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Ortho-K

What is Ortho-K?

sleeping for ortho k

Orthokeratology, commonly called ortho-k, is a method used to correct myopia (nearsightedness) or astigmatism by wearing rigid gas permeable contact lenses overnight, so that no corrective lenses are needed during daytime hours.

Gas permeable (GP) lenses specialized for ortho-k are inserted at bedtime and worn as you sleep. Throughout the night, the lenses reshape your cornea gently so that your vision becomes clear on the following morning. The correction is temporary, and ideally no eyeglasses or contact lenses will be needed on the next day or two. In order to maintain sharp visual acuity on a daily basis, you need to wear the ortho-k reshaping lenses every night.

At present, three brands of orthokeratology contact lenses are approved for use by the FDA. Euclid Emerald, usually prescribed for myopia control, Paragon Vision Sciences, who produces “Corneal Refractive Therapy” (CRT), and Bausch and Lomb, who manufactures “Vision Shaping Treatment” (VST).


Best Candidates for Ortho-K

Ortho-k is very suitable for nearsighted people who are not appropriate candidates for vision correction surgery, such as children. Individuals of all ages with healthy eyes can try ortho-k, namely because it can be discontinued at any point without permanent effects to the eyes.

People who require vision correction and engage regularly in sports or work in extremely dusty, dirty environments will also appreciate the convenience of ortho-k.


Vision Results from Orthokeratology

resting after paddle ball

Success rates for ortho-k are generally higher for more mild vision prescriptions. The ideal goal is to provide 20/20 vision without any need for eyeglasses or contacts during the day.

According to FDA trials conducted on both CRT and VST lenses, more than 65% of ortho-k patients achieved 20/20 visual acuity. A whopping number of more than 90% of ortho-k patients achieved 20/40 vision or better (this is the legal requirement for driving without vision correction in most states). Consult with your eye doctor to find out if your vision prescription is within range for successful ortho-k treatment.

Note that although improvement in vision is generally reported within a day or two of wearing ortho-k overnight, the full effects may not be experienced until the lenses are worn for a few weeks. During this transition period, your vision will probably not be as crisp as it was with regular contacts or eyeglasses, and glare or halos around lights may be visible. Until ortho-k works fully, a temporary pair of eyeglasses may be required for specific actions, such as driving at night.

How Does Ortho-k Feel?

Although some people have trouble wearing regular gas permeable contact lenses during the day, ortho-k GP lenses are worn while sleeping – so discomfort and awareness of the lenses in your eyes is generally not an issue.

Is Ortho-k expensive?

Professional fitting for ortho-k requires a series of visits to your eye doctor. A number of pairs of contact lenses are also generally needed. GP lenses that are special for ortho-k are more costly than standard contacts. In sum, the fees for ortho-k add up to a higher total than regular contact lenses.

LASIK after Ortho-k?

Some consider Ortho-K to be a non-surgical alternative to LASIK. Nonetheless, refractive surgeries, such as LASIK, are possible after treatment with ortho-k lenses. Yet because ortho-k works to reshape your cornea, you are required to stop wearing the lenses for approximately several months before undergoing LASIK. This allows your eyes to return to their original shape.

It’s important to inform your LASIK surgeon if you’ve been wearing ortho-k lenses, and you will be advised as to how long of a wait is necessary before having the laser procedure.

Orthokeratology CRT & VST

Imagine freedom from daytime eyewear! Orthokeratology, best known as Ortho-K, are contact lenses which are only worn at night while you sleep, so that you don’t need contacts or eyeglasses during the day.

What Our Patients Are Saying

I always used independent optical services for eyewear thinking they offered better pricing and the most updated styles. After some unpleasant experiences, I decided to try the optical services at Milwaukee Ave Eye Clinic where my long-time ophthalmologist is now located. What a pleasant experience! Renee and others were most helpful in selecting frames as well as securing the best pricing. I am a very happy customer and elated that I found a location for superior optical service. Love my new glasses! I'll be returning.

This eye center is awesome, amazing, so clean, great work in everything, starting with the organized, professional, knowledgeable, and friendly front desk employees, and the excellent staff who is helping the doctors, doctor’s assistants, I visited dr. Thomas Conti, he is an amazing person and professional doctor he’s so adorable, helpful, experienced and I will visit this official again and again, and I would recommend their services to anyone who is looking for professional vision care

Zainab Alabdullah

The new location for Milwaukee Avenue Eye Center is a beautiful new building. Patients are greeted immediately and processed quickly. The doctors are the best. My family has been seeing them for over 25 years. I highly recommend the group for all of your eye issues!

MaryAnne Korkut

I visited Milwaukee Ave. Eye Center on 11/10/ 22.  I had a really good experience.  All of the staff were friendly helpful and professional.  HOWEVER, Wanda Rivera and Renee Coleman were amazing and exceptional.  Wanda took time to find every discount possible.  She also helped me find the perfect pair of glasses with her equally amazing partner Renee.  Renee took so much time with me and worked so hard to help me find styles I didn't think of. She spent so much time and thought to send me home looking my best.  And they both made it so much fun.  I would go back for them anytime!  Loved them!

Sheila Miller

Staff was friendly and knew their work Doctor put me at ease as my visit wasn’t for a normal checkup

Thomas M.