Ortho K

What is Ortho K?

'Ortho K' is a Non-Surgical, Non-Invasive, safe therapy which is a reversible treatment to correct focus blur for many people, including Short-Sightedness (Myopia), Astigmatism, Longsightedness (Hyperopia) and now even Presbyopia (difficulty at near vision with advancing years).

It works by using our surface mapping corneal topography data from your eye combined with the latest software technology of custom contact lenses designed to gently reshape your corneal shape which corrects your vision while you sleep. The result is during the day you are free from having to wear any contact lens or glasses!

The Real Bonus for Myopic kids are that these lenses also slow the rate of increase in Myopia. We use this for children as their first correction, so although its hard to believe and sounds to good to be true many of our children patients now don't get glasses for short-sight at all,they go straight to Ortho K!

Check out what Emily and Max have to say about their OrthoK experience.

The Americans call Ortho K Corneal Molding, not to worry it is the same thing.

For more information on how Ortho K can be used to reduce the impacts of Myopia, see this article.

Tim's Top Reasons Why Ortho K is Awesome

  • Your kids get a whole day of sharp vision without contacts or glasses.
  • You have the chance to slow or halt the rate of Myopia Progression for your growing kids.
  • Your active kids have nothing to wear on their eyes in the rough and tumble of Kiwi Sport.
  • Kids can swim with nothing on their eyes and walk straight to their towel!
  • Young folks under 21 who can’t have laser surgery as their focus is not yet settled, but Ortho K can improve vision just as well without the costs, pain or risks of surgery.
  • Waking up in the morning and seeing the alarm clock without glasses.
  • You gain control of the correction of your children’s vision and their future eye health.
  • Happy, smiling, confident kids that don’t need glasses to see you.
Children jumping into water
An eye examination at Shattky Optometrists

Ortho K Fitting Process

We take the time, We train you correctly, We get the successes!

  • Ortho K Screening appointment to do Corneal Topography, Biomicroscopy, assess suitability of Prescription
  • Comprehensive eye examination appointment (if you have not recently had one)
  • Ortho K Fitting appointment if Screening results are good
  • Training on Contact lenses insertion & removal and supply of first Contact lenses
  • Payment in Full or setup Ortho K Payment Plan to us
  • Review the next day and possibly alter the contact lenses
  • Review in the days that follow as we refine the lens design
  • When clarity of vision for the whole day achieved we go to 6 monthly follow-ups

If this sounds appealing to you, click here to book an Ortho K Screening appointment now.

Ortho K Facts

Myopia Control is a specialty within Optometry that is focused on slowing down or stopping the progression or worsening of Myopia (short sightedness) in children and young adults, rather than just fitting with glasses and forgetting about them until it gets worse.

The long term advantage for these kids is a reduction of; the need for spectacles, dependence on contact lenses, thinner spectacle lenses when needed and a significant reduction in the risks with sight-threatening complications from higher Myopia in later life.

Ortho K is an excellent technique for Myopia Control. There are other techniques of vision correction available to help. But its important to understand that they are not all equal in their ability to control the myopia progression.

To read more about the other options our Myopia Control Page explains more.

Eye examination equipment

Ortho K FAQs

Will Ortho K improve my child’s vision better than traditional glasses or contacts?

Wearing Ortho K Lenses will give you the same or better vision than glasses or day time contact lenses. Ortho K is designed to correct short sightedness (Myopia) while you sleep at night allowing clear vision over the day. There is a strong body of evidence showing that Ortho K lenses help in slowing the progression of myopia, and in some cases even halting it’s progression.

What is the cost of Ortho K?

For most patients the average cost is between $3-5 per day for the first year and $1-2 per day in subsequent years.

Why haven’t I seen Ortho K ads on TV?

Since it’s FDA approval in 2002, Ortho K lenses have only been promoted by individual Optometrists who have invested in the technology and completed a certification process prior to fitting Ortho K lenses.

How long does it take to start working?

Most patients see dramatic improvement in the first few days, with complete correction achieved within 1-2 weeks.

Is Ortho K safe?

Yes, Ortho K is completely safe and it’s reversible. If you stop wearing the lenses regularly while you sleep, your vision will return to its original state in as little as 72 hours.

Who can receive Ortho K?

Most people's eyes can have Orthokeratology with the Paragon Corneal Refractive Therapy (CRT) contact lenses, however, not everyone is suitable. Myopia and low amounts of Astigmatism can be treated. And we are now delighted to say that low to moderate amounts of Long-sightedness (Hyperopia) can also be treated!

Is Ortho K permanent?

No. It's temporary. If you stop wearing the lenses regularly while you sleep, your vision will return to its original state in as little as 72 hours.

Are there any risks involved?

There is a small risk involved when any contact lens is worn. It is not expected that the Ortho K Contact Lenses will provide a risk that is greater than other contact lenses. There were no serious adverse events reported in the Ortho K Contact lenses with the Paragon CRT FDA clinical study.

Can I see with my Ortho K Contact Lenses in?

Yes. One of the great features of Ortho K Contact Lenses is that if you get up in the middle of the night, you will be able to see perfectly. You will enjoy great vision with your Ortho K Contact Lenses on or off.

How do I care for my Ortho K lenses?

Your lenses should be chemically disinfected after every use (not heat). We will instruct you about which care system is best for you.

Do Ortho K lenses hurt?

No! Most patients are surprised at how wonderfully comfortable they are. There may be some initial lens awareness but this is minimal, and because your eyes are closed when you sleep in them at night, you may feel nothing at all.

Can Ortho K lenses damage my eyes?

Any soft, hard or Ortho K Contact Lenses can damage your eyes or cause an infection if it is not worn correctly, handled incorrectly or fitted appropriately. Your optometrist will explain all the correct handling and teach you the correct techniques to avoid these problems.

Come in and see us

Kiwi's know that good things take time, so come to us, have the tests done without feeling that you have been "rushed thru", and you'll know what we mean when we say "we take the time!"

Book appointment

Come in and see us

Kiwi's know that good things take time, so come to us, have the tests done without feeling that you have been "rushed thru", and you'll know what we mean when we say "we take the time!"

Book appointment