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402 W Chickasha Ave., Ste. 100 in Chickasha, OK

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Home » Eye Care Services » Contact Lens Exams » Orthokeratology (CRT & VST)

Orthokeratology (CRT & VST)

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Fulton EyeCare Center has the technology to allow you to correct your vision by sleeping in your contacts!

Orthokeratology, commonly called Ortho-K, is a method used to correct myopia (nearsightedness) or astigmatism by wearing rigid gas permeable contact lenses overnight, so that no corrective lenses are needed during daytime hours.

Gas permeable (GP) lenses specialized for Ortho-K are inserted at bedtime and worn as you sleep. Throughout the night, the lenses gently reshape your cornea so that your vision becomes clear without glasses or contact lenses on the following morning. The correction is temporary, and in order to maintain sharp visual acuity on a daily basis, you need to wear the Ortho-K reshaping lenses every night.

At present, three brands of Ortho-K contact lenses are approved for use by the FDA. Euclid Emerald, usually prescribed for myopia control, Paragon Vision Sciences, who produces “Corneal Refractive Therapy” (CRTVision.com), and Bausch and Lomb, who manufactures “Vision Shaping Treatment” (VST).

Dr. Fulton says, “Patients who frequently suffer from contact lens associated dry eye or those looking to get rid of glasses and contacts really appreciate these lenses. Ortho-K technology is also amazing for the parents wanting to halt the progression of nearsightedness in their child."

If you would like more information please call our office or schedule an appointment with Dr. Fulton today.

Candidates for Ortho-K

Ortho-K is very suitable for nearsighted people who are not appropriate candidates for vision correction surgery, such as children. Individuals of all ages with healthy eyes can try Ortho-K, namely because it can be discontinued at any point without permanent effects to the eyes.

People who require vision correction and engage regularly in sports or work in extremely dusty, dirty environments will also appreciate the convenience of Ortho-K.

Vision results from Ortho-K lenses

Success rates for Ortho-K are generally higher for more mild vision prescriptions. The goal is to provide 20/20 vision without any need for eyeglasses or contacts during the day.

Consult with Dr. Fulton to find out if your vision prescription is within range for successful Ortho-K treatment.

Note that although improvement in vision is generally reported within a day or two of wearing Ortho-K overnight, the full effects may not be experienced until the lenses are worn for about 1 week. During this transition period, your vision will probably not be as crisp as it was with regular contacts or eyeglasses, and glare or halos around lights may be visible. Until Ortho-K works fully, a temporary pair of eyeglasses or soft contact lenses may be required for specific actions, such as driving at night.

How does Ortho-K feel?

Although some people have trouble wearing regular gas permeable contact lenses during the day, Ortho-k GP lenses are worn while sleeping – so discomfort and awareness of the lenses in your eyes is generally not an issue.

Is Ortho-K expensive?

Professional fitting for Ortho-K requires a series of visits to Dr. Fulton. A number of pairs of contact lenses are also generally needed. GP lenses that are special for Ortho-K are more costly than standard contacts. In sum, the fees for Ortho-K add up to a higher total than regular contact lenses.

LASIK after Ortho-K

Some consider Ortho-K to be a non-surgical alternative to LASIK. Nonetheless, refractive surgeries, such as LASIK, are possible after treatment with Ortho-K lenses. Yet, because Ortho-K works to reshape your cornea, you are required to stop wearing the lenses for several months before undergoing LASIK. This allows your eyes to return to their original shape.

It’s important to inform your LASIK surgeon if you’ve been wearing Ortho-K lenses, and you will be advised as to how long of a wait is necessary before having the laser procedure.