Common Exam Room Questions?
Is OrthoK new?
No. OrthoK has been performed for decades.
Why have I not heard of OrthoK?
OrthoK is an area of specialty within Optometry. We are proudly one of only a few members in the area who are a part of the American Academy of Orthokeratology & Myopia Control. As members of the AAOMC, we are informed of the latest advancements and research world-wide. In addition, we are a part of an international google group which allows members to speak daily concerning the latest news and allows us to be a resource for each other.
Not all eyecare providers have chosen to dedicate themselves to this specialty, which unfortunately has led to misinformation and/or poor results with this amazing treatment. Due to lack of knowledge, it is often not given as an option of treatment if a provider does not perform OrthoK. Within our own practice, we had been limited to certain prescriptions, therefore we could not provide it as an option of correction for all patients in the past. With recent advances we now are able to offer OrthoK to a patients who are nearsighted, farsighted, astigmatism and presbyopia.
Can everyone do OrthoK?
Not all patients will be candidates for OrthoK. However, as WAVE certified doctors, we use a special software program to design customizable lenses for each patient. This allows us to design lenses for low prescriptions, but also high myopia, astigmatism, hyperopia and astigmatism.
What are the Risks of OrthoK wear?
OrthoK has shown to be a safe method of treatment. Studies have shown the rate of infection with OrthoK is similar to other modalities of contact lens wear.
How do the lenses feel?
The majority of patients are aware of the lenses for the first several nights before the eyes are closed. Comfort greatly improves even on the first night as soon as the eyes are closed to go to sleep. Because the lenses are worn only while sleeping, adaption to lens comfort is generally achieved within the first several weeks of wear.
Can my child have Lasik when they get older?
Because of the reversibility of OrthoK and the results of myopia control, performing OrthoK in children will allow them to be candidates for other corrective procedures in the future which they may have been excluded from if they continue to have a high myopic progression.
How much does OrthoK cost?
The entire program your first year, which includes your professional services and your retainer lens starts as low as $900 per eye.
Do I have to pay this fee every year?
No, after you complete the initial treatment, you will continue to have your yearly eye examination and annual OrthoK reevaluation which includes a new set of lenses.
Is financing available?
Yes, we accept Care Credit which offers 6 and 12 month, no interest financing.
What do I do if I am interested in OrthoK?
Call our office at 321-724-2020 and our staff will schedule you for an exam. Please inform our team member you are interested in OrthoK. The doctor will perform a comprehensive exam and speak with you concerning OrthoK and all options available.
The following studies have shown the benefits of orthokeratology in slowing the progression of nearsightedness:
LORIC (Long Term Ortho-K Research In Children)
CLAMP (Contact Lens And Myopia Progression)
COMET (Correction of Myopia Evaluation Trial)
CRAYON (Corneal Reshaping and Yearly Observation of Nearsightedness)
COOKI (Children's Overnight Orthokeratology Investigation)
SMART (Stabilization of Myopia through Accelerated Reshaping Technologies)
CANDY (Controlling Astigmatism and Nearsightedness in Developing Youth
Is OrthoK new?
No. OrthoK has been performed for decades.
Why have I not heard of OrthoK?
OrthoK is an area of specialty within Optometry. We are proudly one of only a few members in the area who are a part of the American Academy of Orthokeratology & Myopia Control. As members of the AAOMC, we are informed of the latest advancements and research world-wide. In addition, we are a part of an international google group which allows members to speak daily concerning the latest news and allows us to be a resource for each other.
Not all eyecare providers have chosen to dedicate themselves to this specialty, which unfortunately has led to misinformation and/or poor results with this amazing treatment. Due to lack of knowledge, it is often not given as an option of treatment if a provider does not perform OrthoK. Within our own practice, we had been limited to certain prescriptions, therefore we could not provide it as an option of correction for all patients in the past. With recent advances we now are able to offer OrthoK to a patients who are nearsighted, farsighted, astigmatism and presbyopia.
Can everyone do OrthoK?
Not all patients will be candidates for OrthoK. However, as WAVE certified doctors, we use a special software program to design customizable lenses for each patient. This allows us to design lenses for low prescriptions, but also high myopia, astigmatism, hyperopia and astigmatism.
What are the Risks of OrthoK wear?
OrthoK has shown to be a safe method of treatment. Studies have shown the rate of infection with OrthoK is similar to other modalities of contact lens wear.
How do the lenses feel?
The majority of patients are aware of the lenses for the first several nights before the eyes are closed. Comfort greatly improves even on the first night as soon as the eyes are closed to go to sleep. Because the lenses are worn only while sleeping, adaption to lens comfort is generally achieved within the first several weeks of wear.
Can my child have Lasik when they get older?
Because of the reversibility of OrthoK and the results of myopia control, performing OrthoK in children will allow them to be candidates for other corrective procedures in the future which they may have been excluded from if they continue to have a high myopic progression.
How much does OrthoK cost?
The entire program your first year, which includes your professional services and your retainer lens starts as low as $900 per eye.
Do I have to pay this fee every year?
No, after you complete the initial treatment, you will continue to have your yearly eye examination and annual OrthoK reevaluation which includes a new set of lenses.
Is financing available?
Yes, we accept Care Credit which offers 6 and 12 month, no interest financing.
What do I do if I am interested in OrthoK?
Call our office at 321-724-2020 and our staff will schedule you for an exam. Please inform our team member you are interested in OrthoK. The doctor will perform a comprehensive exam and speak with you concerning OrthoK and all options available.
The following studies have shown the benefits of orthokeratology in slowing the progression of nearsightedness:
LORIC (Long Term Ortho-K Research In Children)
CLAMP (Contact Lens And Myopia Progression)
COMET (Correction of Myopia Evaluation Trial)
CRAYON (Corneal Reshaping and Yearly Observation of Nearsightedness)
COOKI (Children's Overnight Orthokeratology Investigation)
SMART (Stabilization of Myopia through Accelerated Reshaping Technologies)
CANDY (Controlling Astigmatism and Nearsightedness in Developing Youth
Additional Sources of Information: