Orthokeratology is fast growing in popularity. But outdated beliefs are stopping some practitioners from transforming patient lives and making more revenue, writes equipment manufacturer Medmont.
Myth 1: Ortho-k lenses are unsafe
When orthokeratology (ortho-k) was new, hypoxia was a theorised concern linked to extended-wear contact lenses. However, the new high-DK gas permeable lenses, when well-fitted, create a high-oxygen environment for the eye.
And, according to studies cited by Medmont, the risks for infection are about the same as for extended wear soft lenses. A review of microbial keratitis cases from ortho-K wear estimated the infection rate at about 7.7 cases per 10,000 patients.
Myth 2: You can fit ortho-k with K’s and refraction alone
Nowadays, topography is considered the minimum standard of care for ortho-k.
In fact, the American Academy of Orthokeratology and Myopia Control lists it in its fellowship requirements, and an increasing number of ortho-k lens brands won’t sell to practitioners who don’t use a topographer.
Why? Medmont says typically keratometers only measure the central 3 mm of the cornea. By doing it the old-fashioned way, practitioners are guessing about the most critical zone – where ortho-k lenses land.
“That certainly won’t cut it for toric ortho-k lenses,” Medmont says. “Try it both ways to quickly see how a corneal topographer is essential for every stage of the patient journey.”
Aside from providing reliable information where it’s needed most, the company says using a topographer like its Medmont Meridia for ortho-k means:
- It’s faster for practitioners new to ortho-k and busy practices
- It’s simple to determine candidacy and good from bad cases
- Better understanding of corneal shape for lens selection
- Higher design customisability for more complex cases
- A reliable baseline and smart tools for post-fit analysis.
Myth 3: Any topographer will do for ortho-k
According to Medmont, this is incorrect. Cone size matters when considering a topographer for ortho-k – but bigger doesn’t necessarily mean better.
“Large cone topographers usually extrapolate (guesstimate) data on the peripheral cornea, where modern ortho-k and scleral lenses land. You don’t get the full picture,” the company explains.
“In contrast, the small cone Medmont Meridia gives you real corneal data where you need it most – up to 11mm+ in a single capture. Plus, it helps you choose the right lens diameter, depth of lens, shape of base curve and alignment zone, and the correct toricity.”
By choosing the right topographer for a thorough understanding of the corneal surface and a more complete baseline map, practitioners can achieve a better first-fit success rate.
Read:
- Why cone size matters
- Master contact lens fitting with the Medmont Meridia
- Assessing dry eye is a breeze with the Medmont Meridia
Myth 4: Topography equipment is too expensive
“This one is easy to bust,” Medmont says.
“Look at the cost of a pair of ortho-k lenses in a treatment plan – approximately $AU2,229. At that rate, it would only take around 10 ortho-k patients to recoup your Medmont Meridia Pro investment.”
This is in addition to the cost of other services that can be offered to patients with the Medmont Meridia Pro, besides custom lenses:
• Corneal disease detection
• Ocular health monitoring
• Visual function analysis
• General contact lens fitting (soft, corneal GP, etc)
• Refractive surgery assessments
• Dry eye assessments
• Specialised dry eye treatments
• Keratoconus
Medmont has written a blog for more on the direct and indirect revenue you can generate with the right topographer.
Read: Maximise revenue with the Medmont Meridia Pro
Myth 5: Ortho-k is too complicated and time consuming
It’s accepted that fitting with keratometry and refraction alone can be a lengthy and frustrating process, but Medmont notes that topography-based fitting changes the game – pre and post fit.
With Medmont Meridia Pro and its software, users can quickly determine candidacy and lens type, design lenses (or export data to the lab), monitor ocular surface health, track post-fit outcomes, plus more.
And, with some training, practitioners can outsource topography capture to their technicians, freeing you to focus elsewhere, the company adds.
Myth 6: Ortho-k won’t work for moderate to high astigmatism
While spherical lenses can yield unsatisfactory results, toric ortho-k lenses are increasingly used to take patients from astigmatic to euphoric, Medmont states.
“When will a toric landing provide better stability, centration, effect and comfort? As a rule of thumb, a toric is indicated when sagittal height differential is greater than 30 microns.”
For more information about Medmont Meridia Pro for a myopia management and specialty contact lens practice, contact: sales@medmont.com or request a free feature guide.
