Ortho-K
and Myopia Control

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.

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.

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, and 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.

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.

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, and 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.

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.

Proper care of your Ortho-K lenses is essential for both eye health and lens longevity. Here's the basic care routine: Always wash and dry your hands thoroughly before handling lenses. Upon removal in the morning, clean lenses with the recommended cleaning solution. Rinse thoroughly with preservative-free saline solution. Store lenses in a fresh disinfecting solution in your case during the day. 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.

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, while 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.