Anyone have more info on Orthokeratology (aka Ortho-K) ???

Discussion in 'Optometry Archives' started by Jambo, Jun 22, 2005.

  1. Jambo

    Jambo Guest

    also, has anyone here had the experience of this technique?
     
    Jambo, Jun 22, 2005
    #1
    1. Advertisements

  2. Jambo

    JamesM Guest

    I haven't but you can find lots of information on the online
    encyclopedia at http://wikipedia.org

    It has quite a lot about vision in subcategories of "Ophthalmology"
    like glaucoma, retinal detachment, myopia, etc..

    If you haven't heard about it yet its an interesting site. It has
    millions of entries and anybody can contribute.

    If you don't like what you read you can correct it and insert your own
    opinion. Also each page has a discussion section at the top where you
    can argue with people you disagree with
     
    JamesM, Jun 23, 2005
    #2
    1. Advertisements

  3. Jambo

    otisbrown Guest

    Dear Jambo,

    I have not have the "experience" of this
    technique, but the background is that
    it was used by pilots to clear vision
    from about -0.5 diopters to
    about -3 diopters.

    It costs about $1600, but depends
    on how many "retainers" are required
    to "keep" 20/20 vision.

    There are now "over-night" ortho-K,
    were you sleep in the lens and
    keep 20/20 in the day time.

    I am certain there are sites
    discussing Ortho-K (by other
    names) for your interest and
    others will post reference to them.

    Otis
     
    otisbrown, Jun 23, 2005
    #3
  4. Jambo

    David Guest

    Jambo,

    I am having an ortho-k lens fitted this afternoon, and will be wearing
    it overnight. I will let you know how I get on.
    this contact lens should help my unusually shaped astigmatism when
    other toric lenses have failed.

    The lens is hard, and is shaped specifically for the wearers eye. The
    front of the lens is slightly flat, putting slight pressure on the soft
    cornea and therefore changes it shape to provide 20/20 vision.

    Apart from my unusual prescription, wearing this lens overnnight is
    better than wearing regular lenses throughout the day. Regular lenses
    cut off some oxygen to the eye, are easy to get dirty, and can move
    around in the eye if they dry out. Wearing an ortho-k lens removes
    these problems as they eye is closed during the night.

    Of course, all this is useless unless the lens is comfortable to sleep
    in and successfully corrects the prescription. Both aspects I can
    feedback on tomorrow morning!

    David
     
    David, Jun 29, 2005
    #4
  5. Jambo

    otisbrown Guest

    Dear David,

    Could you give us your initial prescription -- and an estimate
    about the time it will take to clear to 20/20.

    Also an estimate of the cost of Ortho-K.

    Thanks,

    Otis
     
    otisbrown, Jun 29, 2005
    #5
  6. Jambo

    David Guest

     
    David, Jun 29, 2005
    #6
  7. Jambo

    David Guest

    Otis,

    First of all, I have very unusual eyes! So be warned!

    My left eye is a lazy eye and has a nominal prescription around +0.5.
    I am not having an ortho-k lens fitted for this eye.

    My right eye is my strong eye, but the prescription is -2.75. It has a
    slight astigmatism (cannot remember the exact number) which toric
    contact lenses could not correct. For this reason, I wore spectacles.
    I had given up on contact lenses, and was wary of lasering my cornea to
    bits! A magazine article alerted me to ortho-k, and a local optician
    offered it. I had the initial appointment last week, and the lens
    fitted this afternoon. I am to wear it sleeping tonight.

    The shock of having a hard contact lens was not as bad as I expected.
    I am wearing it for a couple of hours now so I get used to it - don't
    want to have a sleepless night! I think it takes a week or so for it to
    be fully comfortable. I have to wear the lens to the optician for
    another appointment at 9:15am tomorrow. She will then check everything
    went to plan.

    I think there are different types of ortho-k lenses. I am using AOK
    (Accelerated Ortho-K) and - hopefully - most of the correction should
    be done by tomorrow morning! If there is -0.5 or -1.0 diopters still
    to fix, I will be given a contact lens to use during the day.

    I am in the UK, and the initial cost was £149 (around $270). In three
    months time, I will commence a monthly payment of £25 ($45) which will
    pay for my next lens.

    The lens has been in for around 30 mins, and it's a bit blurry, but not
    at all sore. Will let you know tomorrow how I got on.

    David
     
    David, Jun 29, 2005
    #7
  8. Do tell us how it turns out. I've been toying with the idea of
    investing in this system, but have been pretty leery of it.

    w.stacy, o.d.
     
    William Stacy, Jun 30, 2005
    #8
  9. Jambo

    Jambo Guest

    Yes David, ..please let us know how it goes... comfort, price,
    etc...much appreciated! I was particularly interested in knowing how
    long the process would take to achieve perfect vision, and how
    frequently will the retainer lenses have to be worn after the fact.

    Jambo
     
    Jambo, Jun 30, 2005
    #9
    1. Advertisements

Ask a Question

Want to reply to this thread or ask your own question?

You'll need to choose a username for the site, which only take a couple of moments (here). After that, you can post your question and our members will help you out.