It’s likely you’ve never heard of orthokeratology, commonly known as ortho-k, but this medical procedure is changing the lives of those who have vision problems. Orthokeratology is the use of specially designed and fitted contact lenses to temporarily reshape the cornea to improve vision. It’s like orthodontics for your eyes, and the treatment is often compared to dental braces. Most ortho-k lenses are worn at night to reshape the front surface of the eye while you sleep. Vision improvements are reversible but can be maintained if you keep wearing the lenses as directed. Ortho-k is mainly used to correct near-sightedness, which is typically corrected by wearing eyeglasses. Orthokeratology is a surgery-free way for some people to leave their glasses behind and not have to wear contact lenses all the time. The lenses work by flattening the center of the cornea, changing how light is bent as it enters the eye. These overnight lenses are rigid, gas-permeable lenses that are sturdy enough to reshape the cornea, but also allow oxygen through so your eye stays healthy. It can take two weeks or longer to attain the maximum vision correction from orthokeratology, although some people experience significant vision improvement in days. Because orthokeratology is an elective treatment, most insurance companies don’t cover it. The cost of ortho-k, including follow-up care associated with fitting the lenses, can vary significantly depending on the type and degree of refractive error. Ortho-k prices generally range from $1,000 to $4,000. Ongoing costs for replacement of lenses, lens care solutions and follow-up exams can range between $300 and $500 a year.
