Ortho-K an Alternative to Laser Eye Surgery

Unframe your world and enjoy clear, sharp vision without glasses or contact lenses.

Sometimes referred to as Overnight Vision Correction, Orthokeratology (Ortho-K) can provide many of the lifestyle benefits that people with good eyesight take for granted.

While they may seem like small things: being able to see clearly in the rain, choosing and wearing sunglasses from the latest range, or enjoying spontaneous plans (because a late night is no longer dependent on having your glasses or contact solution with you) – they are just the type of things I hear my Ortho-K patients getting excited about.

As a non-surgical alternative to laser eye surgery, Ortho-K is a reversible procedure that has many advantages over laser eye surgery.

Laser eye surgery is a permanent eye correction procedure which carries risks and requires thoughtful consideration before undergoing treatment – there is no turning back.

Laser eye surgery uses a specialised computer controlled laser which emits pulses of ultraviolet light to reshape the corneal surface – flattening it to correct myopia, creating a steeper curve for far sightedness and balancing irregular curves to correct astigmatism.

LASKIK (Laser-Assisted Stromal In-situ Keratomileusis) is a method of laser surgery where a flap is cut in the cornea either using a computer controlled laser or a blade and the laser is used to shape the cornea beneath before repositioning the flap.

In contrast Ortho-K lenses are worn only at night and are removed in the morning providing clear uninterrupted vision all day without further need for glasses or contact lenses. To reverse the procedure, you simply stop wearing the lenses – your eyesight returns to its previous condition.

Comparison of Ortho-K and Laser eye surgery and LASIK

Advantages

Ortho-K	Laser eye surgery and LASIK
Prevents the progression of myopia Completely reversible – simply stop wearing the lenses at night Non-invasive, non-destructive procedure Less expensive than laser eye surgery No dry eyes – contacts only worn at night Less risk of complications than laser eye surgery Safe for children – lenses only worn at night under parental supervision	No requirement for contacts night or day

Disadvantages

Ortho-K

Laser eye surgery and LASIK

Hygiene – lenses must be maintained and cleaned to prevent conjunctivitis and eye infections Only works with every night insertion of the contacts. Missed days will see eyes revert to their normal vision level for those days. May cause light flare in night vision

Permanent procedure which involves thinning the cornea. Vision may still deteriorate over time requiring the need for glasses. Eyes may revert to former state with lower contrast sensitivity and less crisp vision, even with glasses May cause dry eyes due to structural changes (LASIK) May cause eye sensitivity in glare or strong light conditions Risk of surgical complications Risk of future dislodgement of the flap by a severe impact (LASIK) Risk of over or under correction requiring re-treatment, glasses or contact lenses.

However you frame it, if you have concerns about laser eye surgery Ortho-K is an excellent alternative to LASIK.

If you would like to have your questions about Ortho-K answered in person – please contact us to make an appointment – we are happy to discuss your options with you. You can book your own appointment online or call the office at 07 5532 7398.

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