The process of designing Ortho-K lenses starts with understanding the unique structure of your child’s eye. Our eye doctors begin by analyzing the curvature of the cornea through a painless procedure using a corneal topographer. This instrument creates a detailed map of the front surface of the eye, capturing critical measurements such as apical curvature, horizontal visible iris diameter (HVID), sagittal height, pupil size, and astigmatism.

Based on these measurements and your child’s prescription, a customized lens is designed using computer-aided technology. Each lens is a rigid gas permeable lens that is specifically tailored to gently apply the correct amount of pressure to reshape the cornea while being comfortable and safe for overnight wear. In many cases, more than one pair of lenses may be developed during the fitting process to ensure your child achieves the best possible vision correction.

Designing a successful Ortho-K lens involves several key parameters that our eye doctors adjust to meet your child’s needs. Here’s an overview of the main modifications that can be made:

• Compression Factor: This parameter is based on the concept of the “Jessen Factor,” which adjusts for the natural rebound of the cornea after lens removal. By designing a slight overcorrection, the treatment helps maintain clear distance vision throughout the day.
• Back Optic Zone Diameter (BOZD): Adjusting the BOZD is used to fine-tune the treatment zone size. A smaller BOZD may be chosen to achieve a more focused correction, while careful changes are made to ensure that the lens fits comfortably without decentering the cornea.
• Multifocal Optics Adjustments: In some cases, the lens may be designed with multifocal optics to enhance myopia control. Although this customization can lead to a slight decrease in visual acuity, it may prove beneficial for managing myopia progression over time.

Each of these adjustments is carefully considered by our eye doctors. Your child’s individual measurements, such as the curvature of the cornea and pupil size, allow us to simulate and predict the lens design’s effectiveness using specialized software. This process eliminates the need for lengthy in-office trial fittings, making the experience faster and more comfortable for your child.

Safety is paramount when it comes to Ortho-K lens treatment. Although all contact lenses carry some risk, studies have shown that the rate of infection with Ortho-K lenses is significantly lower compared to extended wear of soft contact lenses. Our eye doctors emphasize rigorous hygiene and regular follow-ups to minimize any complications.

Here’s how safety is maintained throughout the Ortho-K process:

• Strict Hygiene Protocols: Before fitting lenses, thorough instructions on proper cleaning and handling are provided. Parents are also educated on the importance of following these guidelines to reduce risks.
• Regular Monitoring: Frequent office visits are essential in spotting any early signs of complications, such as corneal staining. Monitoring the fit and overall health of the cornea ensures any issues are dealt with quickly.
• Custom Fit to Prevent Decentration: A well-fitted lens should have minimal movement (ideally less than 1 mm) and proper centration on the cornea. This careful fitting process prevents complications such as lens decentration, which can lead to discomfort and reduced visual clarity.
• Lens Material and Replacement: Only highly breathable FDA-approved lenses are used for overnight wear. The lenses are designed to be replaced every one to two years to maintain optimal performance and reduce potential risks.

The emphasis on safety goes beyond the initial fitting—continued education about signs of problems, such as redness, pain, excessive tearing, or decreased vision, is provided to parents. Our eye doctors encourage you to contact our office for personalized guidance if you notice any unusual changes.

Ortho-K works on a simple yet effective principle: by applying gentle pressure during sleep, the lenses encourage a slight flattening of the central cornea. This reduction in the cornea’s curvature decreases the refractive power of the eye, leading to improved distance vision. The treatment zone is carefully designed to balance the benefits of vision improvement with the natural tendency of the cornea to return to its original shape over time.

Because the reshaping effect is temporary, the process requires continuous use of the lenses. If the lenses are discontinued, the cornea gradually reverts back to its baseline shape within one to four weeks. This reversibility ensures that the treatment carries minimal long-term risks and provides a flexible option for managing myopia progression.

Studies have indicated that Ortho-K can be particularly beneficial for children with mild to moderate myopia or those with astigmatism. For many, achieving 20/20 vision is possible with proper lens design and adherence to the treatment protocol. By slowing axial elongation—the process that contributes to myopia progression—Ortho-K offers a unique advantage in eye care for younger patients.

Customization in Ortho-K lens design is not just about a personalized fit; it is a sophisticated process that involves balancing multiple variables. Using advanced diagnostic tools and specialized software, our eye doctors simulate lens designs that can predict the outcomes effectively. This simulation incorporates adjustments to the compression factor, back optic zone diameter, and multifocal optics as needed.

Here are some key aspects of customization explained in more detail:

• Compression Factor Adjustments: This adjustment compensates for the natural regression of the corneal reshaping effect when the lenses are not worn. By calculating a slight overcorrection, the lens continues to provide clear vision throughout the day. This process is carefully calibrated based on the individual’s topography data, ensuring that the effect is both safe and effective.
• Back Optic Zone Diameter (BOZD) Changes: Modifying the BOZD can help fine-tune the treatment zone’s size. A smaller BOZD may result in a more concentrated corneal flattening, but it requires precise adjustments to prevent decentration. Our eye doctors are well-versed in balancing these parameters to achieve the desired visual outcomes.
• Multifocal Optics Considerations: Some lens designs incorporate multifocal optics that cater to both near and distance vision control. While this customization may involve slight trade-offs in visual sharpness, emerging research suggests that it can be beneficial in controlling myopia progression. Ongoing studies continue to explore the full potential of multifocal adjustments in Ortho-K treatments.

Many patients experience noticeable improvements as early as the next morning, though optimal results typically stabilize within a week or two. If higher corrections are needed, it can take up to four weeks for the full effect.

Yes, with strict adherence to hygiene protocols and proper lens care, Ortho-K is safe for children. Regular follow-up visits further ensure that the eye remains healthy throughout the treatment process.

Initially, consistent nightly wear is required to achieve and maintain the corneal reshaping. Once the desired vision is achieved, some patients may only need to wear Ortho-k lenses a few times per week.

Absolutely. The degree of myopia and the presence of astigmatism are key factors in determining the ideal lens design. Our eye doctors make adjustments—such as selecting a toric design for higher astigmatism—based on these diagnostic measurements.