Ortho-K and Invisalens
The Ortho-K Fitting Process
Fitting runs from a 60 to 90 minute candidacy assessment, through diagnostic lens evaluation, to custom manufacture taking one to two weeks. Most people complete the process across two to three appointments over two to four weeks.
In short
Two to three appointments over two to four weeks, with lenses made to your own corneal map.
Ortho-K is a fitted medical device rather than a product picked off a shelf, and the fitting is where the result is determined. Two people with the same prescription get different lens designs because they have different corneas.
The sequence below is the standard path. Some people need an extra design refinement, and that is normal rather than a sign that something has gone wrong. The lens is being tuned to a biological response that varies between individuals.
Our process
Candidacy examination60 to 90 minutes
Comprehensive eye health assessment, refraction, corneal topography and tear film evaluation. This is the appointment that decides whether overnight correction is appropriate at all.
Diagnostic lens fitting45 minutes
Trial lenses from the fitting set are placed on the eye and assessed with fluorescein at the slit lamp, so the fit is observed rather than predicted. Handling is taught at this visit.
Custom lens manufacture1 to 2 weeks
Your final design is generated and the lenses are made to it. This is the waiting period in the process.
Dispense and first night30 to 45 minutes
Lenses are collected, the fit is confirmed, and handling is checked before you take them home to sleep in for the first time.
Morning after review30 minutes
You are seen the morning after the first night so the correction achieved and the corneal response can both be assessed while they are fresh.
Settling reviews1 to 4 weeks
Further checks as the correction stabilises, with design adjustments if the response calls for them.
Ongoing reviewevery 6 to 12 months
Corneal health, vision and lens condition are reassessed. For children, progression is compared against baseline.
What is included
- Every appointment in the sequence above
- Corneal topography at each relevant stage
- Diagnostic fitting set access
- Custom lens design and manufacture
- Handling training with practice time
- Design refinement during settling
What this does not do
- The one to two week manufacture period cannot be shortened. Lenses are made individually.
- A design refinement adds time. It is part of a careful fit rather than a fault.
Questions and answers
How long before I can throw my glasses away?
Most people see a big improvement after the first night and reach stable full correction across seven to fourteen nights. Keep your glasses for that period.
How many appointments is it really?
Most patients complete the initial fitting across two to three appointments over two to four weeks, plus the follow up schedule after that.
Why do I need to come in the morning?
The corneal change and the vision achieved are both at their peak in the hours after removal. Assessing at that point shows what the lens is actually doing.
What if the first lens is not right?
It gets redesigned. That is what the settling reviews are for, and refinement is a normal part of fitting a device to an individual cornea.
Talk to someone about the ortho-k fitting process
Appointments are scheduled two per hour, so there is time to answer questions properly. Call (480) 706-3937 or request a time online.