| Q | What is Ortho-K? |
| A | Ortho-k is a non-surgical process which reshapes the cornea of the eye utilizing special contact lenses thereby reducing the dependence upon eyewear and providing children myopia control. See www.hkvisioncare.com for more information. |
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| Q | Is this a new procedure? |
| A | Yes, and no. Many of the principles date back to 1962, but the technology is from the computer age. The lens materials available today far exceed even soft contact lenses for providing the eye with the oxygen necessary for healthy vision. The corneal topographer, an instrument for mapping the cornea, makes Ortho-K a precise treatment. |
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| Q | How safe is Ortho-K? |
| A | Many people have been able to eliminate their dependance upon their glasses and standard contacts with no adverse effects or eye damage. Unlike surgical radial keratotomy, the corneal tissue is not scarred causing poor night vision and compressing corneal metabolism and the flow of oxygen. However, as with all contact lenses, care must be taken to maintain eye health. |
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| Q | What can benefit from Ortho-K? |
| A |
For those nearsighted children, there are a large number of scientific reports and clinical cases to support that Ortho-K is the most effective way of myopia control for children. Thus, children can benefit as follows.
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| Q | Who can benefit from Ortho-K? |
| A | Ortho-K works best on nearsightedness and astigmatism, but lens designs for farsightedness, and uncorrected refractive error from RK, PRK, LASIK and astigmatism caused by the surgery, are also being developed. Not everyone meets the criteria for A.O.K. Your optometrist will be able to advise you. |
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| Q | Is Ortho-K for Me? |
| A | Ortho-K does not work on everyone. Your optometrist will determine if you are a candidate. |
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| Q | Will I still have to wear glasses or contacts? |
| A | Once the desired level is obtained, the final lenses act as retainers to maintain that level, whatever that level is. This short period of daily or weekly wearing time is customized for each patient. Regular contact lenses are not needed. Glasses may be needed for reading or other parttime use. |
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| Q | How long does it take to be able to see well without glasses? |
| A | Changes in vision can be appreciated within hours to days. Many cases take from hours (in mild cases) to a few weeks (in very difficult cases) to reach stable functional vision. |
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| Q | Can Ortho-K be performed on someone who has had surgical radial keratotomy? |
| A | Yes, in most cases Ortho-K can help uncorrected refractive error from RK, PRK, LASIK and astigmatism caused by the surgery. However, Ortho-K cannot repair the corneal scarring or help the night vision problems associated with the surgery. |
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| Q | A child's vision changes. Can Ortho-K help children and teenagers? |
| A | Absolutely, with the help of Ortho-K, we don't need children and teenagers to wait for their nearsighedness to stable which is probably after 20-year old. Ortho-K is used to retard the progression of nearsightedness and other refractive errors, and leave children and teenagers with a brighter future. |
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| Q | How much does Ortho-K cost? |
| A |
Generally, the cost is less than 2/3 the cost of LASIK. The actual cost will depend on the complexity of the case. For simple cases the cost can range from HK$12,000 to HK$18,000 depending on length of treatment and the number of lenses needed. Your optometrist will be able to give you a better estimate for your eyes. |
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| Q | Is Ortho-K Permanent? |
| A | After treatment and maximum results are achieved, retainer lenses are worn to stabilize the new corneal shape. Failure to wear the retainer lens on an ongoing basis will result in the return to the pre-existing prescription. Retainers may be prescribed during day or night. |
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