Dr. Kaur will monitor the health of the cornea and the effectiveness of treatment.
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Typical follow-up:
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1-day
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1-week
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1-month
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Every 6 months to monitor the health of the cornea
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If needed, the fit of the retainer lenses may be modified to achieve your goals. There are several factors that can determine how fast the treatment starts working:
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Your initial prescription
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Corneal rigidity
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Your expectations
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Compliance with wearing schedule
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How Long Does The Effect Last?
For best results, ortho-k retainer lenses are recommended for wearing each night, regardless of how long the effect lasts especially when first starting the treatment. Depending on your initial prescription, some may be able to see clearly for one or two days without their glasses or contact lenses.
Ortho-K Is Safe!
There are several orthokeratology lenses that are approved for overnight wear by the FDA. Contact lenses used for overnight orthokeratology were approved in 2002.
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