Orthokeratology (Night-time Contacts)
FAQs

How do Ortho-K lenses work? 
The Ortho-k lenses are custom designed to gently reshape the front surface of the cornea and reverse nearsightedness.  In Accelerated Ortho-K, the lenses are worn during sleep and removed upon awakening, proving clear vision during the day free of glasses or daytime contact lenses.

Are Ortho-K lenses uncomfortable to wear? 
Overnight wearing of Ortho-K lenses are surprisingly comfortable. Most patients adapt very quickly and are unaware of their presence within a very short time after insertion.  The Ortho-K lenses are worn during sleep making the normal adaption period very short.

Once treatment is complete, how often do I have to wear the Ortho-K lenses? 
Once the desired myopic reduction is obtained, the Ortho-K lenses act as retainers to maintain that level. Most people need to wear the Ortho-K lenses each night in order to enjoy good, unaided vision during the entire day.  Patients with lesser degrees of myopia may find that wearing them every other night is satisfactory.  This would be determined on an individual case by case basis.

Are children good candidates? 
Yes, ideal because orthokeratology can potentially slow down or prevent the progression of nearsightedness and astigmatism.

How long has Ortho-K been available? 
Orthokeratology originated in the 1960s. However, due to the lack of sophisticated technology at that time, the results were limited and the procedure was not widely accepted.  With today’s advanced technology and lens materials, Ortho-K contact lenses can be custom designed to fit individual corneas in order to achieve much higher success rates.  Newer ortho-k lenses are exceptionally high in oxygen permeability, so it is safe for overnight wear.

What is CRT with respect to orthokeratology? 
In June of 2002, the US FDA granted Paragon's CRT approval for overnight wear to corneal reshaping called Corneal Refractive Therapy (CRT).  The CRT technology is based on the same philosophy as orthokeratology, however the material and design of the lenses is much superior.  CRT has no age limitations and has near-sightedness approval for up to -6.00 diopters of myopia and -1.75 diopters of astigmatism.  Non-FDA approved lenses may not have these limitations, but also, doctor certification may not be required either.

Still have questions? Contact us for more information or visit us for a consultation.