Orthokeratology (Ortho-K/OK lens) is the fitting of specially designed gas-permeable contact lenses you wear overnight. While you are asleep, the lenses help reshape the front surface of your eye (cornea) so you can have better vision the following day upon removing the lenses when you wake up.

Orthokeratology may be suitable for adults seeking an alternative to eyeglasses or refractive surgery, and especially for those who experience dry eyes with soft contact lenses.

But orthokeratology is not only for adults. Ortho-K lenses are generally recommended for myopia control in childrenwith progressive myopia. Many studies have also shown the effectiveness of these lenses in managing and stabilising myopia in children. It also allows children who do not tolerate glasses well or have an active lifestyle to be glasses-free throughout the day while having myopia control present at the same time.

WHO ARE SUITABLE CANDIDATES FOR ORTHO-K LENSES?

Ortho-K lenses may be suitable for those looking to:

1. MANAGE MYOPIA

Individuals with mild and rapid progressive myopia* (with or without mild astigmatism), up to -8.00Ds of myopia & -2.00Ds of astigmatism may be suitable for Ortho-K lenses. The recommended age to manage myopia in children is between 6 and 12 years old, when the progression of myopia is most significant.

2. SEEK FREEDOM FROM GLASSES

Children and adults in Singapore who want to experience a spectacle-free lifestyle, including those unsuitable for LASIK or other reasons, may be suitable candidates for Ortho-K lenses.

3. ENGAGE IN ACTIVE LIFESTYLES AND CHALLENGING ENVIRONMENTS

Sporty individuals or people working in dusty environments who may have difficulty wearing contact lenses may also be suitable candidates for OK lenses.

*Please note: A pre-OK assessment will be conducted to determine the suitability of OK lenses on the patient.

HOW DO ORTHO-K LENSES WORK?

Ortho-K lenses may help to temporarily reshape your cornea, which is the part of your eye that focuses light onto the retina so that you can focus on the intended object.

Before providing you with Ortho-K lenses, the optometrist will measure the surface of your cornea using a corneal topographer to design suitable OK lenses for your eyes.

Once you receive your OK lenses, you may use them overnight and then remove them during the day. By wearing these lenses overnight, they can help reshape the centre of your cornea, affecting how light enters your eyes. Once you remove these lenses, your cornea may retain the new shape, so you don’t have to wear corrective lenses during the day.

However, if you stop wearing the OK lenses at night, your corneal shape may eventually return to its original shape, along with its refractive errors.

BENEFITS OF ORTHO-K LENSES

1. A POTENTIAL WAY TO IMPROVE YOUR VISION

One of the benefits of using Ortho-K lenses is that they can help address myopia and astigmatism in children and adults. They may also minimise the need for glasses or contact lenses during the day, making the lenses a potential solution for better vision.

2. NON-SURGICAL APPROACH

With Ortho-K lenses, you may worry less about surgical risk or downtime. This is a non-surgical approach to help reshape your cornea, unlike LASIK, which involves the removal of corneal tissue.

3. MANAGE THE PROGRESSION OF MYOPIA

Ortho-K lenses may help manage myopia progression in children and adults. Myopia can lead to other eye conditions, such as cataracts and glaucoma. Therefore, you should seek professional guidance about using OK lenses for myopia.

4. REVERSIBLE

Corneal reshaping with an OK lens is reversible with minimal risks when combined with proper care and professional guidance. You may discontinue wearing the lenses at any time, provided you are ready to put on your spectacles or contact lenses.

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ORTHO-K TREATMENT PROCESS

1. Consultation & Assessment

The optometrist will begin the consultation with a pre-assessment to gauge your suitability for Ortho-K lenses and discuss the expected outcomes.

2. Collection of Lenses

Lenses will be ready for collection within two weeks of purchase. During the collection, the optometrist will guide you on proper OK lens insertion, removal, and care techniques.

3. Follow-up Reviews

It is advisable that you attend regular check-ups to ensure optimal fit and efficacy. The optometrist may schedule these appointments after your first overnight use, followed by one-week, one-month, three-month, and half-annual reviews.

HOW COMFORTABLE ARE ORTHO-K LENSES?

The comfort level of the Ortho-K lenses may vary from person to person. However, on the first night of use, there may be slight discomfort, but the comfort level may improve with continued use. Feel free to consult an optometrist to learn how to minimise the discomfort when using your Ortho-K lenses.

RISKS INVOLVED

When putting on Ortho-K lenses, it is advisable that you maintain good hand and contact lens hygiene to minimise the risk of eye infections. Consult our optometrists to learn how to take proper care of your OK lenses.

DIFFERENCES BETWEEN ORTHO-K AND LASIK

When considering vision correction in Singapore, Ortho-K and LASIK are two popular options, each with its own benefits.

Ortho-K is a non-surgical approach involving overnight wear of custom-designed lenses that helps reshape the cornea temporarily. This method is reversible and may be suitable for those who prefer a non-invasive option or are not candidates for surgery due to age, lifestyle, or corneal thickness. Ortho-K may also be recommended for children for myopia control.

LASIK, on the other hand, is a surgical procedure that may help to reshape the cornea to improve vision permanently. It is a quick approach with a longer recovery period and may be suitable for adults looking for a permanent fix to their refractive errors. However, it may not be suitable for everyone, especially those with certain medical conditions or thinner corneas.

While Ortho-K may offer a flexible and reversible approach, especially for children and those hesitant about surgery, LASIK provides a more permanent correction with surgical risks and limitations. It is advisable that you consult a professional optometrist to learn about your options.

ORTHO-K PACKAGE COST GUIDE

Understanding the cost of Ortho-K lenses in Singapore is crucial when considering it as a vision correction option. The price reflects the customisation and potential care involved in the process. Let’s delve into the details:

Customisation: Each Ortho-K lens is designed to the individual's specific eye shape and vision requirements, ensuring optimal comfort and effectiveness. This personalisation is a key factor in the overall cost.
Ongoing Professional Care: The cost may include not just the lenses but also the professional services of the optometrists. Regular follow-ups ensure the lenses perform as intended and allow adjustments as needed.
Long-term Benefits: Investing in Ortho-K is not just about immediate vision correction; it's about ongoing eye health, which is especially crucial for children in managing myopia progression.

While the initial cost may be higher than regular glasses or contact lenses, Ortho-K offers a potential blend of safety, effectiveness, and convenience, especially for myopia control in children and adults seeking a non-surgical solution.

For a detailed breakdown and to discuss payment options, feel free to book a consultation with us.

LEARN MORE ABOUT ORTHO-K LENSES IN SINGAPORE

If you want to know whether Ortho-K lenses are suitable for improving your vision, you can turn to Eyecare People. We offer comprehensive eye health solutions on how to maintain your eye health. The team is also adept at myopia control programmes for teens and young adults to improve their vision as they age.

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