To help you through the day
We’re offering a groundbreaking service that can eliminate the need for glasses or contact lenses during the day. Say hello to OrthoK.
OrthoK is a safe and effective technique, used mainly to correct short–sightedness (myopia), astigmatism and potentially presbyopia (blurred near vision). It’s well worth considering as an alternative to LASIK for anyone who’s not keen on surgery.
Orthokeratology or ‘OrthoK’ doesn’t involve surgery or anything invasive. Specially designed contact lenses work to gently change the shape of the front of your eye while you sleep (a bit like night-time orthodontics) so you can see clearly, with your natural vision, during the day.
This service is currently available at our Rozelle store in Sydney, and our Geelong store in Victoria.
How does OrthoK work?
There are various reasons you can’t see clearly: your eye may be too long, too short or the surface of the eye is out of shape. All these reasons mean images don’t focus correctly on the retina at the back of your eye. Normally we fix this and refocus the images by using glasses or contact lenses. But with OrthoK, we refocus the images by changing the shape of the front surface of the eye.
To make an OrthoK lens we first map your eye’s surface, using an ultra-precise instrument called a topographer. Then our optometrist uses this information, together with your prescription, to design a customised lens specially for your eye and its unique vision problems.
The lenses are made on a computer-assisted high-speed lathe, from materials with high oxygen permeability that allow your eyes to ‘breathe’ while you sleep, to maintain your eye health. The back surface of the lens has several specialised curves that gently shift the tear film under your own lens, and slowly reshape the front surface of your eye as you sleep. The result? After waking and removing your lenses, you’ll enjoy clear, sharp vision for the rest of the day. It’s pretty clever.
Could OrthoK be right for you?
Yes, if you:
- are unable to wear contact lenses due to allergies and dry eye
- work in a dusty or dirty environment
- are an active person who doesn’t want the inconvenience of glasses or contact lenses when participating in sports
- want freedom from their glasses and/or day contact lenses
- have mild to moderate myopia (less than -4.00D)
OrthoK is worth serious consideration for your child if their myopia (short-sightedness) is getting progressively worse.
What’s involved?
You’ll need a comprehensive consultation with a Dresden optometrist to assess your suitability for OrthoK. They’ll check your prescription and eye health, conduct corneal topography, and explain how it works and which Dresden OrthoK product would be best for you.
If you decide to go ahead, you’ll start an OrthoK Plan, have custom-made contact lenses arrive 1 week later, then have a series of follow-up consultations with our optometrist:
- The day after your first night using OrthoK.
- In 2 weeks.
- In 3 months.
- In 6 months.
Typically, you’ll need to replace your lenses every 12-18 months.
How much does OrthoK cost?
You’ll pay for your lenses and the OrthoK programme two instalments. First, there’s a non-refundable deposit when your lenses are prescribed and you sign a consent form committing to your OrthoK programme. You’ll pay the balance when you pick up your lenses. If the program is unsuccessful for you within 80 days, we will refund this. If you have private health insurance, you’re likely to be able to claim a rebate for your OrthoK lenses and consultations. • OrthoK Night Program:
From (AU) $1500
- Repeat OrthoK Night Program
From (AU) $550
For more information on Ortho-K and its suitability for you - contact us on on 02 7908 0639, or reach out to us on hello@dresden.vision with your enquiry.
