Orthokeratology (Ortho-K) Costs and Financing

Orthokeratology (ortho-k) is a treatment that eliminates the need to wear eyeglasses or contact lenses during the day by reshaping your eye while you sleep — without surgery. Learn more about how it works, pricing and financing options below.

What Is Orthokeratology (Ortho-k)?

Orthokeratology (Ortho-k) is a non-surgical procedure that uses specially designed, rigid gas permeable (RGP) contact lenses to gently reshape the curvature of the cornea and improve vision.¹

Some call ortho-k “orthodontics for your eyes" and liken the treatment to dental braces.² This treatment eliminates the need to wear glasses or contact lenses during the day and allows you to see with temporarily corrected vision.

How Much Does Orthokeratology Cost?

Orthokeratology costs can range between $1,000 to $4,000,² based on the complexity and progression of the patient's myopia.³ Additional ortho-k costs include replacement lenses, lens care solution and follow-up exams,² which can total $300 to $500 a year.³

The cost of orthokeratology varies widely because it depends on the type and degree of your refractive error. Fitting ortho-k lenses require a greater degree of expertise than fitting regular contact lenses and can be a more intricate, time-consuming process involving multiple sets of lenses.²

The cost will also vary based on the optometrist or ophthalmologist, which region of the country you are in and the type of practice where you have the procedure performed.

Does insurance cover orthokeratology?

Orthokeratology is typically considered an elective procedure by most vision insurance plans and therefore not completely covered by many plans. A portion of the fees may be covered in some plans.³

How to pay for ortho-k treatment

There are several payment options you can consider if you and your doctor have determined you're a good candidate for orthokeratology. You may be able to use a tax-free Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA) to cover the costs.

If you are interested in paying over time, ask your provider about payment plans. Most providers accept general-purpose credit cards and many accept the CareCredit credit card, which may be a convenient way to pay for ortho-k.

Who Is Orthokeratology for?

Orthokeratology is typically used to treat mild to moderate myopia, up to -6.00 diopters (D) of nearsightedness. Ortho-k can sometimes treat lesser degrees of astigmatism, farsightedness and presbyopia as well.³ Your eye doctor will be able to advise on whether orthokeratology lenses can manage your specific type and degree of refractive error based on an eye exam.

Ortho-k can also be a good option for temporarily correcting myopia in children or young adults who are too young to receive LASIK or other corrective refractive surgery. Patients who are not good candidates for corrective surgery due to other issues (such as dry eye) may also benefit from non-surgical ortho-k.

Likewise, people whose daytime activities make it challenging to wear contact lenses or eyeglasses — people who play contact sports or work in dusty environments, for example — may also benefit from ortho-k lenses.²

How Does Ortho-k Work?

An ophthalmologist or optometrist will use an instrument called a corneal topographer to map the shape and curves of your cornea and design rigid, gas-permeable orthokeratology lenses specifically fitted for your eyes. The procedure is quick and pain-free.²

Ortho-k lenses are worn overnight to flatten and reshape the cornea, then removed during the day. Orthokeratology lenses are flatter and more rigid than regular contact lenses, but allow oxygen to circulate so your eyes stay healthy while you sleep.

When ortho-k lenses are removed in the morning, the reshaped corneas remain flattened and you should experience acceptably clear vision for as long as a day or two.

For best results, you'll need to continue wearing the ortho-k lenses every night.¹ They work much like a retainer for your teeth, helping ensure that the cornea retains its new shape.² If you don't continue with the lenses, you may still see fine for a couple of days, but your myopia will gradually return.

Orthokeratology Results: What to Expect

Most people require a series of three progressively flatter lenses to achieve the best results — usually 20/40 to 20/20 vision. You may experience a dramatic improvement in your vision after just a night or two. If your nearsightedness is more severe, it may take a couple of weeks or longer to achieve those results. During the process, you may temporarily experience blurred vision, glare and halos around lights.³

Even after your refractive errors are corrected, some people may still need to wear eyeglasses or contacts during the day, but at a lower prescription; and some people may continue to experience mild glare or halos when not wearing the ortho-k lenses.⁴

Because orthokeratology lenses are heavier than regular lenses, you may be aware of them as you fall asleep. Eventually, the lenses may become more comfortable over time.

Once your corneas have reached the correct prescription, your eye doctor may modify your retainer lenses to maintain your vision.⁵ Your lenses should be worn as often as your provider recommends.

Is Orthokeratology Safe?

In general, ortho-k is a non-invasive, pain-free procedure. However, there is some risk of corneal abrasion, corneal infections or corneal ulcerations. Children and teens who may be less likely to maintain proper hand and contact lens hygiene may be at greater risk for developing an eye infection due to contact lens use.²

To determine if ortho-k lenses are a good choice for you, schedule an appointment with your eye doctor for a comprehensive eye exam. Your doctor can answer your eye care questions and recommend the best treatment for your vision problem, which may be ortho-k non-surgical vision correction. If your eyes remain healthy, there is no limit to how long ortho-k could be an effective treatment for you.

CareCredit Financing for Orthokeratology (Ortho-k)

Whether you're needing eye surgery or getting an eye exam, the CareCredit credit card can help you pay for care where your insurance leaves off.* Apply today and use our Acceptance Locator to find a vision specialist near you that accepts CareCredit. Continue your wellness journey by downloading the CareCredit Mobile App to manage your account, find a provider on the go, and easily access the Well U hub for more great articles, podcasts and videos.

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