What Are Ortho-K Lenses?
Ortho-K Lenses, also known as orthokeratology lenses, are designed for overnight wear. These night-time contact lenses are designed to gently reshape the cornea during sleep. This process provides temporary vision correction, reducing the need for glasses or daytime contact lenses.
How Do Ortho-K Lenses Work?
As night-time lenses, Ortho-K lenses are worn to sleep. As the wearer sleeps, the closed eyelids keep the lenses in place, which, in turn, gently reshape and flatten the cornea (front surface of the eye). By flattening the cornea, images can be focused on the retina, enabling clear vision throughout the day, even after the lenses are removed.
Benefits of Ortho-K Lenses
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Slow Myopia Progression with Ease
Research indicates that Ortho-K can slow down myopia progression in children by approximately 50%, without the use of glasses or daytime contact lenses.
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Freedom and Convenience
Ortho-K lenses eliminate the need for glasses or daytime contact lenses, which can often get in the way of individuals with active lifestyles.
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Enhanced Performance and Confidence
By removing the need for glasses, Ortho-K lenses provide a wider field of view with unrestricted peripheral vision, empowering individuals with improved confidence and enabling them to perform at their best.
Who Are Ortho-K Lenses Suitable For?
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Children & Adults Managing Myopia
Ortho-K is most suitable for individuals with mild to rapidly progressive myopia (with or without mild astigmatism). For children, the ideal age for managing myopia is between 6 and 12 years old, when progression is most pronounced.
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Individuals Seeking Alternatives to Traditional Corrective Eyewear
Ortho-K offers an ideal solution for children and adults seeking alternatives to traditional corrective eyewear like glasses and daytime contact lenses. This option is also suitable for individuals looking to go glasses-free but are not eligible for LASIK.
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Active Individuals & Professionals
Ortho-K lenses are particularly useful for sporty individuals or people working in dusty environments, as they offer clear vision without the inconvenience of glasses or complications of regular contact lenses.
Is Ortho-K Safe?
Ortho-K safety is generally comparable to standard contact lens use when proper hygiene is maintained.
Like other contact lenses, Ortho-K lenses carry a risk of infection with improper care. Adhering to hygiene instructions from the optometrist is therefore important. Likewise, regular visits to the optometrist are essential to monitor eye health and progress.
Ortho-K: To Get or Not to Get?
There are several factors to be considered when deciding whether to get Ortho-K lenses or to go with another vision correction method, such as glasses or LASIK. The table below provides a comparison of Ortho-K lenses against other vision correction methods.
|
Feature |
Ortho-K |
Glasses |
Soft Contact Lenses |
LASIK/PRK |
|
Non-Invasive |
✅ |
✅ |
✅ |
❌ |
|
Glasses-Free Lifestyle |
✅ |
❌ |
✅ |
✅ |
|
Slows Myopia Progression |
✅ |
❌ |
❌ |
❌ |
|
Permanent Vision Correction |
❌ |
❌ |
❌ |
✅ |
|
Reversible Procedure |
✅ |
✅ |
✅ |
❌ |
|
Unrestricted Peripheral Vision |
✅ |
❌ |
✅ |
✅ |
Why Get Ortho-K with Kacee Eye Care?
Kacee Eye Care prioritises your vision and comfort with our Ortho-K lens services.
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Personalised Fit
We provide personalised fittings to help ensure comfort and promote optimal vision outcomes with Ortho-K lenses.
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Experienced Optometrist
Kacee Eye Care specialises in Ortho-K, and our optometrist, Amanda Ng, has more than 10 years of experience in fitting Ortho-K lenses.
She is also an Ortho-K consultant who trains other eye care professionals in Asia Pacific on Ortho-K fitting and advises on their Ortho-K fitting issues.
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FDA & HSA-Approved
Our Ortho-K lenses are FDA- and HSA-approved and are made from breathable materials so as to fit comfortably and safely on the eye.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ortho-K Lenses
What is the price for Ortho-K lenses in Singapore?
The price of Ortho-Klenses varies based on several factors, which we can assess during your examination. Generally, prices start from around S$2,000 for an annual package.
Is orthokeratology lenses safe?
Yes, orthokeratology lenses are safe when used properly. Our lenses are FDA- and HSA-approved, made from high-quality, breathable materials. Risks can be further minimised by following your optometrist's hygiene and care instructions.
Is Ortho-K a permanent or temporary vision correction method?
Ortho-K is a temporary method to change the cornea's shape. Regular use is necessary to maintain clear vision.
Do I need regular check-ups while using Ortho-K lenses?
Yes, regular eye check-ups are essential while using Ortho-K lenses. These appointments allow your optometrist to monitor eye health, ensure proper lens fit, and assess the effectiveness of lenses.
Does orthokeratology slow down myopia progression?
Yes. Clinical studies indicate that it can reduce the rate of myopia worsening by approximately 50% in children. By reshaping the cornea overnight, Ortho-K lenses help control the elongation of the eyeball, a key factor in myopia progression.
Are all children suitable for Ortho-K?
Not all children are suitable candidates for Ortho-K. Your optometrist will conduct a thorough assessment of your child's eyes and individual needs to determine if this is right for them.