General

What is orthokeratology?

Orthokeratology is a non-surgical vision correction method for individuals with myopia and myopic astigmatism. This treatment involves the use of specially designed hard contact lenses, known as “orthokeratology lenses,” which are distinctly shaped to reshape the cornea.

When you wear these lenses overnight while you sleep, they gently alter the shape of your cornea. As a result, your vision is corrected, and you can enjoy clear, “naked eye” vision for a certain period of time, even after removing the lenses the next morning.

Orthokeratology offers a surgery-free option for vision correction, allowing you to live a “naked eye” lifestyle during the day while wearing lenses only at night.

Who is orthokeratology recommended for?

Orthokeratology is an effective myopia correction method, especially for those who want to enjoy clear vision without glasses or contact lenses during the day.

It is ideal for individuals who engage in intense sports such as soccer, swimming, badminton, rugby, or exercise in dusty or watery conditions, where wearing glasses or contact lenses could pose a risk of injury.

Orthokeratology lenses offer a safe, hassle-free way to participate in sports and physical activities, enabling you to maintain corrected vision without worry. 

It is also recommended for people with dry eyes, mild allergies, or those using eye drop therapy, as you can easily use eye drops anytime throughout the day.

Are there any individuals for whom orthokeratology is not suitable?

Orthokeratology is specifically designed for correcting myopia and myopic astigmatism. It is not suitable for individuals with hyperopia (farsightedness) or presbyopia, as these conditions cannot be corrected by orthokeratology.

Additionally, contrary to what many may believe, orthokeratology cannot be used by individuals who have previously undergone LASIK surgery, even if a long period of time has passed since the procedure.

Orthokeratology lenses are also not recommended for patients with certain ocular conditions, including severe dry eye, allergies, keratoconus, or other eye diseases.

Usage

Are orthokeratology lenses easy to put on and take off? 

Orthokeratology lenses, like most hard contact lenses, come with detailed usage instructions provided by your ophthalmologist. If you have any questions or concerns about how to properly use the lenses, be sure to consult with your ophthalmologist or optometrist for guidance.

Are there any eye problems associated with wearing lenses while sleeping?

The efficacy of wearing orthokeratology lenses at bedtime to correct vision has been approved by regulatory authorities worldwide, including the U.S. FDA and the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare.

While sleeping, the lens typically adheres securely to the cornea and should not come off. However, if the eye is rubbed too strongly, the lens may dislodge. If this happens and the lens remains dislodged for a prolonged period, it could impact your vision the following day. In such cases, you may need to use glasses or standard contact lenses temporarily.

Is it difficult to care for orthokeratology lenses?

Like most hard contact lenses, orthokeratology lenses require proper cleaning after removal and safe storage.Improper care can increase the risk of complications, so it is important to follow the cleaning and maintenance instructions provided by your ophthalmologist or optometrist. Always use the care products recommended by the lens manufacturer.

Can I use orthokeratology lenses only on weekends and on trips?

Some users wear their orthokeratology lenses only on weekends or during trips when they wish to enjoy clear, naked-eye vision. However, it is important to follow the usage instructions given by your ophthalmologist or optometrist regarding the recommended frequency of lens wear to achieve optimal results.

About Orthokeratology Treatment

How often do I need to visit the doctor for check-ups?

Periodic eye examinations are required after you begin wearing orthokeratology lenses. The specific content and frequency of these check-ups may vary depending on your ophthalmologist, so it is important to follow their recommendations. For more details, please consult your ophthalmologist.

What myopia levels are suitable for orthokeratology?

Orthokeratology is typically prescribed for patients with myopia up to -6.00D and astigmatism up to -2.00D.

* However, the suitability of the treatment may vary depending on the lens manufacturer and your individual eye condition. Please consult your local clinic for more specific information.

Cost

How much does orthokeratology treatment cost?

The cost and flow of orthokeratology treatment can vary depending on the ophthalmologist and clinic. For more information, please contact your local ophthalmologist directly.

How many facilities offer orthokeratology treatment?

You can find a list of ophthalmologists and clinics near you that offer orthokeratology treatment on the following page.

Effectiveness

Does orthokeratology really work?

The effectiveness of orthokeratology depends on the patient’s myopia and corneal shape. While satisfactory visual acuity is often achieved, it may not be the case for everyone. We recommend starting with an initial consultation with an ophthalmologist for an adaptive examination.

Although results vary from person to person, most patients can experience clear, unaided vision during the daytime after about one week of wearing the lenses. Those with low myopia may notice improvements within just a few days. For more accurate information, please contact your ophthalmologist.

How long does corrected vision last?

In most cases, corrected vision lasts throughout the day. For further details, please consult your ophthalmologist.

Do I have to wear the lenses every day?

Yes, orthokeratology lenses should be worn daily. To achieve optimal results, it is important to follow the wearing schedule recommended by your ophthalmologist or optometrist.

Will my vision suddenly deteriorate during the day?

Rest assured that orthokeratology does not cause sudden vision loss during the day. While individual experiences may vary, vision typically becomes slightly less clear over several days without wearing the lenses.

Will my vision improve with continued use of orthokeratology lenses?

While wearing orthokeratology lenses, your vision will continue to improve. However, if you stop using the lenses, your vision will gradually return to its original state as the cornea reshapes itself. Orthokeratology is not a permanent solution, but rather a method of vision correction.

Safety

How safe is orthokeratology?

Even with proper daily care and no immediate discomfort, you may still experience some of the same side effects or symptoms as with regular contact lenses. After starting orthokeratology treatment, it is essential to have regular checkups and follow the guidance provided by your ophthalmologist or optometrist.

Disadvantages

What are the disadvantages of orthokeratology?

Orthokeratology may not be suitable for individuals with severe myopia or astigmatism, as it can be challenging to achieve the desired corrective effect. Unlike LASIK, where the cornea’s shape is permanently altered, the cornea gradually returns to its original shape after the lenses are removed, and so does the vision. It may also take some time to achieve stable vision.

What are the potential side effects of orthokeratology?

As with regular hard contact lenses, orthokeratology may cause similar side effects. It is essential to follow the care instructions provided by your ophthalmologist or optometrist to minimize risks and ensure proper lens maintenance.

How comfortable are the lenses to wear?

Orthokeratology lenses, like most hard contact lenses, may initially feel unfamiliar or uncomfortable. However, as you get used to wearing them, the sensation of having something in your eyes will gradually lessen.

Comparison with other treatment methods

How does orthokeratology compare to LASIK?

LASIK surgery provides corrected vision through a single operation. However, since the procedure involves permanently removing part of the cornea, the corneal shape can never be restored. In contrast, orthokeratology requires continuous lens wear to maintain corrected vision. Unlike LASIK, orthokeratology does not permanently alter the cornea, meaning it can return to its original shape once lens wear is stopped. 

How does orthokeratology compare to regular contact lenses?

Regular contact lenses are worn during the day, while orthokeratology lenses are worn only at night while you sleep. The key difference is that orthokeratology works overnight to reshape the cornea, providing clear vision during the day without lenses.

Care instructions and the risk of infection are similar to those associated with standard hard contact lenses.