Orthokeratology Contact Lenses for Myopia Control

Orthokeratology for Myopia Control

Myopia (short-sightedness) is increasing around the world, with many now calling it an epidemic. Aside from the burden of needing spectacles or contact lenses to function normally, people with myopia have a much higher risk of blinding eye disease later in life. Using specially-prescribed orthokeratology (OrthoK) contact lenses, the progression of myopia can be slowed down by as much as 55%. 

How Do OrthoK Contact Lenses Slow Myopia?

The specially-designed multifocal contact lenses use unique optics to dampen the triggers that encourage the eyeball to grow longer, hence discouraging myopia progression. This is a complex concept, scientifically known as peripheral hyperopic defocus control. 

For more information on OrthoK, and how it works, click here. 

Treatment Costs and Consent Forms

Review Appointments
At OCULA we take myopia progression in children very seriously. At your initial myopia control assessment, a variety of specialised measurements will be taken including corneal shape, the length of each eye, a measurement of prescription, assessment of binocular vision and thorough checking of eye health.

Once started on orthokeratology treatment for myopia control it is expected that patients will return for a review of prescription and eye length measurement every 6 months, or sooner if required. At these visits, your optometrist will assess the ongoing level of myopia and the success of the treatment, as well as check other aspects of vision and ocular health.

Treatment Plan and Review Appointment Schedule:
1. Reviews every 6 months once the orthokeratology treatment has been initiated 
2. Every 12 months, a comprehensive review is required which includes;

- A review of the Clinical Myopia Profile will be completed to assess the risk of myopia progression

- A repeat of specialised diagnostic measurements including corneal shape, the length of each eye, a measurement of myopia, assessment of binocular vision, a thorough check of eye health, measurements of objective and subjective responses to therapy 

- A review of the most appropriate myopia control treatment will be discussed

For continued effect, myopia control treatment needs to continue for as long as there is a risk of myopia progression, which may be through the tertiary study years. If orthokeratology treatment is still agreed by the optometrist, the patient and parent/guardian, then the treatment will be continued for another 12 months

Considerations
- Without intervention, myopia is likely to progress – the only unknown is the speed of the deterioration
- The research on myopia control is reported in averages for large numbers of people, so individual results may vary
- Standard glasses and contact lenses have been shown to have little to no effect on protecting against myopia progression, and are only used for short periods of wear, such as sports only.