Ortho K

What Is Ortho-K?

Orthokeratology (also known as ortho-K or CRT) is a customized contact lens fitting process that uses a rigid contact lens to gently reshape the front surface of the eye (called the cornea) while you sleep. This procedure can provide clear vision free from daytime glasses or contact lens wear. The process is similar to Invisalign in orthodontics with a retainer worn for correction. Ortho-K is FDA-approved and is fully reversible when lens wear is discontinued.

Who Should Consider Ortho-K?

Call our office to schedule a myopia consultation to see if you’re a good candidate for ortho-K. Candidacy is determined based on your prescription (best candidates have less than -5.00), measurements taken during the visit, as well as an evaluation by your eye doctor. Ortho-k is a great evidence-based treatment for myopia control to slow myopia progression as well as for those who want freedom from daytime correction or struggle with dry eye in conventional daytime contact lens options.

How Long Does The Ortho-K Process Take? 

After your myopia consultation with your eye doctor, custom lenses are ordered and typically take 2 weeks to arrive to our office. Once they arrive, our office will call you to schedule an appointment with our doctor for the lens fitting, followed by a one-on-one training with our skilled staff to teach how to insert, remove, and care for your lenses. After taking your lenses home, it takes about 1-2 weeks to achieve clear vision (for higher prescriptions, up to 4 weeks). During the first few days, you may still need to wear your previous daytime prescription. If patients experience mild lens discomfort initially, it typically resolves by the end of the first week of lens wear. Your doctor will see you for several follow-ups to monitor your lens fit and visual improvement. Typically the ortho-K contact lens fitting is complete around 8 weeks (for higher prescriptions, up to 12 weeks).

What is the cost of ortho-K?

Ortho-K is never covered by insurance and is paid out of pocket. If you have FSA benefits, it can be used toward the cost. Call our office with any questions.