Ortho-K/ Orthokeratology

Orthokeratology, or commonly known as Ortho-K, is a therapy that allows patients to see clearly and comfortably without the need of wearing daytime glasses, soft contacts, or having surgery.

The first step in the therapy is to map and scan the shape and complexities of the cornea, using a machine called a topographer. This process is noninvasive and takes seconds to perform.  Patients are placed in front of the machine and directed to focus on a target inside. The instrument then performs a 3D scan of the tissue.  The results of the scan will help determine whether a patient is a good candidate for the therapy or not. It also helps document the effectiveness of the therapy.

The data collected is then used to design lenses with reverse geometry to smooth out and correct the patient’s current prescription. It is specific to each and each prescription. The lenses are made from an oxygen permeable material tailored to keep eyes healthy.  When the lenses arrive, the patient returns to the office to test fit the lenses.  Dr. Nguyen will teach how to insert/remove and how to care for the lenses. Many will go home the same day with all the materials needed to initiate the first night of therapy.
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The following day, after one night of wearing the lenses, patients return to the office and more scans are done of the eyes using the topographer.  Dr. Nguyen will measure the progress and make adjustments to the lenses as needed.  Most patients see an immediate change in prescription in one or two days and the max efficacy is usually observed at two weeks of wearing the lenses.  Progress visits are made at two-weeks, one-month, three-months, and at six-months.  After the six-month checkup, there are no other checkups needed until your yearly exam.  
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At your next yearly exam, the eye health and vision status is measured. Many times, the prescription changes and new lenses are required each year. It is also recommended that the lenses be replaced after a year due to warpage and sanitation.  

FAQ

Am I a candidate?
The best way to determine if you are a candidate is to have an exam with a topography map of your eyes. Depending on your degree of nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism, you may be able to sleep your prescription away!

How does it work?
In LASIK, a laser is used to carve the prescription you need onto your eyes. With Ortho-K, special lenses are worn over night that reshape your cornea to the prescription you need. The treatment at its fullest effect will last at least one day. There are some who can even use the lenses every other night and still achieve great vision!

What is the treatment process like?
Dr. Nguyen first makes sure your eyes are healthy and maps your eyes using an instrument called a topographer. This map allows Dr. Nguyen to design lenses that will reshape the cornea to see clearer. This machine scans the eyes, is noninvasive, and takes seconds to perform.

When the lenses are designed and ready, Dr. Nguyen teaches the patient how to apply, remove, care for the lenses. After specific intervals of wearing the lenses, Dr. Nguyen will check and measure the progress of the treatment. Most patients will see 20/20 and are free of glasses and soft contacts in 1-2 days! After the treatment is stable, the patient needs to be evaluated yearly for wellness exams and to replace their lenses.

How often do I replace the lenses?
Lenses are to be replaced yearly to keep the eyes healthy and clear. Normal usage and time will warp the lenses.

What if I change my mind?
The treatment is 100% reversible!

What if my prescription changes?
The treatment is 100% reversible- so as your prescription changes, Dr. Nguyen can make appropriate adjustments to correct your vision!

What if I move?
Dr. Nguyen can forward all the data needed to your next Ortho-K specialist to prevent interruption of care.

EyeScript Vision Care has the experience and equipment necessary to provide treatment, consultation and referrals for the vision correction procedures detailed above at our office in Spring. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Jennifer Nguyen, and we will be in touch with you shortly.