Ortho-Keratology
Also Known as Ortho-K, or OK lens.
Ortho-K is a safe and effective vision correction and myopia control for children to experience clearer vision without glasses / contact lenses during the day.
Suitable for adults and children, Ortho-K means freedom to participate fully in sports and activities where glasses or contact lenses might be inconvenient.
Wondering if Ortho-K is for you? Come in for a consultation! We'll check your eyes and explain how Ortho-K can give you and your child the freedom from glasses or contact lenses.
What to Expect: Guide to Orthokeratology (Ortho-K) in Singapore
Temporary Vision Correction: Ortho-K lenses are worn only at night to gently reshape the cornea (front of your eye) when you sleep. After waking up, users enjoy clear vision which lasts through the day.
Suitable for Myopia: Primarily used to correct near-sightedness (myopia), making it an excellent option for both children and adults who want to be free from glasses or daytime contacts.
Custom-Fitted Lenses: Our optometrist will use a corneal topographer to map your cornea and design custom lenses specifically for your eyes. Non-surgical and non-invasive.
Who Can Benefit from Ortho-K?
Children and Teenagers: Ortho-K slows myopia progression in kids by about 50%, therefore it is ideal for kids with myopia; without proper management, their myopia can worsen even more.
Active Individuals: Great for those who participate in sports and other activities where glasses or daytime contacts are inconvenient, even adults.
How Does Ortho-K Work?
- Corneal Mapping: The cornea is mapped using a corneal topographer, which provides a detailed view of its shape and curvature.
- Lens Design: Based on the corneal map, we design rigid, gas-permeable lenses that are safe for overnight use to reshape the cornea.
- Overnight Wear: Lenses are worn at night, allowing the cornea to be reshaped while you sleep. They are removed in the morning, providing clear vision during the day.
Safety and Considerations
Safety: Ortho-K is generally safe when proper hygiene is maintained, similar to that of normal contact lens use. Regular check-ups with an optometrist are essential.
Note: DO NOT sleep with your regular contact lens! Ortho-K lenses are specially designed for overnight use and are FDA/HSA approved; Ortho-K is different from normal contact lenses!
Infection Risk: Like all contact lenses, Ortho-K lenses carry a risk of infection, especially if not properly cared for.
Regular Monitoring: Continuous use and regular visits to your optometrist are required to maintain vision correction and monitor eye health, mitigating risks with proper guidance.
Cost of Ortho-K in Singapore
Initial Cost: Typically starts from SGD $2000, depending on the complexity of the case for customised lens fitting and follow-up care.
Ongoing Maintenance: Annual costs for lens replacements typically starts from SGD $800, depending on the lenses and packages.
Ortho-K offers a surgery-free option for clear vision, making it an attractive choice for many. Consult with our Singapore-based Internationally Trained Optometrist & Orthokeratologist to see if Ortho-K is right for you.
Ortho-K Videos
No more hassles from glasses or contact lenses
Lifestyle changes with Ortho-K!
Common Questions on Ortho-K
What is Ortho-K
Ortho-K is a non-surgical reversible procedure that uses specially designed and fitted contact lenses to temporarily reshape the cornea gently to allow people to see clearly during the day without glasses or daytime contact lenses.
Clinical studies have demonstrated that Ortho-K can significantly slow the progression of myopia in children by approximately 50%.
This specialised treatment option can help children with vision problems experience clearer vision without glasses during the day. This can allow them to participate fully in activities they enjoy and potentially boost their confidence.
However, it's important to remember that Ortho-K is a medical procedure with its own considerations and needs to be discussed with an optometrist to determine if it's suitable for your child.
Curious about the word Ortho-K? It is short form for OrthoKeratology. Also known as Ortho K or OK lens.
Ortho: Means "straight" or "correct."
Keratology: Refers to the study of the cornea
How does it work?
When you sleep, the lenses reshape the eye's cornea, resulting in clearer vision upon waking up the next day
Benefits for children
Healthy Eye Habits:
- Effective Myopia control: Clinical studies have demonstrated that Ortho-K can significantly slow the progression of myopia in children by approximately 50%.
- Reduced risk of eye injuries: Eliminate the chance of glasses breaking or contacts dislodging during sports or other activities.
- Promotes proper eye hygiene: Daily lens cleaning routine fosters healthy habits for overall eye health.
Freedom and Convenience:
- No more fumbling with glasses or worrying about losing contacts: Enjoy hassle-free activities from sports and swimming to camping and dancing.
- Clear vision, anytime, anywhere: Wake up ready to go, whether it's an early morning run or a spontaneous adventure.
- Reduced reliance on corrective eyewear: Embrace a more natural look and feel confident without glasses obstructing your view.
Enhanced Performance and Confidence:
- Unleash your potential in sports: Eliminate the worry of glasses falling off or contacts drying out during physical activities.
- Boost your self-esteem: Feel more confident and comfortable without glasses interfering with your appearance.
- Embrace a wider field of view: Experience unrestricted peripheral vision for improved depth perception and situational awareness.
Safety and common concerns
- Our Ortho-k lenses are FDA- and HSA- approved. They are made from high-quality, breathable materials and designed to fit comfortably without touching the cornea directly.
- Infection risk is low with proper hygiene. Just like regular contact lenses, following your optometrist's instructions for cleaning and handling is crucial.
- Regular eye exams are essential to monitor progress and eye health. Your child's optometrist will closely track any changes and address any concerns promptly.
- Is it painful? No, not at all! The lenses are inserted while sleeping and feel similar to regular contacts upon removal.
- Can children sleep with them? Yes, they are designed for overnight wear and provide clear vision all day long.
- What happens if they lose a lens? Contact your optometrist immediately for a replacement. Losing a lens won't harm the eye, but it's important to have a backup.
- Is it suitable for all children? Not all children are good candidates. Your optometrist will assess your child's eyes and individual needs to determine if Ortho-k is right for them.
Can adults use Ortho-K?
Yes, most definitely. Ortho-k is suitable for adults and can significantly improve their vision.
Our orthokeratologist will share some important considerations such as compliance, eye health and many more during the consultation, and the difference in expectations as the changes to the cornea may be less permanent than in children. Adults may need periodic "touch-up" treatments to maintain optimal vision.
The best way to determine if Ortho-k is right for you is to consult with an orthokeratologist like Amanda. She will assess your individual needs, expectations, and suitability for the treatment.
Come in for a consultation! We'll check your eyes and explain how Ortho-K can give you the gift of clear vision without glasses!
Compared to Glasses
Ortho-k vs. Glasses:
Pros:
- Glasses: Affordable, easily accessible, no surgery required.
- Ortho-k: No need for glasses all day, convenient for active lifestyles, significantly slows myopia progression for children.
Cons:
- Glasses: Can be inconvenient during sports or activities, may get lost or damaged, can restrict peripheral vision.
- Ortho-k: Requires more care and hygiene compared to glasses, initial cost can be higher, requires overnight lens wear.
Compared to Soft Contact Lenses
Ortho-k vs. Soft Contact Lenses:
Pros:
- Soft contacts: Convenient for all-day wear, readily available, wide range of brands and types to choose from.
- Ortho-k: No need for contacts during the day, significantly slows myopia progression for children.
Cons:
- Soft contacts: Need regular cleaning and replacement, risk of eye infections, can dry out during activities.
- Ortho-k: Requires more care and hygiene compared to soft contacts, initial cost can be higher, requires overnight lens wear.
Compared to Surgeries (e.g. Lasik)
Ortho-k vs. LASIK and PRK:
Pros:
- LASIK/PRK: Permanent vision correction, no need for glasses or contacts after surgery.
- Ortho-k: Reversible procedure, significantly slows myopia progression for children.
Cons:
- LASIK/PRK: Surgery carries risks and potential side effects e.g. dry eyes, not suitable for everyone, can be expensive.
- Ortho-k: Not a permanent solution, requires ongoing lens care and monitoring, not suitable for all eye conditions
What are some tips for healthy vision?
- Maintaining a healthy diet: Certain nutrients are essential for eye health.
- Protecting your eyes from UV rays: Wear sunglasses that block UVA and UVB rays.
- Practicing good digital hygiene: Take breaks from screens to prevent eye strain.
- Giving your eyes a break: Look away from screens frequently and focus on distant objects.
- Getting enough sleep: Allow your eyes to rest and recharge.
- Get regular comprehensive eye exams: A comprehensive eye exam reviews the front, back, pressure of your eyes, in addition to your vision. Early detection of any potential eye problems is crucial for successful treatment and maintaining good vision throughout your life. Certain eye conditions such as glaucoma may result in irreversible vision loss if detected and treated too late.