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Orthokeratology at Wicks Eyecare

What is Orthokeratology?

Orthokeratology, commonly referred to as ortho-k, is a non-surgical procedure that uses specially designed rigid gas-permeable contact lenses to correct myopia (nearsightedness) and astigmatism. Worn overnight, these lenses gently reshape the cornea—the front surface of the eye—allowing you to see clearly the following day without the need for glasses or daytime contact lenses.

Our Keilor optometrists utilise advanced corneal topography to custom-design lenses for each patient, ensuring a precise fit and optimal vision correction. This method not only corrects refractive errors but is also an effective therapeutic approach for slowing the progression of myopia in children and adolescents.1

Who Are Good Candidates for Ortho-K?

Ortho-k is particularly suitable for:

  • Individuals with mild to moderate myopia and astigmatism
  • Children and teenagers whose myopia is progressing
  • Active individuals and athletes who prefer not to wear corrective lenses
  • Those seeking a non-surgical alternative to LASIK
  • Patients who experience dry eyes due to daytime contact lens wear

The Benefits of Ortho-K

  1. Myopia Control: Clinical studies have demonstrated that ortho-k can significantly slow the progression of myopia in children, thereby reducing the risk of developing associated ocular diseases later in life.2
  2. Clear Daytime Vision: Enjoy the freedom of no daytime glasses or contacts.
  3. Lifestyle Freedom: Ideal for sports and other activities where glasses and contacts might be inconvenient.
  4. Safety: Ortho-k is a non-invasive and reversible treatment. If discontinued, the cornea returns to its original shape.

Myopia Control with Ortho-K

Ortho-k is not only about correcting vision but also an effective method for myopia control. Research indicates that ortho-k can reduce the progression of myopia in children by up to 50%. This is particularly effective as the eye tends to grow fastest in childhood, making early treatment crucial.3

Is Ortho-K Safe For Children?

Ortho-k is considered safe for children, with a safety profile comparable to that of wearing daily soft contact lenses.4 We take extra steps to ensure that all patients, especially young ones, are comfortable with using and caring for their lenses. We provide detailed instructions on lens care, regular follow-ups, and support to minimise any risk of infection and ensure the treatment's effectiveness.

At Wicks Eyecare, we are committed to providing our patients with cutting-edge vision correction alternatives like ortho-k that offer more than just sharp vision— they offer a new way of life. Visit us to discover if ortho-k is the right solution for you or your child.

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References

  1. Vincent SJ, Cho P, Chan KY, Fadel D, Ghorbani-Mojarrad N, González-Méijome JM, Johnson L, Kang P, Michaud L, Simard P, Jones L. CLEAR - Orthokeratology. Cont Lens Anterior Eye. 2021 Apr;44(2):240-269.
  2. Brennan NA, Toubouti YM, Cheng X, Bullimore MA. Efficacy in myopia control. Prog Retin Eye Res. 2021 Jul;83:100923.)
  3. Sun Y, Xu F, Zhang T, Liu M, Wang D, Chen Y, Liu Q. Orthokeratology to control myopia progression: a meta-analysis. PLoS One. 2015 Apr 9;10(4):e0124535.
  4. Bullimore MA, Sinnott LT, Jones-Jordan LA. The risk of microbial keratitis with overnight corneal reshaping lenses. Optom Vis Sci. 2013 Sep;90(9):937-4