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What is Orthok ?
Orthok is a specialised, non-surgical process that temporarily reshapes the corneas with special moulds while you sleep. These are removed on waking to provide you with clear vision all through the day without need for glasses or any other vision correction. The moulds are made of special oxygen-permeable material that allow safe overnight wear. Mike and Maria Jackson are experienced orthok practitioners with over 15 years of experience and hundreds of successful cases. They have run courses teaching other optometrists both here in Australia and overseas. |
How does it work ?
You can think of orthokeratology like orthodontics. It's somewhat like wearing braces for the eyes, but very gentle braces in the form of specially designed moulds. Just as an orthodontist adjusts braces to straighten teeth, your orthokeratologist (optometrist) will use custom fabricated contact moulds to reshape your eyes until they have reached an optimum vision correction shape.
The mould induces hydrostatic pressures in the tear film between the mould and the eye. With the change in the shape of the eye there will be a change in the focusing power of the eye. The structure and integrity of the cornea is not effected. The cells return to their normal shape within a few days if orthokeratology is discontinued.
The parameters (shape) of the mould need to be worked out extremely precisely for the correct change in surface power to occur. This is why it will take a few visits to get the fitting right and these are covered the in the fees.
How long does it take ?
Most patients have rapid improvement in the first few days of treatment and achieve their optimum vision in the first 10-14 days.
Is it permanent ?
No, its is temporary. If you stop wearing the moulds regularly while you sleep your vision will return to its original state in as little as 72 hours. With consistent nightly wear you will have good consistent vision that lasts through the whole day. In rare cases the effect can still last if the person skips a night.
Are there any risks involved ?
Orthok as a safe and effective way of correcting your vision. The system for cleaning and maintaining the moulds is easy to use. A study published by the School of Optometry and Vision Science at the University of New South Wales, Australia found that while there are some 700 cases of vision loss reported per 100,000 refractive surgeries such as Lasik, only 50 out of 100,000 contact lens wearers suffer from contact lens-related corneal infections every year and only six (6) out of 100,000 contact lens wearers suffer some form of vision loss each year. Corneal infections are the greatest risk to OrthoK patients but the risk is very low and can be reduced by following proper lens care and handling instructions from your optometrist.
How much does it cost ?
Prices start from $900 to fit one eye which is most popular for those who need reading glasses. For others who need both eyes treated to see in the distance it is $1500 and increases depending on the prescription.
Is it uncomfortable ?
No. Initially, most people have “lens awareness”, but no pain. After the first one to two weeks, the awareness subsides for most patients.
Are there any age restrictions ?
No. We have successfully fitted patients as young as 8 into orthok lenses with the help of their parents. It can be a great option for children and teens that are active in sports or other activities where glasses would get in the way. Visual requirements for individual patients can be made after an assessment with your optometrist.
If I discontinue Orthok will my vision return to normal ? What happens if I lose one of the moulds ?
In both studies and wide clinical experience it has been shown that Orthok is always reversible - even in those who have worn the moulds nightly for over 10 years. This means that you will need to maintain your nightly use to keep good vision but also means that the mould design can be updated and changed as necessary if your eyes change.
Therefore if you lose one of the moulds you vision will be slightly blurry the next day and return to normal soon after. Having a spare is always valuable.
Does my private health fund cover Orthok ?
Yes. If you are covered for optical then there will be a rebate you can claim. At this time Medicare does not pay any benefit towards orthok.
I suffer from dry eyes. Am I a candidate for orthok ?
Absolutely. One of the problems with soft contact lens is the feeling of drying that will happen during the day. Air conditioning , computer use and various medications can reduce the number of hours you can comfortably wear contacts during the day.
With orthok you have NOTHING in your eyes during the day so there is nothing to dry out. In addition the lenses cannot fall out or float away in the water because you have nothing on. Michael, one of the optometrists who works here, has been successfully wearing orthok lenses for over fifteen years despite having moderate dry eye.
I have astigmatism. Am I a candidate for orthok ?
Yes, although we would need to assess you first before proceeding. Astigmatism comes in different forms and degrees and orthok has progressed a lot in this area in the last few years. Many of our current successful patients have varying degrees of astigmatism so all you need to do is ask.
If I wear reading glasses, progressive lenses or bifocals am I a good candidate for orthok ?
Yes. This is an exciting new area that orthok has expanded into with new designs. In the past it was only short-sighted people with low prescriptions that could be fitted but we now can help those who use reading glasses and even multifocals. Maria, one of our optometrists has been using orthok for several years now to eliminate the need for reading glasses.
Can I see with my orthok moulds in ?
Yes. One of the great features of the orthok moulds is that if you get up in the middle of the night you will still be able to see perfectly. You will have great vision with the moulds on and off.
I am considering orthok but my friends have had lasik. What is the difference ?
There are important differences between a permanent surgical procedure and the gentle adjustment that is orthok. Laser surgery is not always 100% successful but is not reversible. Orthok is always reversible so an unsuccessful fit will not be a long-term problem. In addition Orthok is always adjustable if the eyes change and you have the freedom to move between Orthok , spectacles or contact lenses as desired.
You can think of orthokeratology like orthodontics. It's somewhat like wearing braces for the eyes, but very gentle braces in the form of specially designed moulds. Just as an orthodontist adjusts braces to straighten teeth, your orthokeratologist (optometrist) will use custom fabricated contact moulds to reshape your eyes until they have reached an optimum vision correction shape.
The mould induces hydrostatic pressures in the tear film between the mould and the eye. With the change in the shape of the eye there will be a change in the focusing power of the eye. The structure and integrity of the cornea is not effected. The cells return to their normal shape within a few days if orthokeratology is discontinued.
The parameters (shape) of the mould need to be worked out extremely precisely for the correct change in surface power to occur. This is why it will take a few visits to get the fitting right and these are covered the in the fees.
How long does it take ?
Most patients have rapid improvement in the first few days of treatment and achieve their optimum vision in the first 10-14 days.
Is it permanent ?
No, its is temporary. If you stop wearing the moulds regularly while you sleep your vision will return to its original state in as little as 72 hours. With consistent nightly wear you will have good consistent vision that lasts through the whole day. In rare cases the effect can still last if the person skips a night.
Are there any risks involved ?
Orthok as a safe and effective way of correcting your vision. The system for cleaning and maintaining the moulds is easy to use. A study published by the School of Optometry and Vision Science at the University of New South Wales, Australia found that while there are some 700 cases of vision loss reported per 100,000 refractive surgeries such as Lasik, only 50 out of 100,000 contact lens wearers suffer from contact lens-related corneal infections every year and only six (6) out of 100,000 contact lens wearers suffer some form of vision loss each year. Corneal infections are the greatest risk to OrthoK patients but the risk is very low and can be reduced by following proper lens care and handling instructions from your optometrist.
How much does it cost ?
Prices start from $900 to fit one eye which is most popular for those who need reading glasses. For others who need both eyes treated to see in the distance it is $1500 and increases depending on the prescription.
Is it uncomfortable ?
No. Initially, most people have “lens awareness”, but no pain. After the first one to two weeks, the awareness subsides for most patients.
Are there any age restrictions ?
No. We have successfully fitted patients as young as 8 into orthok lenses with the help of their parents. It can be a great option for children and teens that are active in sports or other activities where glasses would get in the way. Visual requirements for individual patients can be made after an assessment with your optometrist.
If I discontinue Orthok will my vision return to normal ? What happens if I lose one of the moulds ?
In both studies and wide clinical experience it has been shown that Orthok is always reversible - even in those who have worn the moulds nightly for over 10 years. This means that you will need to maintain your nightly use to keep good vision but also means that the mould design can be updated and changed as necessary if your eyes change.
Therefore if you lose one of the moulds you vision will be slightly blurry the next day and return to normal soon after. Having a spare is always valuable.
Does my private health fund cover Orthok ?
Yes. If you are covered for optical then there will be a rebate you can claim. At this time Medicare does not pay any benefit towards orthok.
I suffer from dry eyes. Am I a candidate for orthok ?
Absolutely. One of the problems with soft contact lens is the feeling of drying that will happen during the day. Air conditioning , computer use and various medications can reduce the number of hours you can comfortably wear contacts during the day.
With orthok you have NOTHING in your eyes during the day so there is nothing to dry out. In addition the lenses cannot fall out or float away in the water because you have nothing on. Michael, one of the optometrists who works here, has been successfully wearing orthok lenses for over fifteen years despite having moderate dry eye.
I have astigmatism. Am I a candidate for orthok ?
Yes, although we would need to assess you first before proceeding. Astigmatism comes in different forms and degrees and orthok has progressed a lot in this area in the last few years. Many of our current successful patients have varying degrees of astigmatism so all you need to do is ask.
If I wear reading glasses, progressive lenses or bifocals am I a good candidate for orthok ?
Yes. This is an exciting new area that orthok has expanded into with new designs. In the past it was only short-sighted people with low prescriptions that could be fitted but we now can help those who use reading glasses and even multifocals. Maria, one of our optometrists has been using orthok for several years now to eliminate the need for reading glasses.
Can I see with my orthok moulds in ?
Yes. One of the great features of the orthok moulds is that if you get up in the middle of the night you will still be able to see perfectly. You will have great vision with the moulds on and off.
I am considering orthok but my friends have had lasik. What is the difference ?
There are important differences between a permanent surgical procedure and the gentle adjustment that is orthok. Laser surgery is not always 100% successful but is not reversible. Orthok is always reversible so an unsuccessful fit will not be a long-term problem. In addition Orthok is always adjustable if the eyes change and you have the freedom to move between Orthok , spectacles or contact lenses as desired.
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Disadvantages Of Orthok
The risks are the same as for other contact lens wearers.
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Disadvantages of using LASIK surgery
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