optometrists

Ortho K

 

What is Ortho K?

 

Ortho K is a vision correction therapy that provides clear, comfortable vision without the need to wear contact lenses during the day. Ortho K provides a safe, non-permanent alternative to laser refractive surgery.

 

How does it work?

 

Ortho K works by placing a contact lens onto the eye only during sleep. While the contact lens is in the eye it gently flattens the front surface of the cornea (the transparent focussing window at the front of the eye). In the morning the contact lens is removed from the eye. The cornea retains its new shape allowing the eye to focus clearly without the need for contact lenses or spectacles.

 

Is this a permanent vision correction?

 

No. Ortho K is completely reversible. It can be thought of as a non-permanent alternative to laser refractive surgery. Over a period of time the cornea will gradually return to its natural shape. The contact lens is reinserted at night to re-establish the corrected shape of the cornea. After several weeks of Ortho K most people find that the lenses need only be reinserted every other night. If at any point you wish to discontinue Ortho K, your eyes will return to normal after a period of up to two weeks without wearing the contact lens.

 

What is so good about Ortho K?

 

• Clear, comfortable vision without the need for any spectacles or contact lenses all day long.
• No problems of lens dryness or discomfort - problems many contact lens wearers experience, particularly when working in air conditioned, dry or dusty atmospheres.
• No worries about lost or dislodged lenses during the day.
• No worries about swimming or using hot tubs, saunas etc.
• Lenses are cleaned first thing in the morning, not last thing at night.

 

Who can have Ortho K?

 

At present Ortho K is suitable for people with myopia (short-sightedness) up to 4.00 D and only a small amount of astigmatism. Please speak to one of our team to find out if your prescription is suitable for Ortho K.

 

Is Ortho K safe?

 

Ortho K has been shown to produce no permanent change to the eye. As with any contact lens wear there is a small risk of eye infections, some of which can have a permanent affect on vision. The risk of infection amongst contact lens wearers is known to be highest in those who over-wear their lenses and in those who do not clean their lenses thoroughly.

 

In Ortho K these risks are minimised by

 

• Removing the contact lenses on waking (the eye enjoys a perfectly natural environment during the day)
• Following careful hygiene procedures
• Replacing the contact lenses regularly to ensure that they are always in optimum condition
• Using the latest ultra-oxygen permeable contact lens materials
• Attending for regular follow up as requested

 

Do I still need to clean my contact lenses?

 

Hygiene is extremely important in Ortho K. However, the cleaning routine for Ortho K lenses is just the same as that for any re-usable contact lenses.

 

How long do the lenses last?

 

Your lenses need to be in perfect condition at all times. Scratched and damaged lenses increase the risk of eye infection, while distorted lenses will not produce the precise Ortho K effect required for clear vision. Lenses are therefore replaced on a planned six-monthly cycle.

 

Are the contact lenses comfortable to wear?

 

Most people will have some sensation from the lenses when they are first inserted but this disappears once your eyes are closed for sleep.

 

How long does it take to be able to see well without glasses?

 

Your vision without glasses or contact lenses will improve rapidly within the first few days but your vision may vary during the course of the day. It may settle within three or four days but could take up to two weeks to get the full Ortho K effect. During this transition period you will be issued with daily disposable contact lenses to correct your vision as required.

 

Why are Ortho K lenses special?

 

At your initial appointment, the optometrist will take a 3D computerised map of your cornea. The lenses are then designed and made according to the map and are therefore unique to your eyes. The lenses are made using the latest ultra-oxygen permeable materials to ensure that your closed eye gets all the oxygen it needs during sleep. Further maps are made at subsequent appointments to allow the optometrist to see precisely how the contact lenses are reshaping the cornea.

 

How many appointments will I need?

 

We would expect to see you about 4 to 5 times in the first two weeks. Once the full Ortho K effect has been achieved you will be regularly reviewed every 3 to 6 months.

 

How can I try Ortho K?

 

First of all, we need to carry out an eye examination to check your prescription, then we can move onto Ortho K. The first stage of Ortho K is an assessment appointment. Your eyes, and particularly your corneas, will be carefully examined to ensure that they are healthy and the computerised corneal mapping will be carried out. The results of the mapping will allow Ortho K contact lenses to be designed specifically for you and will also give us a better indication of your suitability for Ortho K. This is a good opportunity for answering any queries you may have regarding Ortho K.

After the initial assessment, your contact lenses will be ordered and we can begin Ortho K.

 

How much does Ortho K cost?

 

Initial assessment visit (if you don’t order lenses) £40.00

Fitting and initial lenses (includes initial assessment) £150.00
(£200.00 if toric lens required)

 

Monthly payments (includes consultation fees and replacement lenses every six months) £35.00 (£40.00 including solutions)