Orthokeratology
(Ortho-K or Corneal Reshaping)
Dr. Frost is pleased to offer non-surgical corneal reshaping technology called Ortho K. Ortho-K is safer than LASIK and PRK and can be done on young children to slow the progression of myopia (nearsightedness).
What does the Ortho-K process involve?
Ortho-K involves the overnight wear of gas permeable contact lenses which temporarily reshape the cornea (the clear front of your eyes), which allows you to see without glasses/contacts throughout the day. During the process that takes about one to two weeks, your nearsightedness during the day is gradually reduced close to, and sometimes, zero. If needed, Dr. Frost, will give you temporary disposable contacts or glasses to wear during the day until you reach maximum correction. Some patients, including young children, may only have to wear their Ortho-K lenses only every other day or twice a week at night to maintain excellent vision free from glasses or contacts. It is important for you to disinfect your lenses every time you remove them. Once your fit is done, Dr. Frost recommends you purchase a spare pair of lenses, especially if you travel.
Who Can Benefit from Ortho-K?
Ortho-K is great for sports! It allows athletes to perform without having to wear glasses or contacts. It is also great for those who work in dusty conditions. It is used in young children as part of myopia control, or the slowing of nearsighted progression. This not only allows a child to be less nearsighted, but can reduce the risk of certain eye diseases later in life who affect patients who are highly nearsighted.
Who is a Candidate for Ortho-K?
There are few problems that are contraindications to Ortho-K among them severe dry eye and irregular corneas such as Keratoconus. Dr. Frost has other treatment modalities for these conditions including scleral lenses.
If you have had corneal surgery such as LASIK or PRK, and you are unhappy with your result, Dr. Frost may be able to help you with Ortho-K.
Ortho-K used to only be for nearsighted individuals of lower prescription (up to -4.00), but Dr. Frost has advanced technology and design that allows higher prescriptions to be corrected (up to -10.00 myopia and -4.00 diopters of astigmatism. Also patients who are farsighted and with presbyopia, can benefit from Ortho K.
The lenses used in Ortho-K can last up to 5 years, making it very cost effective, and similar to the cost of regular contact lenses. The cost of Ortho-K is far less than LASIK or PRK.
Does my insurance cover the cost of Ortho-K?
Ortho-K fitting is not covered by any insurance as it is an elective procedure. However, our office takes all major credit cards, Paypal credit, and Care Credit, allowing you to spread out the cost without paying interest.
The lenses used in Ortho-K can last up to 5 years, making it very cost effective, and similar to the cost of regular contact lenses. The cost of Ortho-K is far less than LASIK or PRK. If you do go through the procedure, you do need to have an annual eye exam (billable to insurance or vision plans usually) to make sure your eyes continue to do well with the procedure.
How do I find out more about Ortho-K?
To see if you or your child is a candidate for Ortho-K, just make an appointment. There is no additional charge above our regular examination fee to see if you are a candidate.