Orthokeratology (Ortho-K) Contact Lenses
What is Orthokeratology (Ortho-K)?
Orthokeratology (Ortho-K) involves the use of specially designed rigid gas-permeable (RGP) contact lenses to gently reshape the cornea. This non-invasive, non-surgical technique aims to correct near-sightedness, allowing you to enjoy clear vision without needing to wear eyeglasses or contact lenses during the day. Often referred to as night lenses in Singapore, Ortho-K lenses are worn overnight while you sleep. It is important to note that the effects are temporary, so the lenses must be worn regularly to maintain the vision correction.
Who Is a Suitable Candidate?
An Ortho-K assessment can help determine whether the treatment is suitable for your prescription, corneal shape, eye health and lifestyle.
Ortho-K lenses may be considered for people who:
- Anyone between the age of 6 and 35 who need myopia correction.
- Anyone with astigmatism.
- Anyone who has dry eyes when using regular contact lenses.
- Anyone active in sports but does not want to wear eyeglasses or contact lenses.
- Anyone who prefers not to wear regular contact lenses due to complications with their use.
The Benefits of Ortho-K Lenses
1. Controlling Myopic Progression
Myopia control measures are the best way to treat myopia, and that includes the use of ortho-K lenses. The lenses will gently reshape the cornea and restore its ability to refract light and focus on objects. Research has also found that orthokeratology has a 50 per cent myopia control effect, making it highly effective in mitigating myopia progression. Beyond vision correction, orthokeratology has also been shown to slow myopia progression.
2. Promotes Active Lifestyles
People who lead active lifestyles may not be very open to using eyeglasses or contact lenses. Ortho-K would be an optimal choice since it negates the need for eyeglasses or contact lenses. Simply wearing ortho-K lenses overnight on a regular basis will be sufficient to keep your eyesight in good shape.
3. Non-Invasive
Permanent surgical methods for treating myopia generally lead to positive outcomes, but some people are still fearful about taking that road. In some cases, people are afraid of the possibility of adverse outcomes or side effects after surgery, such as dry eyes or a need for further corrective measures. Ortho-K negates that fear since it is a non-invasive and non-permanent procedure.
4. Ideal for Children
Ortho-K is an ideal form of vision correction for children. This is mainly because children’s vision continues to change as they grow older and goes on well into their early adulthood. Permanent methods of vision correction, such as LASIK, are generally not recommended for children since they can potentially cause further eye complications as they grow older. Ortho-K is, therefore, the safer choice since it is not a permanent corrective procedure while still affording optimal vision correction.
Ortho-K vs LASIK: What’s the Difference?
Ortho-K and LASIK can both reduce dependence on glasses, but they work in very different ways.
| Ortho-K | LASIK | |
|---|---|---|
| Treatment type | Specialised overnight contact lenses | Refractive eye surgery |
| Surgery required | No | Yes |
| Corneal change | Temporary and reversible | Permanent |
| Ongoing treatment | Regular overnight lens wear is generally required | No ongoing lens wear is required for the surgical effect |
| Suitable for children | May be considered for suitable children | Generally intended for suitable adults |
| Follow-up | Requires lens fitting and regular reviews | Requires surgical assessment and post-operative follow-up |
Ortho-K may be more suitable for people who prefer a non-surgical and reversible option, while LASIK is a permanent refractive procedure for suitable adults.
The most appropriate option depends on factors such as your age, prescription, corneal condition, eye health and treatment preferences.
Ortho-K Procedure
1. Consultation and Assessment
After a quick eye examination to assess your optical health, your practitioner will use an instrument called a topographer to measure your cornea’s surface, showing its overall shape and curves. The readings taken from the topographer will then be used to create the ortho-K lenses you need. As no two corneas are the same, each ortho-K lens is unique to each person who needs it.
2. Collection and Test Fitting
Once your lenses are ready, a test fitting will be needed to make sure it fits properly and does not cause problems. When the lens is first placed onto the cornea, it needs 30 minutes to settle down before an assessment of its fit is made. If everything looks fine, we will teach you how to insert and remove the lenses safely as well as how to keep them well maintained.
3. Follow-Up Session
After your first overnight use of the lenses, you will need to return to the practitioner to have your eyes checked. This will include a vision test and a topographer check. Initial usage may not immediately have results; in some cases, your vision might not necessarily see a marked improvement. After about one to two weeks, you might find that your vision has improved and will last anywhere between one to two days per overnight use.
How Much Do Ortho-K Lenses Cost in Singapore?
General costs, including consultations and follow-up checks, can start from SG$1,000 and higher.
The overall cost for Ortho-K lenses comes from the lenses that are customised to your needs, along with the personalised care you will receive to help you get used to them.
There may be additional factors that go into the pricing of lenses, such as the degree of myopia progression.
Ortho-K Knowledge Hub
Overnight Ortho-K vs Traditional Contact Lenses
If you are considering Ortho-K lenses, you may also be comparing them with traditional contact lenses. Both options can help with vision correction, but they work in different ways.
Traditional contact lenses are worn during the day to provide immediate vision correction. They are commonly used by people who want an alternative to glasses. Ortho-K lenses, on the other hand, are worn overnight while you sleep. They gently reshape the cornea so you can enjoy clear vision throughout the day without wearing glasses or contact lenses.
For a more detailed comparison, read our full guide on Overnight Ortho-K vs Traditional Contact Lenses: Which Vision Correction Option Is Right for You?
How to Clean and Care for Ortho-K Lenses
Keeping your Ortho-K lenses clean is an important part of maintaining healthy eyes and achieving the best vision correction results. This guide explains the proper cleaning routine, including how to remove deposits, disinfect and store your lenses correctly, care for your storage case, and follow good hygiene practices to ensure your lenses remain safe and comfortable for daily use.
Read more: How to Properly Clean and Store Your Ortho-K Lenses?
What to Expect After Wearing Overnight Ortho-K
Starting Ortho-K treatment is an exciting step towards clear daytime vision without glasses or contact lenses. However, it’s important to know that results vary from person to person, and your eyes may need some time to adjust during the first few weeks.
To help you understand what to expect after wearing overnight Ortho-K lenses, including vision changes, follow-up care, and helpful tips for a smooth adjustment, read our complete guide on What You Can Expect After Wearing Overnight Ortho-K Contact Lenses.
Our Eye Care Specialist
A qualified and well-respected optometrist with 40 years of experience in Vision care, started with a family business run by his father, who in himself left a legacy and a name well remembered by Singaporeans and Indonesians alike. Philip Izaac developed a keen interest in contact lenses in the early 80’s where hard & soft lenses were prescribed. Unlike today, fitting contact lenses required a learned skill as there were various issues to deal with in terms of oxygen supply to the cornea and contact lens solution allergies.
Mr.Izaac through his passion strived on difficult cases and pursued it till success was achieved and patients were happy with the outcome. With this came success and a reputation that soon followed, with a flow of continued referrals. It was timely to open his own practice under the name of Philip D Izaac in 1988 at the Paragon Mall on the 2nd floor.
Why Choose Philip D Izaac
Professional Optometrist
Services
With years of experience, we provide highly qualified eyecare support tailored to your preferences and optical health needs.
Homegrown
Brand
We are a family of optometrists with over 40 years of experience providing Singaporeans with safe, trusted eyecare.
Comprehensive Eye Screenings
We provide primary eye care through comprehensive eye exams, using the best state-of-the-art equipment and diagnostic screenings for your benefit.
Tailor-made Eyecare Solutions
We use the latest eyecare technology to assist you with vision issues, perform detailed eye exams, and ensure you receive the best optical health care you deserve.
Pay What You Need
Rest assured that we do not incur hidden fees in your consultation invoice or when purchasing our eyecare products.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ortho-K Lenses
Will I need to wear ortho-K lenses each night?
It is recommended that you do, but it may depend on how long the cornea stays flattened after each use of the ortho-K lenses. If you find that your vision is slowly becoming blurry within a day after your overnight use of the lenses, it may be best to wear them every night. Your practitioner will advise you on the frequency of use.
Does using ortho-K lenses hurt?
Not at all! It might feel a little weird to put them on at first unless you have used contact lenses before, and you might feel something on your upper eyelid because of the lens. Once you fall asleep, you will not feel it at all. After some time of using the lenses, you will hardly notice them.
Can I wear my ortho-K lenses like contact lenses?
You could, but we do not recommend it as it is not the intended use.
Can I go to any optometrist for an ortho-K fitting?
Not all optometrists are capable of performing a fitting. For one, the lenses require a specialised contact lens fitting, and only qualified optometrists with proficiency in myopia management can do so. Be sure to ask first if the optometrist of your choice can perform an ortho-K fitting before scheduling an appointment.
Can I still wear ortho-K lenses if I have dry eyes?
Yes, you can. Some people may find that using regular contact lenses very easily causes dry eyes; in other cases, dry eyes may be caused by environmental factors such as air conditioning. Ortho-K lenses may be preferable instead since you only need to wear the lenses overnight while still having your vision corrected once you wake up.
How long do the benefits of ortho-K lenses last?
It varies from person to person. After overnight use of ortho-K lenses, most people report a vision improvement lasting between 24 and 72 hours, sometimes longer.
Will I feel anything on my eye with the ortho-K lenses on?
It will feel like wearing contact lenses, and you will gradually become used to it until you no longer perceive it as worn. It may take a few days to be accustomed to it, but it will grow progressively comfortable over time.
Can I choose to undergo LASIK surgery later on, even if I use ortho-K lenses?
If you ever want to undergo permanent corrective eye surgery, like LASIK, you can eventually forgo using your ortho-K lenses once you have recovered.