OK Lens FAQ

Questions & Answers for OK Lens

Frequently Asked Questions & Answers about OK Lens

Wearing OK Lenses
(1) How long will it take to achieve and maintain the best vision?

• After the first night of wearing OK lenses, myopia will be significantly reduced.  A lot of people after a weekend of evening wear can no longer wear their glasses.  It takes about 7-14 days for optimal effect. Before this occurs, you can use old glasses (with lower prescriptions) or soft contact lenses for the first few days.

(2) Will you have clear vision while wearing OK lenses at night?

• Yes.  Vision is clear when reading, watching TV for a short period of time before bed or getting up at night.

(3) Can OK lenses be worn during the day?

• OK lenses are generally used to correct vision during the night, the eyes take a break from the lenses during the day.  Daytime use will allow for improved vision but it is not recommended for routine wear during the day, only for temporary use when necessary.

(4) Does OK lenses have to be worn every night or can they be temporarily suspended for a period of time?

• Upon achieving optimal results, many people with low myopia may be able to retain their improved vision for 1-2 days without wearing the lenses at night (however in order to attain the best results for correcting the myopia, it should be worn every night or every other night). If you plan on not using the lenses for more than three days, you will need to use glasses to maintain clear vision.  You can always continue wearing OK lenses at a later date to return to previous levels of corrected vision.

(5) Do OK lenses only correct myopia?  Or can it also correct astigmatism, hyperopia and presbyopia?

• OK lenses have proven to correct myopia up to -6.00 diopters (D) and astigmatism up to -1.75 D.  The use of OK lenses to correct higher myopia, hyperopia, and presbyopia is being studied.

(6) What is the difference between OK lens treatment and Lasik surgery?

• The principle is similar: correcting vision by changing the shape of the cornea.  OK lens treatment is a non-surgical treatment without the risks involved in laser surgery.  The effects of OK lenses however are reversible while Lasik surgery is permanent.  Wearing the lenses nightly is generally enough to eliminate your need for glasses or contacts for a day or so.  From time to time, the shape of the OK lens can be altered to adjust to any changes in the eye.

(7) Are there any allergies associated with wearing OK lenses?

• OK lenses are made from a non-absorbent material which is less likely to cause any allergic reactions compared to ordinary soft contact lenses.

(8) Is Orthokeratology a new invention?

• OK lens vision correction has been performed for decades by eye doctors who specialize in contact lens fitting.  It has become widely used globally in the last ten years.  Major technological advances have been made in the last decade, making the process much faster and much more effective.   The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) first approved its use in June 2002 with the provision that practicing doctors must be certified in the procedure.

(9) Is OK lens correction of myopia safe?

• Like all contact lenses, there is a chance for infection and allergic reaction.  OK lenses are made from a rigid high oxygen permeable, non-absorbent material.  They are harder than soft lenses and softer than hard lenses, and are more permeable to oxygen which makes them safe for overnight use.

(10) Will my myopia continue to worsen after wearing OK lenses?

• There is a consensus that wearing hard contact lenses will slow down the progression of myopia.  Since 2002, according to reports from the USA, China, and other countries around the world, wearing OK lenses can significantly slow down or even stop the progression of myopia.  Based on our clinical experience for the past decade, we fully support these findings.

(11) How do I know if I am a good candidate for Ortho-K?

• You need to schedule an eye examination and OK lens consultation.  Your doctor will answer this question most definitively and determine whether Ortho-K is right for you.

 (12) How much does the OK lens treatment cost?

• Ortho-K treatment starts at $1.300.00 – about half the cost of Lasik surgery.  This includes the OK lens special tests, all follow-up visits and exchange of lenses within six months, a pair of OK lenses and a starter kit for taking care of the lenses.  High myopia and astigmatism will have the appropriate cost adjustments depending on each individual circumstance.

(13) Will my insurance cover the OK lens treatment and lenses?

• Most insurance providers will only pay for the initial exam, not for the cost of the lenses.

(14) Is this tax exemptible?

• Yes.  You can save money through the use of a flexible spending account.

 (15) Will there be a similar fee every year?

• Annual costs are similar to other annual contact lens exams (which include a routine eye exam and contact lens refitting).  This is covered by most healthcare insurances with vision care.  A new pair of OK lenses typically cost $300.00.