Orthokeratology (Ortho-k) is a non-surgical procedure that eliminates the need for glasses or daytime contact lenses to correct vision. Ortho-k lenses are specially designed therapeutic contact lenses that gently reshape the curvature of the eye while you sleep. Ortho-k treatment is safe and effective treatment, alternative to atropine and myopia control lenses.
Topography
Corneal topography is an essential technique in orthokeratology practice, therefore investment in latest & most advanced gold-standard topography like Oculus K5 is essential to achieve best Ortho-K therapy results, which means closest to 6/6 vision unaided.
Best fit lenses
There are a few ways to help select the best parameter for your child. At Malaya Optical, we don’t just depend on one methodology of Ortho-K fitting, instead we use two methods, empirical and diagnostic techniques. This helps to ensure best fit which guarantees best results.
Slit lamp
The slit lamp facilitates an examination which looks at anterior segment or frontal structure of the human eye, which includes the eyelid, cornea, sclera, conjunctiva, iris, anterior chamber, crystalline lens and etc. This ensures, comfortable wear of lenses while your child is sleeping.
At Malaya Optical we have been fitting RGP lenses since 1957. Our long years experienced 3rd generation optometrists are fully trained for Myopia control following global standards in Ortho-K therapy.
Our senior optometrists at Malaya Optical are also clinical optometrist for many years at University Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM). We have been fitting RGP lenses for last 30 years and our experience is critical in ensuring best-fit Ortho K lenses to reduce the rate of myopia increase.
Orthokeratology is the most effective and gold standard of optical treatment in myopia control for children. There is numerous research studying the effects of Ortho-K lenses on children’s myopia progression. Jennifer (2018) found that Ortho-K, used for partial or full correction of myopia, has been shown to slow down myopic progression in children by 35-56 % as compared to controlled groups who wear spectacle or contact lenses. Therefore, we can expect Ortho-K lenses to slow down a child’s myopia progression by around 50% and in many cases even better results have been achieved.
Ortho-K typically works best for myopia (short-sightedness) between -1.00 to -6.00. The amount of astigmatism reduction depends on the type of astigmatism and amount. The upper limits for astigmatism reduction are 1.50 diopters of “with-the-rule” corneal astigmatism and 0.75 diopters of “against-the-rule” corneal astigmatism. Ortho-K will not have an effect on the internal astigmatism.
It is recommended to wear at least 6 hours, optimally 8 hours to achieve optimum result and vision.
The main advantage is to slow down your child’s myopia progression. Besides that, you can see clearly without any corrective lenses ie: spectacle or conventional contact lenses. This is very convenient for your daily time activities! Ortho-K is a non-surgical and reversible vision correction treatment. Ortho-K is a specially designed gas permeable contact lens which offers high oxygen transmission to maintain our eye health.
The disadvantage is increased risk of eye infection if you are not following the lens care procedure as advised. Frequent follow up is necessary to ensure optimum vision and healthy corneal surfaces.
We recommended yearly replacement for the best vision results, safety and comfort. Over time, the lens will reduce the effectiveness of treatment gradually due to lens scratches, microscopic deposits or lens shape change.
No, both adults and children can wear Ortho-K lenses. The youngest patient we have was 6 years old, her mother worked with her every night and after 2 months, this cute girl was able to insert and remove the lenses by herself under her mom’s supervision. Also, we have few people in their 40’s and 50’s who love the freedom that Ortho-K brings to them. One eye was corrected for distance vision and the other for reading, this is known as “monovision”.
Your vision will improve after the first night and it will improve further and stabilise over the next two weeks of Ortho-K wear because your eye shape remodel with the treatment. For higher degrees of short-sightedness and astigmatism will take longer time to achieve optimum vision.
No, Ortho-K treatment is completely reversible. Your corneal curvature will return to their original shape naturally once you stop wearing the Ortho-K lens for 2 weeks.
Overnight wearing of the Ortho-K lenses is surprisingly comfortable. At first, you might feel slight irritation due to your eyelids moving over the lens as you blink. When you go to sleep and close your eyes, you won’t feel anything.
Dry eyes are usually caused by wearing conventional soft contact lenses in an air conditioning environment and staring at gadgets for prolonged hours. By wearing Ortho-K lenses while you sleep, you may avoid dry eyes because there is little tear evaporation in a closed eye.
The actual cost will depend on the complexity of the case accordingly. Fees can range from RM3,800 to RM6,800 depending on types of treatment and shaping lenses needed.