Ortho-K
and Myopia Control

Experience clear vision without daytime glasses or contacts. Ortho-K gently reshapes your cornea while you sleep for natural vision all day.

Our Impact By The Numbers

Understanding Orthokeratology

Orthokeratology (Ortho-K) is a non-surgical treatment that uses specially designed contact lenses to gently reshape the cornea while you sleep. This process temporarily corrects refractive errors, allowing you to see clearly during the day without glasses or contact lenses.

Unlike LASIK or other surgical procedures, Ortho-K is completely reversible and non-invasive, making it an excellent option for children with progressive myopia and adults who are not candidates for laser eye surgery.

At the Eyecare Center of Orange County, Dr. Bonakdar has been fitting patients with Ortho-K lenses for over 20 years. His extensive experience and expertise in custom lens fitting ensures optimal results for each patient.

Ortho-K Lens Diagram

Benefits of Ortho-K

Freedom from Daytime Eyewear

Enjoy clear vision throughout the day without glasses or contact lenses. Perfect for active individuals, athletes, and those with occupations where glasses may be inconvenient.

Myopia Control for Children

Research shows that Ortho-K can slow the progression of myopia in children by 50% or more, reducing the risk of serious eye conditions later in life associated with high myopia.

Non-Surgical Alternative

Ortho-K provides a non-surgical, reversible option for vision correction. Unlike LASIK, there's no permanent change to your eye, making it suitable for growing children and those not eligible for surgery.

Solution for Dry Eyes

For those who experience dry eye symptoms with daytime contact lens wear, Ortho-K can provide clear vision without the discomfort, as lenses are only worn during sleep.

Who is Ortho-K For?

Ortho-K Patient

Ortho-K is an excellent option for many people, but it's particularly well-suited for:

  • Children and teenagers with progressive myopia
  • Athletes and active individuals
  • People who work in dusty or dry environments
  • Those who aren't candidates for LASIK or PRK
  • Contact lens wearers who experience dry eyes
  • Individuals with mild to moderate myopia (up to -6.00 diopters)
  • Those with mild astigmatism (up to -1.75 diopters)

During your consultation, Dr. Bonakdar will perform a comprehensive eye examination and corneal topography mapping to determine if you're a good candidate for Ortho-K.

Patient Success Stories

"My 11-year-old son's myopia was getting worse every year. Since starting Ortho-K two years ago, his prescription has stabilized. He loves not having to wear glasses during the day for school and sports."

- Jennifer K., Parent

★★★★★

"Dr. Bonakdar explained everything so clearly and made sure my son was comfortable with the lenses. The results have been amazing - better than we hoped for!"

February 3, 2025

Google Review

"As a triathlete, dealing with contacts during swims and long training days was a hassle. Ortho-K has been life-changing. I sleep with the lenses and have perfect vision all day, even during competitions."

- Michael T., Triathlete

★★★★★

"The adjustment period was quick, and Dr. Bonakdar's team provided excellent support. It's been 3 years now, and I couldn't imagine going back to glasses or regular contacts."

January 15, 2025

Yelp Review

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Is Ortho-K safe?

    Yes, Ortho-K is very safe. The FDA has approved Ortho-K lenses for overnight wear to reshape the cornea and temporarily correct myopia. Millions of patients worldwide have successfully used Ortho-K with minimal complications.

    Like all contact lenses, proper hygiene and care are essential to prevent eye infections. Dr. Bonakdar will provide thorough instructions on lens care and schedule regular follow-up appointments to monitor your eye health and the effectiveness of the treatment.

  • How long does it take to see results with Ortho-K?

    Most patients experience significant improvement in their vision after the first night of wearing Ortho-K lenses. However, it typically takes 1-2 weeks for full vision correction to be achieved. During this adaptation period, your vision may fluctuate throughout the day, which is normal as your corneas adjust to the reshaping process.

    For some patients with higher prescriptions, it may take up to one month to achieve optimal results. Dr. Bonakdar will monitor your progress closely during this initial period and make any necessary adjustments to your lenses.

  • Who is a good candidate for Ortho-K?

    Ortho-K is most effective for people with mild to moderate myopia (up to -6.00 diopters) and mild astigmatism (up to -1.75 diopters). It's particularly beneficial for:

    • Children with progressive myopia
    • Athletes and individuals with active lifestyles
    • People who work in dusty or dry environments
    • Those who aren't suitable candidates for LASIK surgery
    • Patients who experience dry eye symptoms with daytime contact lens wear

    A comprehensive eye examination and corneal topography mapping are necessary to determine if you're a suitable candidate for Ortho-K.

  • Are Ortho-K lenses comfortable to wear?

    Most patients find Ortho-K lenses very comfortable after a brief adjustment period. The lenses are made from highly oxygen-permeable materials specially designed for overnight wear, allowing your eyes to breathe while you sleep.

    During the first few nights, you may experience mild awareness of the lenses as your eyes adapt. This sensation typically diminishes within a week as you become accustomed to wearing them. Dr. Bonakdar carefully selects the optimal lens design and fit for your specific eye shape to ensure maximum comfort.

  • How much does Ortho-K cost?

    The cost of Ortho-K treatment typically ranges from $2,000 to $4,000 for both eyes. This comprehensive fee includes:

    • Initial consultation and detailed measurements
    • Custom Ortho-K lenses
    • Training on insertion, removal, and care of lenses
    • All follow-up visits for the first year
    • Any lens adjustments needed during the adaptation period

    While vision insurance may not always cover the full cost of Ortho-K, we offer financing options to help make treatment more affordable. Many patients find that the long-term cost of Ortho-K is comparable to or less than the ongoing expense of glasses and daytime contact lenses.

  • Can children use Ortho-K lenses?

    Yes, Ortho-K is an excellent option for children, particularly those with progressive myopia. Research shows that Ortho-K can slow myopia progression by 50% or more in children, making it an important tool in myopia management.

    Children as young as 8 years old can successfully use Ortho-K lenses with proper guidance and parental supervision. Dr. Bonakdar works closely with both children and parents to ensure proper lens handling and care routines. Most children adapt quickly to the lenses and appreciate the freedom from glasses during daytime activities, sports, and swimming.

  • How do I care for my Ortho-K lenses?

    Proper care of your Ortho-K lenses is essential for both eye health and lens longevity. Here's the basic care routine:

    1. Always wash and dry your hands thoroughly before handling lenses
    2. Upon removal in the morning, clean lenses with the recommended cleaning solution
    3. Rinse thoroughly with preservative-free saline solution
    4. Store lenses in a fresh disinfecting solution in your case during the day
    5. Replace your lens case every 3 months

    Dr. Bonakdar will provide detailed instructions and recommend specific solutions based on your eye's needs. With proper care, Ortho-K lenses typically last 1-2 years before needing replacement.

  • What's the difference between Ortho-K and LASIK?

    The main differences between Ortho-K and LASIK are:

    • Permanence: LASIK permanently changes your cornea's shape through laser surgery, while Ortho-K temporarily reshapes the cornea and is fully reversible
    • Procedure: LASIK is a surgical procedure; Ortho-K is non-surgical and uses special contact lenses
    • Age requirements: LASIK is generally only performed on adults with stable prescriptions, while Ortho-K is suitable for children and adults
    • Ongoing care: LASIK typically doesn't require continued maintenance, while Ortho-K requires nightly lens wear and regular lens replacement
    • Myopia control: Ortho-K has been shown to slow myopia progression in children, while LASIK does not offer this benefit

    During your consultation, Dr. Bonakdar can discuss which option might be better suited for your specific needs and lifestyle.

Test Your Ortho-K Knowledge

How long does it typically take to see results with Ortho-K lenses?
One month or longer
Two to three weeks
After the first night, with full results in 1-2 weeks
Six months of consistent use

Your score:

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Myopia Control for Children

Protecting Your Child's Future Vision

Childhood myopia (nearsightedness) is a growing concern worldwide. Children with myopia often experience rapidly worsening vision throughout childhood and adolescence. This progressive myopia isn't just about stronger glasses – high myopia increases the risk of serious eye conditions later in life, including retinal detachment, glaucoma, and macular degeneration.

Ortho-K is one of the most effective tools available for myopia control. Clinical studies have demonstrated that Ortho-K can slow myopia progression by 50% or more in children. This reduction can have significant long-term benefits for your child's eye health.

Dr. Bonakdar specializes in myopia management for children and has helped hundreds of young patients slow or halt their myopia progression. He creates a personalized treatment plan for each child, monitors their progress carefully, and makes adjustments as needed to ensure optimal results.

Schedule a Consultation for Your Child
Child with Ortho-K lenses

The Ortho-K Process

1

Comprehensive Evaluation

Your journey begins with a detailed eye examination and corneal mapping to determine if you're a good candidate for Ortho-K and to gather the precise measurements needed for your custom lenses.

2

Custom Lens Design

Using your unique corneal measurements, Dr. Bonakdar designs custom Ortho-K lenses specifically for your eyes. These lenses are manufactured to exacting specifications to ensure optimal reshaping and comfort.

3

Lens Fitting & Training

Once your custom lenses arrive, Dr. Bonakdar will ensure they fit properly and provide comprehensive training on insertion, removal, and care of your Ortho-K lenses. You'll practice these techniques until you feel comfortable.

4

First Night and Follow-up

You'll wear your lenses for the first night, and return the next day for Dr. Bonakdar to assess the initial reshaping effect and make any necessary adjustments. This close monitoring ensures optimal results from the beginning.

5

Regular Monitoring

Over the next several weeks, you'll have scheduled follow-up appointments to monitor your progress and fine-tune your treatment. Once your vision has stabilized, follow-up visits are typically scheduled every 3-6 months.

Ready to Experience Freedom from Glasses?

Schedule your consultation today and take the first step toward hassle-free vision with Ortho-K.

Interested in Ortho-K?