Fed up with glasses or contacts or considering laser eye surgery?

Think Orthokeratology.

 

Worried about your child's progressing shortsightedness?

Think Orthokeratology.

 

Most people haven’t heard of Orthokeratology, but if you’re thinking about laser eye surgery it is important to look at all the options available to make an informed decision on vision correction.

 

If you as a parent are worried about your child's prescription getting higher every year, then Orthokeratology is actually recommended and suitable for children, with the added proven benefit of slowing myopic progression.

If you have myopia or astigmatism, Orthokeratology with theeyecarecompany offers a safe, viable option to correct your vision without the hassle of glasses, wearing contact lenses all day or surgery.

 

Click on the links below to skip to different sections:

 

 

what is orthokeratology?

Orthokeratology (OrthoK) is a non-surgical technique of gently reshaping the front of your eye by using customised contact lenses worn overnight.
These lenses are removed in the morning - resulting in clear, lasting vision throughout the day without the need to wear glasses or contact lenses.

how does ortho K work?

Think of orthokeratology like orthodontic braces for your eyes. As orthodontics correct and straighten your teeth, orthokeratology corrects your vision.

A contour map of your eye is taken of your eye with a machine called a corneal topographer. Using this map, measurements are sent to our labs to manufacture an RGP (Rigid Gas Permeable) lens. The back surface of the lens molds the front surface of your eye (cornea) into a desired shape that refocuses light onto your retina, allowing you to see clearly without having to wear glasses or contact lenses during the day.

 

why ortho K?

Ortho K is a great alternative to laser eye surgery as it is non-invasive and completely reversible and there is no tissue loss. If your prescription is unstable, you’re under 18 or your corneas are too thin or you experience dry eyes – then Ortho K may be suitable for you.
Ortho K is great for those who wish to be free of glasses, contact lenses during the day (due to dryness, allergies or irritation). It is also suitable for active individuals who worry about losing contact lenses during swimming or contact sports.
Ortho K is highly recommended for myopic (short-sighted) children or adults whose prescriptions seem to be ever increasing.

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myopia control

OrthoK is an excellent option to consider for children, as it has been shown to help reduce myopic progression

(i.e. slows the advancement of shortsightedness). OrthoK is safe for both children and adults experiencing myopic progression.

If you're concerned about your child's or your own advancing prescription, book now.

Read more about Orthokeratology for children & myopia control.

 

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is my prescription suitable for ortho K?

Orthokeratology lenses have been successfully fitted for prescriptions ranging from -0.50 to -6.00 with up to -2.00 degrees of astigmatism. If you’re outside the range, you may still be suitable for Ortho K lenses.
If you are interested, your initial consultation to discuss your options is free of charge with theeyecarecompany book now.

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why have I not heard of ortho K before?

Orthokeratology has been practiced safely for more than 50 years, but it is not especially common as it requires specialised skill and experience in fitting contact lenses as well as corneal topographer, which is not an instrument you’d find at your standard optometry practice.

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how successful is ortho K?

Our resident orthokeratology specialist, Griffin Ngo, has fitted hundreds of Ortho K lenses successfully to reduce myopia as well as rid patients of glasses and conventional contact lenses.

With a well-fitting contact lens, most patients are able to see clearly unaided by glasses or lenses in the first 1-2 weeks. In 30% of cases, lenses are only required to be worn about 3 nights per week.

Before commencing any Ortho K treatment, theeyecarecompany optometrists will examine your eyes thoroughly and make a recommendation to commence Ortho K or discuss your other options.

theeyecarecompany will not recommend Ortho K for you if there is a low chance of success considering your examination results, thus ensuring a very high rate of success for every Ortho K patient we fit.
Most children that have maintained Ortho K, fitted by Griffin Ngo have showed little to no increase in their short-sightedness over six years of practicing orthokeratology.

 

In terms of slowing or stopping myopia, see our page on Ortho K for Myopia Control featuring a video of Professor Helen Swarbrick of UNSW School of Optometry and Vision Sciences speaking about Ortho K causing myopia to "stop in it's tracks".

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are there any risks or side effects?

theeyecarecompany only uses safe Ortho K lenses that have 100% oxygen transmissibility.

As with all contact lens wear, you must be careful to follow all instructions regarding the care and storage of lenses to ensure your eyes remain healthy - otherwise there exists a possibility of adverse effects or eye infection.

If you properly care for your eyes as instructed, the risk of infection or adverse effects are very low.
Parents are recommended to supervise young children in the insertion, removal and care of their lenses.

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how often will I have to see the optometrist or change my lenses?

During the initial fitting, your orthokeratology specialist will need to see you 3-4 times in the first month. Once the fitting has been finalised and your lenses are successfully reshaping your eyes during the night, theeyecarecompany optometrists will only need to see you once every six months.

Ortho K lenses usually last around 12-24 months. On average, most Ortho K patients will need to change their lenses every 18 months due to wear and tear.

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how much does it cost?

Ortho K at theeyecarecompany ranges from between $900-$1500 depending on your eyes. If you have private health insurance, your insurer will usually pay for a portion of the lenses.

theeyecarecompany includes all appointments, fittings, aftercares and lenses in the package price, so you'll always know the cost upfront. Breakages or lost lenses are not covered in the package price, but you can also purchase an extended warranty or replacement lenses.

theeyecarecompany also offers Ortho K on our contact lens plan, allowing you to be fitted and wear them now, and pay them off gradually by direct debit.

Book an appointment to see theeyecarecompany optometrists for a free orthokeratology assessment.

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orthokeratology vs laser eye surgery

Non-invasive process - as easy as wearing lenses in your sleep.	Invasive Surgical Procedure - a surgeon opens a flap in your eye and burns the cells off your cornea.
Molds corneal tissue temporarily to enable you to see clearly without wearing corrective glasses or contact lenses.	Removes corneal tissue, which once gone, cannot be replaced or repair itself.
Small risk of infection or complications if lenses not properly cared for. Does not exacerbate or cause dry eye.	Possibility of complications - loss of vision or clariy, glare sensitivity, haloes, infection. Known to cause and exacerbate dry eye.
Completely reversible - if your lenses are not shaping your cornea as well as desired, it's as simple as ordering a new lens with new parameters.	Irreversible - If your vision isn't perfect, surgeons must wait until your vision has "settled" and then perform secondary surgery.
If your prescription regresses while using Ortho K lenses, it's as simple as ordering updated lenses.	Any regressions require repeat surgery.
If you decide to stop using Ortho K lenses, your eyes will return to their normal shape with no damage.	Once tissue is removed from your cornea, there's no way to repair or replace it.
No age restrictions - Children as young as 5 years old can successfully use Ortho K lenses, especially if their myopia keeps getting worse	LASIK will not be performed on under 18's.
Recommended for those whose prescription is worsening or unstable (shown to stop myopia from progressing)	Not recommended for those who have unstable prescriptions (i.e. prescription has changed within last two years)
Suitable for any corneal thickness	Not suitable for those with thin corneas

 

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