Orthokeratology, also known as ortho-k, is a non-surgical alternative to LASIK that uses specially designed contact lenses to reshape the cornea while sleeping. The contact lenses are worn overnight and push the epithelial cells outward to temporarily correct vision without glasses or contacts during the day. Possible side effects include infection which is prevented through proper lens care, and over-correction causing initial blurriness. Ortho-k is suitable for those who want to avoid glasses or contacts, cannot receive LASIK due to age, or want a more affordable option to slow myopia progression.

1. orthokeratologyLASIK is not the only way

2. HISTORYAncient Chinese thought to sleep with sandbags on the eyes to correct visionJessen Method introduced in 1962 outlined the fundamental theory.Corneal refractive therapy 2000 became one of the first FDA approved methods for ortho-k

3. WHO IS IT FOR?Those want to be free of glasses and contactsThose sensitive to cost of LASIKEmerging presbyopes (~40)Under age 18 (cannot receive LASIK)Progressive myopes

4. WHAT HAPPENS?DESIGNSLEEPGO

5. A LITTLE DEEPEREpithelial cells are pushed outward shaping the eyeCells will ‘re-migrate’ meaning that ortho-k is not permanent.

6. Catch the WAVEComputer aided designTopographer takes over 14K data points on the corneaThe software then allows a ‘tailored fit’ contact lensDesign is sent electronically to production lab

7. SIDE EFFECTSPossible infection: good lens care is importantOver-correction. Some blur may occur in the first hours if there the doctor ‘over-prescribes’. This is done frequently to increase the longevity of the effect.

8. The bottom lineSlows myopic progressionAdjustable for emerging presbyopesFrees you from glasses or contactsNon surgicalEconomical