Keeping your eyes healthy is our priority. In many cases, the reason orthokeratology is chosen is to keep the eyes healthy. However, how the molds are maintained will determine overall eye health and clear vision. Replace the Ortho-K Molds annually (every year).
There are several ways of maintaining molds. Some options may be acceptable, and others more preferred or even required by your orthokeratology practice.
Preferred Method
Avoiding Preservatives is essential
• Daily Cleaner should be strong but non-abrasive
› Lobob ESC*
• Daily Disinfecting with H2O2
› Retain OneStep *
› Other H2O2 systems are available but may contain irritating additives
• Preservative-free Saline Solution for rinsing
› Purilens*
• Preservative-free Artificial Tears for insertion
› Refresh Optive*
› Theratears*
› Others available, but need to be acceptable to the ortho-k practice
• Hand Soap
› Lotion free, non-antibacterial
*examples listed above have been used successfully with hundreds of eyes
Some patients require additional cleaning for their molds, such as progent cleaner*
Accepted Method
Avoiding Preservatives is less essential
• Daily Cleaner should be strong but non-abrasive
› Boston Cleaner (abrasive)
› Multipurpose Cleaner (includes chemicals and preservative)
• Daily Disinfecting with Multipurpose solutions
› Not acceptable
› Must use H2O2 system
• Preservative-free Saline Solution for rinsing
› Purilens*
• Preservative-free Artificial Tears for insertion
› Preservative-free saline (may dehydrate cornea)
› Refresh Optive*
› Theratears*
› Others available, but need to be acceptable to the ortho-k practice
• Hand Soap
› Lotion free, non-antibacterial
Handling Molds
Molds look like GP contact lenses. They even have power so you can see clearly when they are on, like a contact lens. But unlike a contact lens, they are a medical device designed to alter the shape of the eye. Modern-day orthokeratology molds are intended to be used for sleep time only.
• Hands must always be washed and dried prior to handling
• Molds must be rinsed with preservative free saline solution prior to insertion
• Molds must be filled with preservative free solution
• Molds should be inserted upwards, with the patients face down
• Molds should be removed with a special rubber suction device, or with fingers after properly trained.