Orthokeratology Treatment on the Gold Coast
Not many people have heard of orthokeratology or ortho-k, but this minimally invasive procedure is quickly gaining popularity as more people learn they have myopia and similar refractive errors. This specialised treatment has been around for decades and continues to improve with advanced technology.
If you currently wear disposable contact lenses, you might want to learn more about specialty corrective lenses since orthokeratology reshapes your cornea while you sleep. Patients with astigmatism used to have few options, but ortho-k lenses can adjust or correct this condition, along with myopia, hyperopia and presbyopia. The cornea holds it's shape through the day, but requires ongoing night time wear to maintain stable clear vision.
Since these lenses are designed using rigid gas-permeable technology, we can recommend them for overnight wears.
Are you ready for a change that doesn't involve eyeglasses or regular contact lenses? Contact your Gold Coast optometry practice in Burleigh Waters or Tweed Heads to ask about ortho-k.
The Purpose of Ortho-K
Ortho-k is geared toward individuals who want to be free of glasses and contact lenses. Patients wear the lenses overnight and take them off when they awake.
Orthokeratology (ortho-k), uses rigid, gas-permeable contact lenses to change the cornea's shape. This can correct myopia, hyperopia, presbyopia, and astigmatism.
Advanced technology has allowed us to map the corneal shape and fabricate lenses to aid vision. Wearing your lenses overnight is now allowable using ortho-k technology, making it a safe alternative to refractive surgery.
While being mouldable, the cornea always reverts to its original shape if the lens no longer is worn. This is why patients wear these lenses every night, or alternate nights after the ideal corneal shape has been achieved to retain the effect.
The Ortho-K Process
Once we have established the proper fit, we will custom fabricate permanent lenses. Patients will need to wear these daily overnight. For the first couple of weeks to a month, it may be good to let your vision rest for day-to-day activities. After 30 days, most patients enjoy excellent vision and comfort throughout the day.
Most visual changes occur quickly within the first few days to two weeks. It is important to maintain frequent consultations to ensure the changes become stable and you adapt well to your lens wear. The average treatment program will have 4-6 visits in the first couple of months. The fees for orthokeratology treatment include all visits in the first year.
Candidates for Ortho-K in Burleigh Waters and Tweed Heads
During your appointment with principal optometrist Andrew Bowden, we initiate an eye exam to determine whether this is a good option for you before completing computerised corneal mapping. Conditions like astigmatism and myopia can be addressed and treated, especially in young children and adolescents with early stage vision changes. Many optometrists have seen how myopia's progression can be slowed with proper treatment.
Once we have determined if ortho-k treatment makes sense for you, we will go over the procedure to know ensure you understand each step of the process and what to expect.
Patients will require several appointments with our optometry clinic. This specialised procedure requires advanced training and modern technological equipment from your ortho-k practitioner. Andrew is proud to offer ortho-k to many satisfied patients, and it is our goal to augment your vision and improve your quality of life.
If you can imagine a day without working with disposable contact lenses or wearing eyeglasses, then we think you will be more than satisfied.
Ortho-K Compared with Laser Surgery (LASIK)
Our patients and staff believe there are numerous benefits to Ortho-K, including:
- Unlike LASIK, ortho-k does not cause haze as a potential side effect
- If there are vision changes, additional surgeries are unnecessary
- This treatment does not require two years of prescription stability
- Ortho-k is a painless treatment with little to no recovery time
- Ortho-k is typically more cost-effective than LASIK
Combining Experience with Skill
Andrew has been providing ortho-k therapy since 2004. We collaborate with patients of any age and prescription types, including hyperopia, presbyopia, myopia, astigmatism and more.
Our goal is to provide a comfortable environment and an individual treatment plan, along with constant communication with your optometrist. We know that improving your vision is an exciting and worthwhile investment, and we are honoured that we can be part of your journey.
Are You Ready to Learn More about Ortho-K?
We don't blame you, this treatment has many advantages that patients love. If you would like to learn more about pain-free and economical therapy, we invite you to contact our optometry clinic in Burleigh Waters or Tweed Heads.
Remember, your eyes are our focus at Envision Optical, and we are so pleased to welcome you.
