Introduction
The traditional way of correcting refractive errors is by wearing prescription lenses. Contact lenses and eyeglasses are quite inexpensive and easy to carry around, but these visual aids can be quite restrictive, so some people find them to be a hassle.
Eyeglasses, for instance, can be inconvenient for those who perform strenuous activities or engage in contact sports. Contact lenses, meanwhile, are extremely fragile as they can easily get torn. They are also small, so the chances of losing them are high. Their maintenance can be quite troubling, too, since they need to be cleaned regularly, along with their case, to avoid infection.
An alternative to using prescription lenses is undergoing surgery. LASIK, PRK, ICL, and other refractive procedures are available to some patients, but the downside is that they can be quite costly. This means they might be inaccessible to some people, especially those who do not have the means to pay for them.
Another option is orthokeratology, which involves wearing special contact lenses at night to reshape the cornea. In the morning, upon waking up, you can remove the lenses and see clearly for a limited amount of time. Although it is true that the price of ortho-k contact lenses in the Philippines is not that low, this temporary correction method is still more affordable compared to undergoing surgery.
Learn more about orthokeratology today by reading through the rest of this article.
Why People Choose Orthokeratology
Orthokeratology is a modern treatment method primarily designed to correct moderate myopia (nearsightedness). However, it is also effective in managing certain levels of hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism. Even if the effects of wearing these special contact lenses are temporary, many people still choose this vision correction method.
One reason is the fact that they no longer have to wear eyeglasses or contact lenses during the day. Although these visual aids are lightweight and compact, using them still has some drawbacks.
In addition, orthokeratology has the potential to delay the progression of myopia among children and teenagers. There have been numerous studies that report positive results about the effectiveness of wearing ortho-k contact lenses in controlling nearsightedness in a certain age group. It should be noted, however, that while orthokeratology also provides a temporary solution for hyperopia and astigmatism, there is no information about whether it can delay the development of both eye conditions.
What You Should Know About the Cost of Ortho-K Contact Lenses
It is true that ortho-k treatment can be less expensive than refractive eye surgery. However, even if this is the case, the price of orthokeratology lenses can still be quite high. There are many reasons for that.
Ortho-k contact lenses are manufactured abroad. They are also specially made to fit your eyes, and manufacturing these customized products can be a little costly. The topography of your eyes will be mapped and checked, so the specialist can get a clearer picture of the shape of your cornea. This is why several tests need to be done to ensure that the lenses fit you perfectly.
Some ortho-k treatment packages have multiple inclusions. They already come with the screening and contact lens fitting, so you no longer have to pay for them. Also, included in the package are a few follow-up consultations post-fitting.
Another reason many people invest in ortho-k contact lenses is the convenience these vision retainers offer. You only have to wear the lenses for about six hours at night while you are sleeping. Upon waking up, you can remove them and see the results almost instantly. You can then go about with your day without having to worry about breaking or misplacing your eyeglasses or having your eyes irritated by wearing regular contact lenses.
An important thing to remember is that orthokeratology is generally safe and painless. However, be sure to exercise proper hygiene when putting and taking the lenses on and off to avoid getting an eye infection. Remember to wash your hands thoroughly before touching the lenses and wearing them.
What To Do if You Cannot Afford Ortho-K Contact Lenses
If you think you cannot afford the upfront cost of orthokeratology treatment, you can try any of the following tips:
- Ask About Installment Payments – It depends on the eye care facility, but some may allow you to make installment payments for your ortho-k contact lenses. This gives you enough time to save enough money and pay for the treatment in smaller increments.
- Pay With Your Credit Card – You can also pay with your credit card. However, the interest rate depends on the policy of your bank, so be sure to read about it before deciding to use your credit card to cover your dues for your ortho-k contact lenses.
- Wait for Promos – Some eye care facilities offer discounts to their patients who undergo treatment for various eye problems. You can save a significant amount of cash if you can wait for them to have a promo for their ortho-k contact lenses.
- Consider Other Treatment Options – If you have a severe case of refractive error, you might not have the luxury of time to wait for promos. In this case, it is better to opt for more affordable correction methods (like wearing prescription lenses). After all, you can always go back to your doctor for ortho-k contact lenses once you have enough funds.
Speak With Trusted Eye Doctors in the Philippines
Be sure to consult an eye specialist before deciding to use ortho-k contact lenses. Doctors can conduct the necessary tests to determine if you are eligible to undergo orthokeratology treatment.
Asian Eye Institute is here to assist you. We have highly skilled and well-experienced ortho-k specialists whom you can consult if you wish to learn more about the treatment. They can walk you through the entire process and inform you about the possible side effects of wearing the lenses.
Book a consultation with us today! Our staff members can help you determine the right schedule based on your preferred time and the availability of our doctors. They can also discuss the price range of ortho-k contact lenses in the Philippines as well as the different payment options available.
Conclusion
There are many factors that affect the cost of ortho-k contact lenses. However, even if the treatment can be expensive, there are still many people who choose to get it because of how beneficial it is. It is perfect for those who regularly do strenuous activities and engage in contact sports. Doctors sometimes also recommend it to people who no longer want to wear glasses or contact lenses.
To learn more about ortho-k contact lenses and their price in the Philippines, you can contact us at Asian Eye Institute. We have doctors you can consult if you wish to be more informed about the treatment method. Schedule an appointment with us today! Simply fill out our online form and wait for the confirmation that will be sent to your email. To speak directly with our staff, feel free to call the phone number of your preferred Asian Eye Institute branch.
