Being one of the most prevalent disabilities in the Philippines—comprising nearly 50%[1] of all forms of disabilities—visual impairments have been a major cause of concern in the medical practice, and frustration for those who suffer from it. This growing alarm can be attributed to the fact that visual impairments progressively worsen over time, while patients often put off treatment because of the costs they entail, and the lack of urgency to do so. And although over the years, many treatments both invasive and non-invasive have been discovered and further developed to help eye care experts around the world to give their patients the gift of sight, much of them still remain inaccessible to those who are truly a victim to the debilitating effects of visual impairments.
But here’s a thought: what if tonight you put on a pair of specialized contact lenses, go to sleep with the same problematic eyesight, wake up in the morning, take off the lenses and discover that your vision has improved?
Yes, it’s possible. Because in recent years, research and medical advancements have brought to fruition an option that not only makes treatment for visual impairments more accessible by providing quick and effective treatment, but by helping customers save up on costs as well. A procedure called Orthokeratology has been introduced to the Philippines, and is slowly growing in popularity among those in the practice of eye care because this innovative and budget-friendly solution to visual impairment also brings the promise of not only managing vision impairments, but even aids in the correction of it.
To give you a basic overview on this revolutionary procedure, here are 10 important things you need to know should you find yourself wanting to undergo Orthokeratology:
1.What is Orthokeratology?
Orthokeratology (Ortho-K) is a non-invasive, non-surgical treatment that aids in the correction of nearsightedness (myopia), astigmatism, mild hyperopia, and in some instances presbyopia. It also helps to slow down the progression of childhood myopia, eliminating the need for corrective glasses or daytime contact lenses.[2]
2.How does it work?
Ortho-K works by gently restructuring the surface of the eye (cornea) characteristic of specific refractive errors. It makes use of a pair of firm contact lenses (rigid, gas-permeable contact lenses) which you wear while you sleep, to allow reshaping of the cornea to occur overnight.[3]
3.Who can undergo Ortho-K treatment?
Individuals, including children suffering from mild to moderate myopia, astigmatism, mild hyperopia that want to be glasses-free, but are not ineligible for LASIK surgery can undergo Ortho-K.
4.How long does the effect of Ortho-K last?
Overnight wearing of the Ortho-K lenses can help you see adequately without glasses or contact lenses for about a day, or two. For best results, the Ortho-K lenses should be worn every night.
5.How do I avail of Ortho-K lenses?
To avail of Orthokeratology, you may visit or book an appointment with our Optometrists at any George Optical branch. The treatment will cost (inclusive of Optometrists’ fees) at least:
- For Basic Ortho-K Treatment program = Php 42,000.00 to Php 45,000.00
- For Ortho-K Toric Treatment program = Php 48,000.00 to Php 53,000.00
[1] Japan International Cooperation Agency Planning and Evaluation Department. (2002). Country Profile on Disability: The Republic of the Philippines. JICA.
[2] George Optical. (2016). Retrieved 2017, from George Optical: www.george-optical.com/services/orthokeratology
[3] Heiting, G. O. (2014). Ortho-K And Corneal Refractive Therapy: Overnight Contacts To Correct Myopia. Retrieved 2017, from AllAboutVision: www.allaboutvision.com