Orthokeratology Program at Suburban Eye Institute
This month we would like to take a quick look at how Orthokeratology works. Orthokeratology is a less invasive therapy that is used as an alternative to LASIK. This is a non-surgical process that allows patients to break free from their dependence on glasses and daytime contact lenses. This program can also be performed starting at a young age. At the end of this article we will also answer three of our most frequently asked questions.
How It Works:
Orthokeratology uses specially designed and patient specific lenses to gently reshape the cornea while the patient is sleeping. When the patient removes the lenses the next morning they are able to go about their day free of glasses or contact lenses. To determine candidacy, patients will need a consultation with the doctor. At this visit the doctor will perform a basic eye exam. (It is recommended that patients have one every year to be sure their eyes are healthy.) The doctor will then perform tests and measurements that will be necessary later to determine if the patient is an appropriate candidate for the Orthokeratology program. Each exam, pair of lenses, and treatment program is patient specific. Each customized program is performed with the end goal of providing the patient with sharp, clear, and natural vision all day long.
Equipment:
Our office has all of the equipment necessary to participate in the Orthokeratology program. The piece of equipment used most often for our Orthokeratology patients is our Topographer. Topography is a non invasive way to look at the surface of the cornea. It is also one of the ways the doctor determines whether or not the patient is a candidate. The results show how much correction the candidate will need to complete the program. These measurements will also help the doctor to determine the customized prescription lenses for each patient’s individual case.
Orthokeratology is reversible if the patient stops wearing the lenses as prescribed by the doctor. Many have found it to be an excellent and less invasive alternative to LASIK.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Question: “Will Orthokeratology be covered by my insurance?”
Answer: No, like LASIK, Orthokeratology is an elective procedure and will not be covered by most insurance companies. However, we do accept FSA and HSA accounts and patients are more than welcome to use them to pay for this program. - Question: “Does Orthokeratology hurt?”
Answer: No, this program is virtually painless. There is a break in period when the patients first begins wearing the lenses. Much like when you buy a new pair of shoes, the patient might have an awareness of the lens itself in their eye if they are thinking about it. There will be no sensation of physical changes to the cornea itself. Our goal is that the patient will notice visual improvements as soon as the lenses are removed from their eyes. - Question: “How long does the Orthokeratology Program take to correct my vision to 20/20?”
Answer: The answer to this is case specific. Most patients should notice a marked difference in their vision within the first couple of days in the program. After that, the vision should gradually improve over the next couple of weeks until patients have reached their optimal vision as determined by the doctor.
All of our doctors are CRT Certified.
They can all be found on www.ortho-k.net or
http://www.paragonvision.com/consumer/find-a-doctor
For the doctors specific appointment hours please give our office a call. We will be happy to find an appointment time that fits into your busy schedules. Don’t forget to keep checking in on our webpage and our Facebook page for the most up-to-date information!
Dr. Laura Lukaszek: Monday – Thursday
Dr. Brian Mackey: Tuesday & Thursday – Saturday
Dr. Brenda Lynly: Monday & Wednesday