Corneal Reshaping

What is Corneal Reshaping (Ortho-K)?

Corneal reshaping, also called Orthokeratology (or Ortho-K), is the design and fitting of specially designed gas permeable contact lenses that gently reshape/flatten the clear front surface of the eye (cornea), so you can see clearly even after you remove the lenses.

Corneal reshaping, like LASIK, reshapes the cornea so light entering the eye is more accurately focused on the retina. Unlike LASIK, however, corneal reshaping is temporary. For most patients, the results last 24-48 hours. Then the corneal reshaping contact lenses need to be worn again to maintain the proper corneal shape.

Who Is a Candidate?

The ideal prescription is between +2.00 to -6.00 diopters (D), and up to -1.75 D of astigmatism.

Non-surgical corneal reshaping with contact lenses can be performed on people of any age as long as their eyes are healthy, and they are able to insert, remove, and properly care for the lenses. Corneal reshaping is particularly appealing for people who participate in sports, or who work in dusty, dirty environments that can cause problems for regular contact lenses.

People who have been unable to wear contact lenses for any reason (discomfort, allergies, inconvenience, dryness, etc.), are also great candidates because wearing the corneal reshaping lenses while you sleep greatly reduces any discomfort you may have experienced while using conventional contact lenses

Because corneal reshaping offers similar benefits to LASIK, it is also appealing for children and teens, who are not eligible for LASIK.

Why Are Children Good Candidates?

Studies from around the world have indicated that Ortho-K can keep children's nearsightedness from getting worse. Currently, an ongoing 5-year FDA study is seeking to confirm previous studies and prove anecdotal evidence to this fact. Increasing nearsightedness can lead to greater risk for development of retinal problems including retinal detachment.

Children are especially good candidates if they have a tendency to lose or abuse their contact lenses/glasses, or if wearing them interferes with their active life.

What Results Can I Expect from Corneal Reshaping?

In the FDA clinical study for approval of Paragon CRT lenses (the lens of choice at DuPage Ophthalmology), 93 percent of patients achieved 20/30 vision or better, and 67 percent achieved 20/20 or better. The study followed patients over at least a nine-month period.

What Can I Expect When Beginning Corneal Reshaping?

During your first consultation visit the doctor will take time to explain the entire process and answer any questions you may have. Testing will be done to determine whether or not you are a good candidate. If you are a candidate and you wish to proceed, further testing will be done and custom corneal reshaping lenses will be ordered for you.

On your second visit, the doctor will fit you with your custom lenses and you will learn how to properly insert, remove, and care for your corneal reshaping lenses.

You will be required to come in for follow up visits after your first night wearing the corneal reshaping lenses, after one week of wear, after one month of wear, and after 3 months of wear. After that, the doctor will follow up with you once a year.

How Long Does Corneal Reshaping Take?

During the time your eyes are being reshaped, you may experience side effects. In the beginning, you'll have glare and halos that will be reduced with time, but may never completely go away. As with LASIK, patients with large pupils are especially susceptible to this.

Typically it takes about 2 weeks before the full effects of corneal reshaping are experienced. During the first week or so the doctor may provide you with soft lenses to wear during the day to help fully correct your vision. Once your eyes reach the desired prescription, you will only need to wear the corneal reshaping lenses when you sleep to maintain your prescription. Discontinuing lens wear altogether allows your corneas to gradually return to their original shape.
Is Corneal Reshaping Comfortable?

Some people have comfort issues with daytime wear of gas permeable contacts (also known as GP, RGP or "oxygen permeable" lenses) because the eyelid touches the edge of the lens during blinking. This doesn't happen with soft lenses because they are larger and remain tucked under the eyelids. But when RGP lenses are worn during sleep, this is generally not a problem.

What is the Cost of Corneal Reshaping?

The cost of corneal reshaping is $995. This includes all required testing, custom fitting of corneal reshaping lenses, one pair of corneal reshaping lenses (typically replaced every 1-2 years), instruction on insertion, removal and proper lens care, and all follow up visits required in the first six months (typically 6 office visits).

Cost for lens replacement is $200 per lens ($400 per pair). Back-up lenses are strongly recommended, and if ordered within the first 3 months of initial fitting are available at a discounted price of $150 per lens ($300 per pair)

Annual follow up is necessary and includes full eye health exam with refraction, monitoring corneal shape and health. The cost of corneal reshaping annual follow up is $200.

Should I Do Corneal Reshaping Instead of LASIK?

Corneal Reshaping works best for people who don't want to wear glasses or contact lenses all day, every day — but don't mind wearing contact lenses at night, or occasionally during the day.

If your primary goal is to reduce your dependence on glasses or contacts during the day, then Corneal Reshaping might be a good alternative for you. However, if you want to eliminate the bother of contacts altogether, then looking into LASIK or other types of refractive surgery may be a better option for you.

Corneal Reshaping may be a good option if you suffer from dry eyes. It's been found that this condition sometimes is worsened by LASIK.

Unlike LASIK, Corneal Reshaping is reversible. If you try reshaping lenses and later decide you want laser eye surgery instead, you can do that. Prior to LASIK you will have to discontinue wearing the lenses and wait a period of time before surgery (up to several months) to allow your corneas to fully revert to their natural shape.

Corneal Reshaping FAQs

How long do I have to wear the lenses before bed?

We recommend wearing the lenses 30 minutes to 1 hour before bed

How many hours can I wear my lenses per night?

8 hours is the ideal length of time the lenses should be worn. But anywhere from 6-12 hours is fine. If you know you are going to be sleeping for more than 12 hours, we ask that you simply remove your lenses and go back to sleep.

Will I be able to see 20/20 after the first night without my glasses?

No. The first day, your vision may not improve and if it does, it only lasts for a few hours, then will fade back to your starting prescription. You will need to wear an old pair of glasses or temporary daily soft contact lenses at this time. For most patients, it takes anywhere from 1-2 weeks before the vision correction from Corneal Reshaping lasts the majority of the day.

Is it normal to see “double”?

Yes. The first week or so, it is normal for objects to appear to have a shadow or halo around them. This is especially true at night.

Will my lenses always be this uncomfortable?

No. You will feel your lenses the most for the first week while your eyes are open.  Each night you wear the lenses, your eyes will become more adapted and the lenses will become less noticeable. By the end of the first month most patients adapt to the feeling of the lenses.

Can the lens get lost in my eye?

No. The lens can move off center, but cannot go “behind” the eye. There is tissue and muscle that surrounds the eye, preventing this from happening.

How often do the lenses have to be replaced?

Each pair of lenses lasts approximately one year. For some patients the lenses last a little longer, and for some a little less.

What should I bring with me to each Corneal Reshaping follow up visit?

You must bring all of your Corneal Reshaping retainer lenses and solutions to each visit. Your lenses should be clean and ready to be checked.

What do I do if I break or lose a retainer contact lens?

Do not panic! This is not uncommon during the first few months of wearing the lenses. Wear your second/spare pair of lenses if you have them and call our office as soon as possible to schedule an appointment. If the lens is broken, keep all the pieces in a small plastic bag and bring them with you to your appointment.

How can I get a hold of the doctor if I have questions or concerns?

Call our office at 630-495-2220 during office hours to speak to the doctor, or after hours to reach the on call doctor in case of emergency.