OrthoKeratology

Ortho-K

Orthokeratology (Ortho-K) refers to a non-surgical treatment that uses specially designed rigid gas-permeable contact lenses worn overnight to reshape the cornea (the clear front surface of the eye). This reshaping temporarily corrects refractive errors like myopia (near-sightedness), and in some cases, astigmatism. The goal is to improve vision throughout the day without the need for glasses or contact lenses, typically after just one night of wear.

Ortho-K works by gently flattening the central portion of the cornea, which changes the way light is focused on the retina. For people with myopia, this reshaping counteracts the elongation of the eye that causes distant objects to appear blurry. The effect is temporary, lasting anywhere from 24 to 48 hours, which means the lenses need to be worn nightly to maintain clear vision.

Ortho-K treatment

At Chapman-Davies, we provide Ortho-K treatment for the purpose of managing and controlling myopia progression. This treatment not only benefits patients by reducing their dependence on glasses or contacts but also helps prevent long-term complications associated with myopia, as myopia rates continue to rise globally.

Benefits

Reduced dependence on glasses or daytime contact lenses

Patients can enjoy clear vision during the day without corrective lenses.

Effective Myopia Control

As myopia increases in children, it can lead to significant health risks like retinal detachment, glaucoma, and macular degeneration. Ortho-K helps slow myopia progression, reducing these risks in the long term. In children, this can be particularly crucial because early onset myopia tends to progress faster.

Non-invasive and Safe

For patients who want to avoid surgical procedures like LASIK or are too young for such treatments, Ortho-K provides a non-invasive option. It is approved for myopia and astigmatism treatment, and studies demonstrate that when used properly, it is both safe and effective.

Customized Care

Each Ortho-K lens is specially fitted to the unique shape of a patient’s eye. This customization makes it a highly effective treatment for myopia and astigmatism, ensuring optimal results in terms of comfort and visual clarity.

Our Role 

Our principal optometrists are uniquely positioned to offer Ortho-K because we have the expertise needed to properly fit and monitor these specialized lenses.

Safe and Correct Fit

Proper fitting is crucial for Ortho-K lenses to work effectively and safely. A poorly fitted lens can cause discomfort or lead to corneal damage.

Customized Treatment

Since the shape of every person’s cornea is different, each lens needs to be customized. Our advanced technology is used to assess and measure the cornea, ensuring the lenses are perfectly matched to the patient's eye.

Ongoing Monitoring

Ortho-K treatment requires continuous evaluation. We monitor the patient’s progress, adjust the lenses as needed, and track the effectiveness of the treatment.