Orthokeratology (ortho-k) contact lenses offer clear sight during the day without the need to wear lenses while you’re awake. This guide breaks down what ortho-k is, how it works, and what costs you can expect for your family’s dedicated eye care.
The process involves custom-made lenses and dedicated professional care. In Idaho, you can generally expect the first year of ortho-k treatment to range from $2,000 to $4,000. This investment covers the initial consultation, custom lenses, and all necessary follow-up visits for the first year.
What Are Ortho-K Lenses?
Ortho-k lenses are gas permeable contacts that you wear overnight. While you sleep, they gently and safely reshape the cornea, the front surface of your eye. You simply remove your lenses in the morning and enjoy clear vision throughout the day.
How Ortho-K Works Overnight
These lenses act much like a retainer for your eye. The gentle pressure that they apply reshapes your cornea to correct common vision problems. This change is temporary, so you need to wear your lenses every night to maintain the effect.
A Brief Look at Nearsightedness
Ortho-k is often used to treat myopia, also commonly known as nearsightedness. This condition occurs when the eyeball is a bit too long or the cornea is too curved. Myopia causes distant objects to appear blurry while close-up objects remain clear.
Key Benefits of Ortho-K
- Freedom from glasses & daytime contacts
- A non-surgical vision correction option
- Great for active kids & teens in sports
- May help slow the progression of myopia in children
The Ortho-K Process & Your First Visit
The journey to clear daytime vision with ortho-k involves a few different steps. Here’s what to expect.
Your Initial Eye Exam & Consultation
The first step is a thorough eye exam. During this process, your optometrist will map the surface of your cornea with special equipment, a process known as corneal topography. This detailed map helps us see if ortho-k is a suitable option for your vision needs.
Custom Lens Fit & Design
If you’re a good fit, your eye doctor will design a custom pair of ortho-k lenses just for you. These lenses are tailored to the shape of your eyes, helping to create a safe and effective fit.
How Long Until You See Results?
You may notice an improvement in your vision after just one or two nights. However, for many people, it can take one to two weeks to reach their full, stable vision correction. Your optometrist will monitor your progress closely.
A Breakdown of Ortho-K Costs
The cost of ortho-k treatment is a common question. The price reflects the custom nature of the lenses and the professional care involved. The initial investment covers everything needed to get started.
Why the Cost Varies
The total price depends on your specific vision prescription and the complexity of your case. Your optometrist can give you a more precise quote.
What the First-Year Cost Includes
The initial investment in ortho-k is comprehensive. It typically covers:
- The initial eye exam & cornea mapping
- Custom-designed ortho-k lenses
- All necessary follow-up appointments for the first year
- Lens care kits & supplies
Are Ortho-K Lenses Covered by Insurance?
Most vision insurance plans view ortho-k as an elective procedure, so they may not cover the full cost. However, you can often use funds from a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) or Health Savings Account (HSA). We can help you check your benefits.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Ortho-K?
Ortho-K is an effective option for many people, especially children and active adults. An eye exam is the only way to know for sure if it’s the right choice.
What Age Is Best for Ortho-K?
Children as young as eight are often great candidates for ortho-k. It’s a popular choice for kids and teens whose nearsightedness is progressing.
Lifestyle Benefits for Active Families
Ortho-k is a great fit for people who play sports or have active lifestyles. There are no glasses to break or daytime contacts to dry out or get lost. Ortho-k offers clear, natural vision for all your family’s activities.
Long-Term Care & Future Costs
Annual Check-Ups & Lens Replacement
You’ll need an annual eye exam to monitor your eye health and vision. Ortho-k lenses typically need to be replaced every one to two years. This, along with following proper lens care instructions, helps to ensure they remain safe and effective for your eyes.
Future Costs for Your Family Budget
The annual cost for replacement lenses and follow-up care is significantly less than the initial investment. This makes ortho-k a manageable long-term option for many families. It provides years of clear vision without the daily fuss.
Other Myopia Management & Control Options
While myopia (nearsightedness) can’t be reversed, it can be managed to help slow its progression and protect long-term vision. At Bluebird Vision + Wellness, we offer several effective options outside of Ortho-K for families looking to take a proactive approach to their child’s eye health.
Prescription Glasses & Contact Lenses
Glasses and standard contact lenses are the most common way to correct blurry distance vision caused by myopia. They allow your child to see clearly day-to-day, though they don’t slow down the condition’s progression.
Atropine Eye Drops
Low-dose atropine eye drops, used once daily, help relax the eye’s focusing muscles and slow down the growth of the eye linked to worsening myopia. While your child may still need glasses or contacts for clear vision, atropine can be an effective part of a broader myopia control plan.
Discover Clear Vision
At Bluebird Vision + Wellness, we are dedicated to your family’s lifelong vision health. If you’re looking for personalized eye care in Blackfoot, we can help. A
If you’re interested in ortho-k, schedule a consultation with our team today. We can answer your questions and help you explore all your vision correction options. Let’s work together to find a solution that fits your family’s lifestyle.
