Orthokeratology (CRT & VST)

Orthokeratology, commonly called ortho-k, corrects myopia and astigmatism by using rigid gas permeable lenses worn overnight, so patients can see clearly during the day without corrective lenses.

You insert specialized gas permeable (GP) lenses at bedtime and wear them while you sleep. Overnight, the lenses gently reshape your cornea so your vision is clear in the morning. The correction is temporary, and you may not need eyeglasses or contact lenses for the next day or two. To maintain clear vision, you need to wear ortho-k lenses each night.

The FDA currently approves three brands of orthokeratology contact lenses. These include Euclid Emerald®, Paragon Vision Sciences® Corneal Refractive Therapy (CRT), and Bausch + Lomb® Vision Shaping Treatment (VST).

Candidates for Ortho-K

Ortho-k works well for nearsighted patients who are not candidates for vision correction surgery, including children. Patients of all ages with healthy eyes can try ortho-k because they can stop treatment at any time without permanent effects.

People who play sports or work in dusty environments often prefer the convenience of ortho-k.

Vision Results from Orthokeratology

Success rates for ortho-k are higher for mild vision prescriptions. The goal is to provide 20/20 vision without eyeglasses or contacts during the day.

According to FDA trials conducted on both VST &  CRT contacts, more than 65% of ortho-k patients achieved 20/20 visual acuity. More than 90% of ortho-k patients achieved 20/40 vision or better, which meets driving requirements in most states. Consult your eye doctor to determine if your prescription qualifies for ortho-k.

Most patients notice improved vision within a day or two, but full results may take a few weeks of consistent wear. During this transition, vision may be less sharp, and glare or halos may occur. Until ortho-k takes full effect, you may need temporary eyeglasses for tasks such as driving at night.

How Does Ortho-K Feel?

Although some people struggle with gas permeable lenses during the day, they wear ortho-k lenses while they sleep, reducing discomfort.

Is Ortho-k Expensive?

Professional fitting for ortho-k requires a series of visits to your eye doctor. Your eye doctor may use multiple pairs of lenses during the fitting process. GP lenses used for ortho-k cost more than standard contacts. Overall, ortho-k costs more than regular contact lenses.

LASIK after Ortho-K

Some consider ortho-k a non-surgical alternative to LASIK. Patients can still undergo refractive surgery, such as LASIK, after ortho-k treatment. Because ortho-k reshapes the cornea, you must stop wearing the lenses for several months before LASIK. This allows your eyes to return to their original shape.

Inform your LASIK surgeon if you have used ortho-k lenses so they can advise how long to wait before surgery.