Orthokeratology is a non surgical treatment that uses precise specially shaped contact lenses to temporarily reshape the
cornea in order to eliminate nearsightedness or myopia so that you can see better at distance without wearing eyeglasses or
your even your regular contact lenses throughout the day. Most often the doctor will prescribe specially designed rigid gas
permeable (RGP) contact lenses that can gradually alter the shape of the cornea and temporarily eliminate myopia.
Orthokeratology is a non-surgical method of correcting your vision.
Orthokeratology Process
Orthokeratology involves first measuring the refraction of your eye which tells the doctor the amount of
nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism you may have. Next it will be necessary to map the shape of the front surface of the
eye using and instrument called a corneal topographer. Based on the digital map of your eye and the amount of your prescription
to be reversed, the eye doctor will develop an exact shape and set of parameters necessary to prescribe in order to obtain the
desired effect on your corneal shape. The special contacts are manufactured to exact specifications for your eyes. They will
initially be worn for about 8 hours daily until proper correction is achieved and your vision is improved. Sometimes,
your doctor will actually prescribe a wearing schedule whereby you will only need to wear the lenses while you sleep. After that,
the lenses may only need to be worn a few hours a day for about 3 days a week to keep the cornea in the shape necessary to
allow you to see clearly. The exact wearing schedule really depends on your eyes and correction and will be determined by your
doctor. Upon removal of the lenses you will be able to obtain improved vision without any corrective lenses. This is a great
alternative for those who are too young to consider LASIK, those whose prescriptions are continuing to change and is especially
useful for youngsters and teenagers involved in sports where wearing contact lenses might be limiting in their sports
activity. A new type of lens and material actually allows accelerated ortho-k that can produce results in days rather than
months.
Orthokeratology ORHTO-K
People are best suited for ORHTO-K are of any age with nearsightedness less than -4.00 diopters and astigmatism less
than -1.50 diopters. There are some candidates that are not suitable for ortho-k and its best to consult your eye doctor.
Orthokeratology Advantages
Non-surgical method
Available for most people
Freedom from constant corrective lens wear
Better Vision Improvement
Orthokeratology ORHTO-K Disadvantages
Longer result time
Not a permanent solution
Higher startup cost than regular contacts or eyeglasses
Currently only for myopia
Paragon Corneal Refractive Therapy CRT
Paragon Corneal Refractive Therapy, or CRT, is similar to ortho-k except that it uses a
special design. Paragon CRTs are "designed oxygen permeable therapeutic contact lens." The mix of advanced computerized mapping
of the eye, computerized manufacturing of the contact lenses, and special oxygen permeable material has given Paragon Visual
Science the first FDA approved nighttime Corneal Refractive Therapy. These special contacts are worn at night and give improved
vision during the daytime. They are suitable to correct myopia up -6.00 diopters with or without astigmatism up to -1.75 diopters.
Most people will see vast improvement the very first few days with full correction in about 14 days. Others may take longer
depending on correction amount and other factors.
Orthokeratology and CRT Cost
Ortho-K and CRT are both more costly at startup than normal contact lenses and eyeglasses. However after the initial
correction retainer contacts to keep the cornea the same shape generally cost around $100 to $200 a pair. Typically cost will
range from $900 to $1800 with two sets of lenses and fittings. Insurance usually does not fully cover these procedures because
they are elective procedure however partial coverage maybe available if normal contact lenses are covered.
Orthokeratology and CRT Conclusion
Orthokeratology and CRT are both treatments designed for people who do not desire refractive surgery and are content with
wearing contact lenses sometimes. These methods do have their risk, mostly the same risk with regular contact wear but also
some others. These risks are best to be explained by your eye care doctor for ortho-k or by a certified paragon practitioner
for CRT.
You can visit the
Paragon CRT site to find a practitioner near you and learn more about Corneal Refractive Therapy lenses.
Do you have a question about Orthokeratology? Ask an ophthalmologist a question about orthokeratology by clicking here.
