KALCULUS Patient FAQ

  • KALCULUS stands out from other Ortho-K lens brands in 3 ways:
  • Unlike traditional methods, KALCULUS offers a fully automated custom designing process, allowing practitioners to create the best fit lens for each eye without a steep learning curve.
  • KALCULUS AI recognizes patterns in troubleshooting scenarios, automatically making adjustments for better fit outcomes where necessary, streamlining the treatment process for practitioners.
  • KALCULUS considers complexities in eye corrections, like high myopia, high astigmatism, presbyopia or post-LASIK eyes, to design lenses that fit and correct power effectively, allowing more patients to experience the benefits Ortho-K has to offer.
  • Our Ortho-K lens works by gently reshaping the cornea while you sleep. It uses specially designed gas-permeable lenses to apply positive and negative tear pressure across the corneal surface, moulding it to the appropriate shape. When these pressures are perfectly balanced along the cornea, it achieves a state of equilibrium, providing clear vision throughout the day without the need for any lenses in your eyes.
  • Yes, Ortho-K lenses can correct myopia and astigmatism. Patients are encouraged to consult with our qualified KALCULUS practitioners to determine if Ortho-K lenses are the right option for their specific needs and eye health.
  • Improvement in vision varies, but many patients notice a significant difference within a few days. Stability in vision may take a few weeks.
  • The Ortho-K lens is designed for comfortable wear during the night. While some patients may feel slight lens awareness during the initial stages, most adapt quickly. Once properly fitted and placed, you’ll experience no discomfort while asleep.
  • Yes, after removing the Ortho-K lenses in the morning, you can enjoy clear vision without glasses or contacts during the day.
  • Regular nightly wear is required to maintain clear vision throughout the day and consistent myopia control attributes for children. There may be exceptions such as when the corrected eye power is lower or if the corneal profile is ‘softer’ allowing for longer correction. Patients are encouraged to consult with our qualified KALCULUS practitioners to determine if they are required to wear their lenses nightly. 
  • While there are no distinct age restrictions for Ortho-K use, we recommend considering Ortho-K only 
  • Yes, it is, but it is important to note that long-term safety is highly dependent on a well fitted lens. A well fitted lens will ensure proper lens centration and balanced pressure on the cornea. Regular follow-up eye examinations with your practitioner and appropriate lens-care solutions also play an integral aspect to long-term safety. 
  • Yes, Ortho-K as a treatment modality has been well documented in the medical literature to retard myopia progression. There are many newer studies that show Ortho-K lenses designed with the intention to slow down progression can be more effective when certain parameters are adjusted for the patient. At KALCULUS, we design all our lenses with your needs as our priority. 
  • KALCULUS Ortho-K lenses will almost always result in vision correction upon commencement. However, it is important to check with a KALCULUS practitioner if your eyes are suitable for Ortho-K lens wear. There are many factors that may affect the success rate such as corneal profile, amount of correction, type of astigmatism, sleep patterns etc. 
  • If an Ortho-K lens is well designed and the lens care solutions prescribed are compatible, the risk of an eye infection is close to nil. That being said, here are 3 potential downsides to Ortho-K:
    • Risk of infection – Improper fit, incompatible lens solutions and poor compliance in wear routine are the common causes.
    • Quality of vision – Due to a reshaped cornea, the quality of vision will inevitably be slightly different from that of regular spectacles. It is not classified as better or worse but rather, different.
    • Convenience – While it offers a very convenient lifestyle during waking hours, the time spent getting comfortable with the insertion and removal process may require a few weeks of getting used to.
  • Your KALCULUS practitioner will prescribe the appropriate lens care solutions for you to care for your lenses properly. Most patients find it simple and convenient to adhere to the routine.
  • During any lens wear, especially Ortho-K wear, your eye lid and eye lash region should be as clean as possible to prevent possible contamination and risk of infection. Make-up during the day should be well removed prior to Ortho-K lens insertion.
  • No, unlike regular contact lenses, Ortho-K lenses are only worn during sleep. Wearing your Ortho-K lens while awake will increase the chance of lens decentration, eye irritation and blurry vision. 
  • No, unlike regular contact lenses, Ortho-K lenses are only worn during sleep. Wearing your Ortho-K lens while awake will increase the chance of lens decentration, eye irritation and blurry vision. 
  • Ortho-K lenses may be replaced due to several reasons such as, improper fitting position, improper correction, corneal irritation and lens warpage. While the lenses may last for several years, it is important to maintain regular review appointments with your practitioner to ensure your treatment is going well and if need be, replace your lenses in a timely manner. 
  • While using Ortho-K lenses, you can maintain your regular lifestyle. Just remember to remove and clean the lenses as per your eye care practitioner’s guidance.
  • Ortho-K lenses can be suitable for individuals with dry eyes. Your eye care practitioner will guide you on proper lens care and lubricating drops if needed.
  • Yes, you can wear Ortho-K lenses even if you have allergies. Just ensure proper lens hygiene and consult your eye care practitioner.
  • The cost varies based on factors like location and practitioner fees. Your eye care practitioner will provide detailed cost information. However, as an indication, lens fees excluding practitioner fees will typically start from $1,200.00 SGD per eye. Subsequent lens replacement fees will usually be significantly lower ranging from $500.00 to $600.00 SGD per eye. 
  • Insurance coverage for Ortho-K treatment varies. Check with your insurance provider or eye care practitioner for details. Depending on location, most countries will not consider the cost of Ortho-K lenses as medically necessary and will not be covered. 
  • The process involves comprehensive eye exams, corneal topography, and other eye measurements to custom design the lenses for your eyes.
  • Yes, special consultations and corneal mapping tests are typically conducted to ensure proper fitting and lens design. During the consultation, your practitioner will determine if these lenses are suitable for your eyes and more importantly, they will check if you will benefit from Ortho-K. 
  • Ortho-K can be considered even with a history of eye surgeries however, as there are many different types of eye surgeries that we may be dealing with, your eye care practitioner will assess your eligibility.
  • In most cases, you won’t need glasses or contacts during the day while using Ortho-K lenses.
  • Ortho-K can sometimes help with irregular corneas, but eligibility depends on individual factors. Consult your eye care practitioner.
  • An eye care practitioner will determine your candidacy based on your eye health, prescription, corneal shape and lifestyle needs.
  • Switching to Ortho-K is possible and the transition is normally seamless, but consult your eye care practitioner for personalized advice.
  • This will depend on several factors such as how long you have used your Ortho-K lenses for, how high your original eye correction was and the rigidity of your corneas. As a rule of thumb, approximately 80-90% of your original eye correction will revert after discontinuing lens wear for 1 week. It may take between 2-6 weeks for the remaining power to fully revert. 
  • The lens should be removed immediately. Ortho-K lenses or any other contact lenses should not be worn if there is any discomfort in the eyes. If there is any discomfort in the eyes, the white part of the eye (the conjunctiva) may appear slightly pinkish/red and there may be uncontrollable tearing. No lens should be in the eye if a user experiences such symptoms. 
  • No, swimming or showering with Ortho-K lenses is highly discouraged to prevent water exposure. In addition, Ortho-K lenses should only be worn just before going to bed.
  • Yes, Ortho-K lenses should only be worn just before going to bed and should be removed as soon as possible upon waking. 
  • During the initial phase of commencing your treatment, your practitioner may schedule follow-up appointments in shorter intervals during the first 1-2 months. Subsequently, when your practitioner determines that the treatment is stable, follow-up appointments may be scheduled between 3-6 months depending on the complexity of each case. 
  • Kindly inform your practitioner in-charge as soon as possible so that a replacement lens can be made for you. 
  • Your practitioner may prescribe topical eye lubricants to be used with your Ortho-K lens. It will be advisable to check with your practitioner about using any eye drops that are not prescribed as part of the treatment program. 
  • Discuss your medications with your eye care practitioner to ensure compatibility with Ortho-K lenses.
  • Your practitioner will be using specialized equipment to check the quality of the fit outcome. Most commonly used will be a corneal topographer that will be able to map how your lenses fit in your eyes while sleeping. The maps should typically reflect a well-centred treatment zone with an even zone of corneal flattening. Another equipment used will be the slit-lamp to determine if your eyes are healthy.
  • Wearing Ortho-K lenses with a history of eye infections may require additional caution. Some cases of eye infections may be considered a contraindication to Ortho-K lens wear. Consult your practitioner. 
  • Some glare or halos may occur initially but typically improve as your eyes adjust to Ortho-K.
  • Yes, Ortho-K can be used for children and teenagers, especially for myopia control.
  • Yes, while more complicated than simple myopia and astigmatism, it is possible to be used for presbyopia. Your practitioner will work with you to determine the correct prescription and suitability test. 
  • Long-term effects are generally positive as long as the lenses continue to be properly fitted and proper lens care routine is adhered to. Consult your practitioner for personalized guidance.
  • Ortho-K has been supported by various scientific studies showcasing its effectiveness and safety.
  • Follow your eye care practitioner’s instructions on proper lens care and wear for optimal benefits but one of the most important tips to maximise the safety and efficacy of Ortho-K lens will be to wear it only during sleep and to avoid wearing the lens during waking hours. 
  • Ortho-K lens wear with Keratoconus can be considered a contraindication and should not be attempted. 
  • The suitability depends on the specific condition. Consult your eye care practitioner for personalized advice.
  • Lifestyle factors like sleep quality and hygiene practices can impact Ortho-K treatment success.
  • www.kalculus.com/find-a-practitioner
  • Unfortunately, at KALCULUS, we do not believe in trial Ortho-K lenses as every Ortho-K lens should be custom designed according to each individual eye’s specifications. However, there may be partner practitioners that may work with you to provide a trial period to ensure the treatment is working well for you before full commitment. This is different from a trial lens and reflects our confidence and commitment to our product.