Orthokeratology (Ortho-k) also known as Corneal Refractive Therapy (CRT) is a revolutionary non-surgical procedure that uses specially designed vision retainers to gently and gradually reshape the front surface of the eye (Cornea) to correct nearsightedness and astigmatism.

The vision retainer is similar to a contact lens, but is only worn while you sleep. In the morning, the retainer is removed providing clear vision throughout the day, now how cool is that?! It is the primary modality for achieving Myopia Control.

OrthoK is not new, it has actually been around since the 1940s, when doctors discovered that glass contact lenses could reshape the cornea. Development continued over the next several decades and the procedure really began to gain a foothold in the 1990s. Initially, the process would take years to complete and the results were not very favorable. With improvements to gas-permeable lenses and computerized corneal topography software, technology has allowed vast improvements to the fit and vision obtained by these lenses. We also now know that orthokeratology is one of the most effective ways of slowing down the progression of myopia in children.

Many types of prescriptions can be corrected with OrthoK but the procedure works best on mild to moderate amounts of nearsightedness and astigmatism. Your candidacy can be determined through a consultation with our doctors. We fit children as young as six years old to achieve Myopia Control.

OrthoK is about half the cost of LASIK surgery and doesn’t involve any postoperative healing or medications. LASIK should not be performed on anyone under the age of 18 as the eyes are still changing. OrthoK is safe for all ages and changes in prescription can be accommodated easily by altering the vision retainers. Unlike LASIK, OrthoK does not cause or worsen dry eye syndrome. Best of all, OrthoK is completely reversible and non-surgical. A few of our staff and doctors are currently OrthoK wearers for years, feel free to ask us the reasons why we chose Orthok over Lasik!

OrthoK is a non-surgical alternative that enables patients to be free from both contact lenses and glasses during waking hours. This is ideal for anyone seeking to be free from corrective lenses without having surgery. OrthoK offers relief from contact lens related problems like dry eyes and irritation. Most importantly, exciting research has shown that OrthoK can effectively slow, or even stop, the progression of nearsightedness.

Not all doctors can perform OrthoK as it requires proper diagnostic equipment, computer software, and expertise. Our doctors have received extensive special training and are certified to fit a variety of lens designs.

A comprehensive eye health examination is performed first. Then, a corneal topographer is used to obtain a precise “map” of the cornea’s shape. If at that time you are determined to be a good candidate for OrthoK, customized vision retainers are ordered. Visual changes occur rapidly over the first days or weeks. You will be seen frequently for the first few weeks and changes may be made in the retainers to attain great vision.