Brooke Messer, OD, FAAO, FSLS, of Vance Thompson Vision, finds joy in discussing orthokeratology (orthoK) with parents. She wants to help them understand how the technology can prevent their children’s myopia from worsening. She finds it invigorating to see the results when children come back just a short time later. They can measure their own improvement. “The kids just blossom; they gain self-confidence and self-worth. That never gets old.”
Dr. Messer began her journey in a specialty contact lens practice, where she honed her skills in fitting custom lenses for patients of all ages. After relocating to North Dakota and joining Vance Thompson Vision in West Fargo, she continued her passion of working with orthoK, a field that has seen significant advancements and an embrace in updated technology. For the past 10 years, she has actively engaged in this approach to vision correction and slowing myopia progression, and for the past five years, she has been working with the Arise OrthoK Lens System under development to enhance her efficiency and results.
The system was launched in March in the U.S. It uses intelligent, cloud-based technology to streamline the orthokeratology lens design process. Read more about the launch here.
The Arise system stands out in the orthoK landscape by offering more customized lens designs that go beyond traditional methods, says Dr. Messer. “It recommends a lens based on corneal size and depth, not just curvature,” she explains. For example, it will recommend a lens with a smaller treatment zone for a child, and a larger treatment zone for an adult, for whom slowing myopia progression is not the primary concern.
MORE FIRST LENS SUCCESS
Dr. Messer emphasizes the importance of getting the correct lens in an efficient manner. “The sooner we can find the right fit, the better the patient experience,” she says. In the past, fitting orthoK lenses often involved a lengthy trial-and-error process, where optometrists would take measurements and rely heavily on initial fittings. There have been times where I have a question about lens design, and I am busy with patients and don’t have time between patients to connect with consultants over the phone, which can delay the lens ordering process.,” she says.
The Arise platform changes that. “I see the patient, talk to parents about orthoK and do a refraction. My tech will do the scan, enter the data and order after my quick review,” Dr. Messer says. This efficiency allows her to focus more on patient interaction and education, rather than getting bogged down in the technical details of lens ordering.
CAPABILITIES
“The first lens success is high,” Dr. Messer states, noting that the algorithms simplify the prescribing process. But one of the standout features of the Arise system is its post-treatment image library, which allows practitioners to compare treated topographies should they need to make adjustments. “If the first lens isn’t perfect, we can quickly upload the treated topography. Then we see how to adjust the lens by comparing to other post-treatment images,” she explains. “This capability makes it easy to adjust lens parameters for providers who are confident in modifying lens design on their own. But it also can educate orthokeratology providers who are still mastering the technique of evaluating the fit of an orthkeraology lens.”
The consultation aspect of the Arise platform further enhances the prescribing experience. “I can upload images and request consultations directly through the platform. I get email alerts when there is new information in the portal, which saves a lot of time,” she says. This cloud-based system not only improves efficiency but also allows Dr. Messer to manage patient care more effectively, even when she is away from the office.
DIVE IN
Dr. Messer says that orthoK is her preferred therapy for young myopic patients. It can provide children freedom from eyeglasses and contact lenses during the day. She has several first-line options. But she often recommends the Arise lens, because of its efficiency and design accuracy, she says. She has two pieces of advice for doctors who want to be more engaged with orthoK prescribing.
“With any new lens technology, you need to try it on five patients. Give yourself an opportunity to be successful,” she advises. “If you only try one or two fits and revert to previous prescribing habits, you might miss out on the potential benefits for the patient.”
Secondly, make sure you have staff support in place. Her team plays a vital role in ensuring that patients receive the best care possible. The staff manages much, from scheduling, initial consultations to education and follow-up appointments. ” An engaged staff makes the process more successful and provides better support for patients.
Dr. Messer finds immense satisfaction in the relationships she builds with her patients and their families. “I love being able to talk to the parents about how we can help their children avoid worsening myopia,” she says. This proactive approach fosters trust and also empowers families to take an active role in their children’s eye health. “Parents wish they had this technology when they were kids,” she adds, noting the advancements in orthoK.
