Orthokeratology
What is orthokeratology (Ortho-K)
Orthokeratology in a non-surgical procedure that uses a contact lens to gently reshape the thin front surface of the eye (called the cornea) as you sleep. This procedure eliminates the need for glasses or daytime contact lenses to correct vision.
How long will it take to improve my vision?
In general, you will start seeing some correction within the first days of treatment. Most patients will reach full correction within 1-2 weeks, and their vision fully stabilizes within another 1-2 weeks. However, everyone’s eyes are different, so your response could be faster or slower than average.
How long do you need to sleep each night for this procedure to work?
We recommend wearing your lenses for a minimum of 7-8 hours every night for best results. If you sleep in the lenses for less time, you won’t get as much corneal shape change and the clear vision effect may fade throughout the day. Don’t worry though; resuming a full night of wear time will easily restore your vision.
Euclid Emerald
Is this treatment safe? Are there any risks associated with wearing Euclid Emerald Ortho-K lenses?
We only produce our lenses in materials that have full U.S. FDA approval for overnight wear. These materials are clinically proven to be safe and effective. There is a wealth of research indicating that Ortho-K treatment is safe for people of all ages, including children.1-7
Why use Euclid Emerald myopia management treatment when I could just wear glasses or soft contacts?
Many people appreciate the freedom from daytime optical devices like glasses or soft contact lenses for improved sport or academic performance, the requirements of certain careers, or just the cosmetic, social appearance.
Do Euclid Emerald Ortho-K lenses hurt when wearing them?
Ortho-K designs are made with firm, oxygen-permeable plastics, all with FDA overnight approval. This means you may have some “lens awareness” initially as the underside of the eyelids are very sensitive. With reduced blinking and closure of the lids, comfort increases and with a few days of adaptation, most patients are completely comfortable wearing overnight Ortho-K lenses. Even better, since the lenses are worn at night when blinking is reduced, that makes them much more comfortable than daily-wear products. If you ever experience pain with any type of contact lens wear, you should contact your eyecare professional immediately.
How often will I have to replace my Euclid Emerald lenses?
Simple replacement of Euclid Emerald lenses is recommended every 12-14 months. A fresh set of lenses will keep your eyes safe and healthy and provide the best vision possible.
What happens if I lose or damage a lens?
Unlike soft contact lenses, if you miss a night of wear with Euclid Emerald lenses, your vision clarity could be reduced the next day. For that reason, it is recommended that you always have a backup or spare pair of lenses.
Will my insurance plan cover Euclid Emerald orthokeratology lenses?
Generally, no. Ortho-K is considered a cosmetic program by most insurers at this point.
Can I use my Flexible Spending Account (FSA) or Health Savings Account (HSA) to pay for Euclid Emerald lenses?
Absolutely. Euclid Emerald lenses can be easily expensed through your FSA or HSA plans.
Are the corneal shape changes from Ortho-K permanent? What would happen to my eyes if I stopped using Euclid Emerald lenses?
Unlike LASIK, which is a permanent surgical correction option, treatment with Euclid Emerald lenses is completely reversible. If for any reason, you want to stop treatment, simply discontinue wearing Euclid Emerald lenses and your corneal shape and resultant vision will return to the pre-treatment state before you started overnight Ortho-K treatment.8
Do Euclid Emerald orthokeratology lenses work on everyone?
Not all patients are eligible for Euclid Emerald lenses; talk to your eyecare professional to determine your eligibility for Euclid Emerald Ortho-K.
What age range is this treatment most effective for?
Euclid Emerald lenses can be worn by anyone regardless of age. For the management of progressive myopia, we recommend that you start Euclid Emerald between 8 and 15 years of age. Your eye care professional can recommend the best age to start Euclid Emerald Ortho-K treatment depending on your child’s individual myopia progression and family history.9-22
I suffer from dry eyes. Am I still a candidate for Euclid Emerald Ortho-K lenses?
Patients with mild to moderate dry eye can wear Euclid Emerald Ortho-K lenses, but be sure to talk to your eye care professional to determine your best treatment for dry eye prior to starting with Ortho-K.
I have astigmatism. Am I still a candidate for Euclid Emerald Ortho-K lenses?
Euclid Emerald lenses are approved for most patients with mild to moderate corneal astigmatism. Talk to your eyecare professional to determine your eligibility for Euclid Emerald Ortho-K.
Lens Care
What contact solution should I use?
Euclid Emerald lenses can be cleaned and disinfected daily with any approved cleaning system designed for firm gas permeable (GP) lenses. For details on specific brands or cleaner types, please discuss your options with your eyecare professional.
How should I insert and remove the lenses?
Your eyecare professional and their staff will carefully train you on proper insertion and removal techniques that are both safe for your eyes and reduce wear and tear from handling your lenses.
How do I keep my lenses separate?
Your lenses will be marked with a number on the edge called a “lasermark.” That number is unique to your lenses and will never be used again. You or your eyecare professional can read that number to confirm which lens is which if you ever get them mixed up. Many eyecare professionals will also order your lenses in a different color for each eye to make it very easy to tell them apart.