Frequently Asked Questions

How long do the contact lenses last?
Between 12-24 months. It depends on how well they are looked after and how much your eye can distort them during every day wear. 

Are the contact lenses uncomfortable?
 The Ortho K lenses are less comfortable than normal soft contact lenses. It may take a week or two to get use to the feel of the lenses. As they are worn overnight, initial discomfort is not a big an issue as they are more comfortable when the eyes are closed.

 Do I need to wear my lenses every night?
Short answer – “yes”! Be prepared to wear the contact lenses every night if you want the full benefit of clear vision throughout the day. After wearing them consistently, many people find that they can wear the contacts only every second night and still get the full benefit from the lenses.

Can I lose these lenses while I’m sleeping?
There is very little chance of losing a lens while sleeping for a number of reasons. These lenses are made specially to fit the front curve on your eye, so they should sit very well and not be too loose. Secondly, you are wearing the lenses while your eyelids are closed, so there is little chance of them falling out.

What if something goes wrong while I’m wearing the lenses at night?
Complications with the lenses will be rare if they are fitting the eyes well. If your eyes get red, irritated or painful while wearing the lenses at night, remove the lenses and call Eyes @ Narangba in the morning. If your eyes are very painful or red and you are concerned, your optometrist will give you their afterhours mobile number to call for advice and help with the lenses. Alternatively, if you are very concerned you can present to an afterhours medical centre or hospital.

What if I am unsuccessful wearing the lenses?
If this is during the initial 3 month period, you will be refunded part of the original cost, as we can return the lenses for a half warranty. If after this time, you wish to wear other contact lenses, we can assist you with fitting them.

Can I throw away my glasses?
Please don’t! Any contact lens wearer must have a spare pair of glasses with a current prescription. There may be times when you cannot wear your lenses due to eye health or poor general health, and it is crucial to have a pair of glasses for these times.

 Which powers can be corrected with orthokeratology?
For patients with prescriptions between -1.00 and -10.00 and +1.00 to +5.00 and even those with a small amount of an astigmatism. Occasionally Ortho-K lenses can be used on people with prescriptions outside of these ranges however the success of them will depend on other factors also.

 I have heard that orthokeratology stops your eyes from getting worse, is this true?
Ortho-K lenses have been scientifically shown to slow the progression of myopia (short sightedness) and it is currently being used globally to slow the rate of short sightedness.

 Does every optometrist do Ortho-K lenses?
No. All steps of Ortho-K must be performed by an optometrist with specialized training in this area and that has the ability to use a corneal topographer.

 Who can wear Ortho-K lenses?
There is a variety of people who can wear Ortho-K Lenses. These include:

dot point   Farsighted patients – however their script must be between +1.00 & +5.00

dot point   Nearsighted (myopic) patients – however their script must be between -1.00 & -10.00

dot point   Astigmatic patients – with a small cylinder (small) power

dot point   Those who struggle with normal contact lens wear

dot point   Those who need to see without glasses or contact lenses throughout the day – such as police officers, military personnel, pilots, athletes etc.

Why can children be good candidates?
Ortho-K has been scientifically proven to slow the progression of nearsighedness (myopia) and children are shown to be the highest sufferers of progressive myopia. Ortho-K is also great for children as they do not need to wear glasses for sport or run the risk of losing them at school.

I wear bifocals/progressives/reading glasses, can I wear Ortho-K?
Yes! As long as your script is between, -1.00 and -10.00 or +1.00 to +5.00 and with/or without a cylinder (cyl) that is small. Specialty Ortho-K lenses such as Hyperopic/Presbyopic, Myopic/Presbyopic, or monovision Ortho-K may be used for those over 40 years old.

Am I too old/young for Ortho-K?
Age is not a big factor with Ortho-K as it can be fitted on anybody, however we generally do not do Ortho-K on children under 8 years old. There is no upper age limit though.

I am a dry eye sufferer, can I use Ortho-K?
Because you will be wearing the Ortho-K lenses at night whilst you sleep, dry eyes are generally not a problem as there is little tear evaporation. However, if your dry eyes are caused by severe arthritis or collagen-vascular disease, you may not be able to wear Ortho-K lenses but at a comprehensive eye exam we will be able to advise you if Ortho-K is an option or not.

I tried/wore normal contact lenses but didn’t like them due to discomfort, can I wear Ortho-K?
YES! Because you will wear the Ortho-K lenses at night whilst you sleep, discomfort is greatly reduced.

Will I be able to see things with my Ortho-K lenses in?
Yes. You will then be able to read or watch TV whilst in bed.

 I don’t sleep as much as others. Is this a problem?
Though a good night sleep is important, results can still be achieved in only 4 hours of sleep. For some people they wear the Ortho-K lenses more often for shorter periods, instead of one long period