A Modern Solution for Nearsightedness
What is Myopia?
Myopia, also known as nearsightedness, is a growing concern among children today. However, Dr. Chettiparampil and Dr. Sales offer a modern, non-surgical solution: Orthokeratology (Ortho-K).
With years of experience and hundreds of successful treatments, our team has helped young patients achieve clear vision without the hassle of daytime glasses or contact lenses. To learn more about Ortho-K and whether it’s right for you or your child, contact our office today.
Why Choose Richmond Eye Experts for Ortho-K?
Highly Qualified Specialists
Our doctors and staff are certified Ortho-K providers, undergoing specialized training every year to stay at the forefront of Myopia Management.
Proven Experience
Our Myopia Management Clinic has treated hundreds of satisfied patients and parents, helping slow myopia progression and improve vision.
State-of-the-Art Equipment
We use advanced diagnostic technology to design lenses, monitor treatment, and track progress, ensuring optimal results for our patients.
Key Tools Used in Myopia Management:
- Topographer – Creates corneal maps for precise lens fitting
- iCare Tonometer – Checks eye pressure
- Optomap – Provides high-resolution retinal photography
- OCT Scanner – Measures corneal thickness and fit efficacy
- Topcon MYAH Scan – Tracks serial axial length changes
These tools allow us to accurately measure and manage your child’s progress throughout treatment.
All-Inclusive Pricing
We do not charge separate fees for follow-ups during the one-year global period of the program. Our pricing structure is transparent and designed to provide comprehensive care without hidden costs.
What is Orthokeratology?
Orthokeratology (Ortho-K) is a non-surgical vision correction methodthat uses specially designedgas-permeable contact lenses to gently reshape the cornea while you sleep. This process temporarily corrects nearsightedness (myopia), allowing patients to experience clear vision throughout the day without needing glasses or daytime contact lenses.
Ortho-K is an excellent option for both children and adults, particularly those who want to slow the progression of myopia or enjoy an active lifestyle without the inconvenience of glasses or daily contacts.
How Does Ortho-K Work?
- Custom-Fitted Lenses: Each Ortho-K lens is uniquely designed based on a detailed corneal map of the patient’s eye.
- Overnight Wear: The lenses are worn while sleeping, gently reshaping the corneal surface by applying slight pressure.
- Temporary Reshaping: The controlled reshaping corrects the way light enters the eye, improving vision without the need for corrective lenses during the day.
- Daytime Clarity: When the lenses are removed in the morning, patients experience clear vision throughout the day.
- Continued Use for Best Results: Since Ortho-K is a temporary solution, the effects typically last 24 to 48 hours. To maintain clear vision, the lenses must be worn nightly.
Who is a Good Candidate for Ortho-K?
- Children and Teens: Ortho-K is one of the most effective methods for myopia management, helping slow the progression of nearsightedness in children as young as six years old.
- Active Individuals: Ideal for athletes, swimmers, dancers, and those who prefer a glasses-free lifestyle.
- Adults with Myopia: A great alternative to daytime contacts for those who dislike wearing glasses but are not ready or eligible for LASIK.
- People with Mild to Moderate Myopia: Best suited for those with prescriptions up to -6.00D.
- Dry Eye Sufferers: Since Ortho-K lenses are worn at night, they can reduce dryness and irritation associated with daily contact lens wear.
What to Expect During Ortho-K Treatment
- Initial Consultation & Eye Exam
- A comprehensive eye exam is performed to determine if Ortho-K is a suitable treatment option.
- Advanced corneal mapping (topography) is conducted to create custom lenses tailored to the patient’s eyes.
- Lens Fitting & Training
- The custom Ortho-K lenses are ordered and fitted, ensuring optimal comfort and effectiveness.
- Patients receive detailed training on inserting, removing, and caring for their lenses.
- Adaptation Period
- Vision gradually improves within a few days to weeks depending on the prescription.
- Some initial mild discomfort or awareness of the lenses may occur but usually fades as the eyes adjust.
- Regular Follow-Up Visits
- The first year includes multiple follow-ups (typically seven visits) to monitor progress, refine the fit, and ensure long-term effectiveness.
- After the first year, visits reduce to two to three per year for continued monitoring.
What Are the Benefits of Ortho-K?
- Clear vision without daytime glasses or contact lenses
- Proven to slow myopia progression in children, reducing the risk of severe nearsightedness
- Non-surgical and completely reversible, unlike LASIK
- Safe and effective, with minimal side effects
- Ideal for sports, swimming, and other activities
- Reduces eye strain and dryness from daily contact lens wear
How Long Does Ortho-K Take to Work?
Most patients begin seeing results within the first few days, with significant improvements in vision within one to two weeks. The full effect depends on the severity of the prescription and the patient’s corneal response.
Is Ortho-K Safe?
Yes, Ortho-K is FDA-approved and has been safely used for decades. However, as with any contact lens, proper hygiene and lens care are essential to prevent infections or complications. Our team provides detailed training to ensure safe and effective use.
How Much Does Ortho-K Cost?
The cost of Ortho-K varies based on:
- Prescription strength
- Lens brand and type
- Fitting process and follow-up appointments
During your personalized consultation, we will discuss pricing in detail and review flexible payment options to fit your needs.
Ready to Experience Clear Vision Without Glasses?
Call Richmond Eye Experts today or Book an Appointment Online to get started.
Ortho-K FAQs
Do All Optometrists Fit Ortho-K Lenses?
No, not all optometrists and eye doctors are able to offer Ortho-K. The treatment requires extensive post-graduate training. Dr. Chettiparampil specifically specializes in using Ortho-K as a way to manage myopia in children. She takes advantage of the latest technology and techniques in order to create treatment plans that are carefully customized to meet the needs of each patient. When you visit our office for Ortho-K, you can rest assured that the treatment is being administered by a knowledgeable expert with years of experience.
Why Might Ortho-K Not Work?
There are certain circumstances where Ortho-K may not work as intended. Oftentimes, the problem may lie in the shape of the cornea. If the cornea is already very flat, it can be difficult to reshape properly. Alternatively, the Ortho-K lenses themselves may not have been fitted correctly, which can make them less effective in terms of vision improvement.
If Ortho-K is not working for your child as intended, you should reach out to our team as soon as possible. We can determine the true source of the problem and take whatever steps are needed to ensure that your child’s myopia is being managed effectively.
My Child Has Dry Eyes. Can They Still Get Ortho-K?
Yes, patients with dry eyes can still potentially be candidates for Ortho-K. In fact, in certain cases, Ortho-K can actually be beneficial for individuals who are suffering from dry eye symptoms. Reshaping the cornea can potentially improve the way that tears are distributed, which can help stop them from evaporating too quickly. If your child has dry eyes, our team can take that into account while creating a plan for managing their myopia. There may be some dry eye patients that my not qualify.
What Happens If Ortho-K Stops?
The effects of Ortho-K are only temporary. If the treatment is stopped, the cornea will eventually return to its original shape within a few days’ time. Every patient is different, so the exact amount of time that it takes for the effects to wear off can vary from case to case.
Outside of losing vision improvements, there are no risks associated with stopping Ortho-K. However, once the treatment is halted, your child’s myopia will continue to progress. If you’re thinking about stopping Ortho-K, we recommend talking to our team first.
Can My Child Swim with Ortho-K?
The lenses used for Ortho-K are only worn at night so that your child can enjoy clearer vision during the day. Thus, you don’t have to worry about your child being able to swim with Ortho-K because they won’t even be using the lenses during that time. Moreover, your child’s improved vision will allow them to swim without having to rely on corrective eyewear.
If you have any questions regarding what your child will or will not be able to do while they’re undergoing Ortho-K treatment, don’t hesitate to let our team know.