Safe and Healthy Practice
What is ortho-k?
Who are suitable for this therapy?
Pros
Cons
What should I do if I am interested in the treatment?
Attention!
Final Advice
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Who are suitable for this therapy?
Individuals who can normally wear RGP lenses and
Who do not have more than 4.50D of myopia and with less than 1.50D of astigmatism**.
Whose myopia are progressing rapidly.
Higher myopia (e.g. 6.00D) reduction may be possible for some patients. However, the success rate has not been published.
** Toric ortho-k lenses are now available for those with higher astigmatism.
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In successful overnight wear, good vision can usually be maintained throughout the day after lens removal.
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Night therapy brings convenience to those who do sports or who do not like to wear conventional contact lenses or spectacles during the day.
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Our recent research has shown the treatment to be effective in slowing myopic progression in children.
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On average, ortho-k can usually reduce myopia of 4.00D within two weeks. However, individual variation does exist.
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Complications associated with conventional contact lens wear, such as dryness and irritation from dust can be avoided.
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The treatment is reversible and can be stopped anytime. The eyes will soon resume their normal condition thereafter.
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Ortho-k is NOT a CURE for myopia. The treatment effect will wear off gradually after stopping lens wear.
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Ortho-k lenses require more time to fit compared to conventional contact lenses. Aftercare consultations are more frequent to ensure effective and safe treatment.
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Due to changes in ocular environment under close eye condition, the risk of complication is relatively higher than day wear regime.
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Some contact lens-related problems, such as solution sensitivity, infection or corneal epithelial trauma may occur, though the risk of complication is very dependent on compliance. Improper use of these lenses can lead to corneal ulceration.
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Non-compliance or poor compliance can result in significant corneal abrasion, red eye and discomfort. Corneal ulceration may result if the condition is not detected earlier or left untreated. It is therefore important to attend regular aftercare consultation.
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Treatment effect may vary and is patient dependent. Some patients may not be able to achieve the desired effect.
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During the course of treatment, temporary spectacles may be needed.
What should I do if I am interested in the treatment?
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Make an appointment with a registered optometrist who provides ortho-k services (See Q24 in Frequently Asked Questions).
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Learn more about ortho-k, what would be involved, and your responsibilities if you decide to undergo this treatment.
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Have a thorough eye examination (See Appendix C: Thorough Eye Examination) to evaluate whether you are suitable for the treatment or not.
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A treatment plan should be designed for you if you are suitable.
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All myopia reduction methods have their advantages and disadvantages, and there is a risk of complication with any treatment.
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Remember complications can happen anytime! Minimise the chance of these complications through good communication with your optometrist, strict compliance and regular aftercare consultations.
For a patient who wishes to have temporary myopia reduction of myopia, ortho-k is one (but not the only) alternative. The patient is strongly advised to seek professional advice from her/his optometrist, to find out clearly what ortho-k involves for her/him, to avoid using the treatment cost to determine where s/he should have the treatment, and after commencing the treatment, to be strictly compliant. (See Appendix D:Compliance for further information) Rapport and communication between the patient and her/his optometrist is very important to
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avoid unrealistic expectations
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maximise safety
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allow the patient to enjoy healthy lens wear
No treatment is without risk, but careful compliance by the users will reduce the chance of serious complications to a minimum.