NON-SURGICAL VISION CORRECTION

The Vision Retainer Shaping System, also known as orthokeratology or ortho-k, uses specially designed vision retainers to gently and gradually reshape the front surface of the eye (the cornea) to eliminate or reduce nearsightedness (myopia) or astigmatism. The principle is similar to the use of a dental retainer used by an orthodontist to realign crooked teeth. The vision retainers are similar to contact lenses and are only worn at night while sleeping, which is why they are often referred to as dream lenses/night lenses. They are then removed upon awakening to provide clear vision without using glasses or contact lenses! The retainers are comfortable and very easy to care for.

The main purpose of VRSS is to be free from both contact lenses and eyeglasses during waking hours. While this is ideal for sports enthusiasts or those who work in dusty or dirty environments, for others VRSS offers the appeal of being free from corrective lenses during the day. VRSS also offers relief from the problems sometimes associated with full-time contact lens wear like drying and things getting on or under the lenses.

There are several advantages to VRSS over Laser Eye Surgery or LASIK. VRSS is less than half the cost of Laser Vision Correction Surgery. It does not involve any post-operative pain and it provides non-surgical vision correction. Also, the hazy post-operative vision that can be associated with laser surgery does not occur with VRSS. Both eyes can easily be done at the same time with VRSS. Also, prescription changes are easy to deal with using VRSS. There are no strong steroid or antibiotic drugs needed with VRSS as there are during the post-operative period for laser surgery. Lastly, and perhaps most importantly, VRSS is reversible. Laser surgery is not.

Orthokeratology is ideal for patients with mild to moderate nearsightedness or astigmatism who want a non-surgical vision correction option. This treatment is particularly beneficial for children with early myopia, as it may help slow progression, and for adults seeking freedom from daytime glasses or contacts.

The best candidates have healthy corneas and can commit to wearing the overnight retainers consistently. During your consultation, we’ll evaluate your corneal health and shape to determine if orthokeratology is right for you. Patients with irregular corneas or severe vision issues may benefit more from alternative treatments we offer.

Our team will help you determine if this overnight vision correction method fits your lifestyle and vision goals.

No, orthokeratology requires specialized training and expertise. This precise treatment doesn’t work for every patient and must be performed with exacting standards to ensure safety and effectiveness. The optometrists at Performance Eyecare’s Vision Centers in Missouri and Illinois have completed advanced orthokeratology training and utilize state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment and specialized computer software to deliver optimal results. Our doctors have the specific expertise needed to properly evaluate candidates, design custom treatment plans, and monitor progress throughout the orthokeratology process for myopia management.

• Start with a comprehensive eye health exam.
• A corneal topographer creates a precise map of the cornea’s shape.
• This data is used to fit a diagnostic retainer in-office.
• If you are a good candidate, your custom retainers are ordered.
• Retainers take about one week to arrive.
• You’ll receive instructions on care and use when you pick them up.
• If the fit is good, you can wear them that first night.
• We’ll see you the next morning to check the fit and remove them.
• If issues arise, remove the retainers at home.
• Most vision changes happen within the first few days.
• Successive retainers may be needed, but soft contacts are provided for daytime use if necessary.
• Most patients achieve excellent vision in a few days, some after just one night.
• Follow-up care typically lasts about a month.
• The final retainer is worn nightly or, in some cases, every other night.

Depending on which of the three payment plans you choose, the intro fee for the entire VRSS program is between $2,200. This includes all of the professional visits, retainer lenses needed to achieve optimal vision, and any needed interim soft disposable contact lenses. Lost, broken, or spare retainers are available at a cost of $248/lens. Those currently wearing ortho-k and looking for a new provider can schedule a renewal exam for $385 plus the cost of lenses. Ask us about our 90 day payment options!

You must be prepared to allow 3 – 5 visits over a one month period. Should you stop wearing your retainers, your vision will slowly return to its original state. While the degree of success is very high, it cannot be guaranteed. However, when the corneal topography and computer software indicate a patient will be successful, it is rare that patients don’t do well with VRSS. Rates and amounts of improvement vary from one person to the next.

Attempts to re-shape the cornea have been tried since contact lenses were first fit. The process used to be called orthokeratology. This process would often take over a year to complete and the results were not nearly as favorable as VRSS. For this reason, many doctors and patients elected not to participate in orthokeratology. With the newer diagnostic technology used to measure the corneal shape and the newer materials being used for night lenses, VRSS is now a viable alternative for many nearsighted or astigmatism patients.

To find out if you’re a candidate for this holistic eye correction treatment, call or contact our office for a free consultation. Our Eye Doctors will review your prescription and let you know if ortho-k is right for you!