Orthokeratology (ortho-K) molds are different than contact lenses and require a specialized fitting.
There are several ways a doctor may choose to fit ortho-k molds. Their method will depend on the office setting and the doctor's personal preference. Here you can learn what to expect from the fitting process.
"Before fitting, a thorough eye examination must be conducted. An assessment of the patient's eye health and vision must be determined to confirm a patient is a good candidate. During this examination, corneal topography (a detailed measurement of the eye shape) is evaluated."
"An A-Scan should also be taken to monitor the length of the eye and myopia progression. The patient's or parent's expectations should be addressed at this time."
Trial Set fitting
• An extended visit should be expected on the first day
› Preservative Free Artificial Tears and anesthetic drops will be applied to the eyes.
› Several molds will be placed on the eyes to determine the best fit.
› A colored drop will be applied to the eye with the molds to help assess the fit.
› The molds must settle adequately before they are evaluated - this may take ten or more minutes each time a mold is changed.
• Once the first fitting is complete, a set of molds may be dispensed or ordered from a lab.
• Expect the vision to be slightly affected for a short time after this initial fitting.
"During an extended visit, when the patients molds are worn with the eyes closed for about two hours in the office, significant changes occur. This replaces the need in most cases for a one-day follow-up. The vision is also usually fifty percent or more improved."
Empirical or Custom fitting
• A short visit should be expected on the first day
"This visit may be combined with the initial eye exam."
› A series of corneal topography maps will be taken
› Vision and refraction confirmed
› Visit is now complete; the patient is scheduled for the next visit
• The doctor will design molds for the patient from the topographical maps and refraction. There are two options:
› Custom-fit molds are designed by the doctor with state of the art software for each unique eye shape
› Empirical fit molds are chosen based on the measurements taken in the office and sent to a lab
› The molds are ordered
Once the molds arrive:
• An extended visit should be expected for the next appointment
› Preservative Free Artificial Tears and anesthetic drops will be applied to the eyes.
› The designed molds will be applied to the eyes.
› A colored drop will be applied to the eye with the molds to help assess the fit.
› The eyes will remain closed for a period determined by your orthokeratology practice.
• If your practice evaluates the fit of the mold on the eye after a brief time (sixty minutes or less), expect a one-day progress evaluation the next morning.
• If your practice evaluates the fit of the mold on the eye after an extended time (sixty minutes or more), expect the next visit in one or two weeks.
Applies to both fitting methods
Before a set of ortho-k molds are dispensed to the patient they will be evaluated on the eyes.
• A thorough lesson on properly applying and removing molds is to be given. Every patient or parent must demonstrate the ability to handle the molds properly.
• Patients will also be instructed on how to clean and disinfect the molds to help prevent treatment problems and reduce the risk of infections.
• A progress evaluation schedule will be outlined for the patient.