Orthokeratology (CRT & VST)

Slow Myopia Progression & See Clearly With Overnight Contacts

Ortho-K: a scientifically-proven, safe and effective myopia treatment. Our custom-fit contact lenses gently and temporarily reshape the cornea while you sleep.

young man inserting ortho-k lenses

Did You Know That Myopia Is Skyrocketing in the US & Canada?

boy wearing contacts

50% of the global population is expected to be myopic by 2050.

Not only does it cause nearsightedness and make it harder to see far away objects, but myopia is also associated with other conditions, such as:

Retinal atrophy
Macular degeneration
Higher risk of glaucoma
Greater likelihood of retinal detachment
Lattice degeneration

That's why it is critical to do something about your myopia right away!

How Orthokeratology Slows Myopia Progression

Imagine waking up every morning with clear and sharp vision. Thanks to these specialty lenses, you don’t have to wear glasses or contacts during the day, and best of all — this treatment is surgery-free!

Moreover, Ortho-K slows or halts eye elongation in children and teens, which radically reduces the risk of myopia progression!

Children and adults with myopia can use Ortho-K lenses to reshape the cornea. Simply insert at night before going to bed and remove them in the morning to see clearly.

Here's How Ortho-K Works

Worn While You Sleep

Insert these custom-designed gas permeable lenses at night before going to bed.
Change the Shape of the Cornea

Ortho-K lenses reshape your cornea overnight so you can see clearly the following day!
Enjoy Clear Vision the Next Day

Remove the lenses in the morning and see clearly during the day, without the need for glasses or contact lenses.
Slow Myopia Progression

Ortho-K slows myopia progression in children as young as 8. This lowers their risk of macular degeneration, glaucoma and retinal detachment later in life.

Benefits of Ortho-K Lenses

Slows myopia progression

Experience 20/20 vision all day

Perfect for people who engage in individual or team sports

What to Expect From Your Ortho-K Consultation

Meet With Your Eye Doctor

Talk to an eye care professional who will answer your questions about Ortho-K lenses. Our talented and caring optometrists are trained to work with children and adults and can address any questions or concerns you may have.
Ortho-K Eye Exam

We'll discuss your family's medical history and perform a thorough eye exam to detect myopia and other vision problems you may have.
Results & Treatment Plan

We will inform you of your eye exam results, risk factors, and expected Ortho-K outcomes. The eye doctor at Elgin Family EyeCare in Elgin will outline a customized Ortho-K plan if you wish to proceed with the treatment.

Ortho-K FAQs

Am I a candidate for Ortho-K?

Most people with mild to moderate myopia, with mild astigmatism and some cases of presbyopia are good candidates for Ortho-K. Children over the age of 8 and young adults who want to be free of glasses and contacts but who are not good candidates for refractive surgery due to age or other reasons (i.e., severe dry eyes, high costs, health risks) often are good candidates. Those who lead active lifestyles and who participate in contact sports also benefit from Ortho-K.

Can I use Ortho-K if I have astigmatism?

Our practice has seen fantastic results in patients with mild astigmatism, but high astigmatism is normally more complex in the design and fit. We can design a mold for your specific cornea, but it will depend on the individual case. An in-person consultation and eye evaluation at Elgin Family EyeCare in Elgin will allow us to better determine whether it's feasible.

How long does it take for Ortho-K to work?

Our patients consistently report improved vision after using Ortho-K. Some patients can experience perfect vision after a day or two of overnight Ortho-K. But higher prescriptions can take 2 or more weeks for maximum correction. Keep in mind that the refractive state regresses to pretreatment levels once the lens is no longer worn.

Can I use Ortho-K lenses if I have dry eye syndrome?

Ortho-K lenses don't aggravate dry eyes, since tear evaporation, a main cause of dry eye, doesn't occur when the eyes are closed during sleep. However, those with severe dry eyes may apply artificial tears or other drops before inserting Ortho-K lenses at night. Dry eyes resulting from arthritis or collagen-vascular disease may interfere with this treatment, but this can be determined during the eye doctor's assessment.

Does Ortho-K Hurt?

Ortho-K lenses do not hurt and should not hurt. Certain people may feel a slight foreign body sensation, but with time, the eyes become [desensitized] to the lenses.

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