Glasses and contacts are the most popular ways to correct vision, but not everyone is thrilled to wear them or finds them appropriate for their lifestyle. Meanwhile, refractive surgeries can permanently improve vision but aren’t suitable for everyone.

Ortho-k lenses bridge this gap by offering a non-invasive, middle ground for vision improvement.

Similar to how braces gradually align teeth, ortho-k lenses gently reshape your cornea overnight, temporarily improving vision during the day. Some patients can see clearly without the support of their glasses or contacts. 

All About Ortho-k Lenses

Orthokeratology, also known as ortho-k lenses, are specially designed rigid gas-permeable contact lenses that reshape the cornea, the front part of the eye, while you sleep. 

Unlike traditional soft or hard contact lenses worn during the day, ortho-k lenses are strictly for night time. Their specialized design keeps the eye moisturized throughout the night by allowing oxygen to permeate through the lens. 

This makes them comfortable enough to wear till the lenses are removed in the morning, even for those experiencing dry eyes. 

How Does Ortho-K Work?

The shape of the eye contributes to our level of visual clarity. 

An eye with no refractive error is round. When light enters the eye through the lens and is refracted by the cornea, light focuses directly on the retina, resulting in clear vision. 

On the other hand, an eye with a refractive error, like myopia, results when the eye becomes elongated. This causes distance vision to appear blurry, as the incoming light isn’t focused directly on the retina. 

Ortho-k lenses help temporarily correct this issue. 

As you sleep, the lenses gently reshape the cornea using mild pressure. This allows incoming light to focus directly on the retina, correcting refractive errors, and providing clear vision throughout the day. 

This non-invasive approach to corneal reshaping makes ortho-k lenses a great alternative to refractive surgeries, like LASIK or PRK. 

Consistently wearing ortho-k lenses every night is key to reaping its benefits, since the lenses provide a stable, not permanent solution to vision correction. 

It’s similar to wearing a dental retainer after braces so teeth don’t begin to shift. If the lenses aren’t regularly worn overnight, the cornea begins to lose its adjusted shape, and the initial refractive error will return. 

Is Ortho-k for Everyone?

While ortho-k lenses are a game changer for many, they’re not for everyone. Ideally, a good candidate for ortho-k lenses includes:

• Those with mild to moderate myopia, hyperopia, or astigmatism. 
• People who find glasses, daytime contact lenses, or LASIK inconvenient or unsuitable. 
• Commitment to lens wear and hygiene, as ortho-k requires thorough care. 
• Healthy corneas capable of reshaping without difficulty.

Conversely, people with severe dry eyes, eye infections, certain eye diseases, or irregular corneas may not be ideal candidates. Therefore, consulting with your optometrist is recommended to determine if ortho-k is right for you. 

Ortho-K for Myopia Control

A non-invasive and gentle approach to improved, sharp vision is just one of the benefits of ortho-k lenses. 

An emerging benefit is ortho-k’s potential to slow down myopia progression in children, among those between 15-16 years old, offering a solution for families concerned about the risks related to high myopia.

Plus, unlike other myopia control therapies, ortho-k can stabilize eye elongation in young adults up to 29 years old. 

However, for ideal results, starting myopia control early, while the eyes are still developing, is encouraged. 

Is Ortho-K Safe?

Like any corrective method, safety is a key concern.

When used as directed by your optometrist, ortho-k lenses, like other contact lens types, are safe as long as they are handled and carefully maintained. 

Since corneal reshaping with ortho-k lenses is temporary, there’s little risk involved. Patients can discontinue wearing their lenses anytime and resume wearing their glasses.

Ultimately, while there is some risk associated with ortho-k lenses, it’s similar to those associated with poor soft contact lens wear and management. 

To preserve ocular health and reduce the risk of infection or discomfort, proper contact lens wear and care are fundamental to using ortho-k lenses safely.

• Thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water before handling the lenses. 
• Store your lenses in a clean case and replace the solution daily to prevent contamination.
• Only clean the lenses with the recommended solution. Using saliva or tap water to clean lenses can introduce harmful bacteria and debris to the eyes, increasing the risk of infection. 
• Visit your optometrist for regular follow-up appointments or if you experience any discomfort or irritation with the lenses. 

When ortho-k lenses are properly cared for, they can be worn for up to one year! 

Some users may experience side effects as they adjust to their new ortho-k lenses, these can include: 

• Slight discomfort when first wearing the lenses. 
• Increased glare or halos around lights. 
• Slight vision fluctuations.

With time, the lenses will become more comfortable and these symptoms lessen as your eyes adapt to the lenses. If they continue, be sure to visit your optometrist.

It’s worthwhile to remain consistent with wear to reap the full benefits of vision improvement. For some, this may take up to two weeks. 

Schedule a Consult

Ortho-k lenses offer a nontraditional approach to contact lenses and vision improvement. The next step is determining whether they’re suitable for your ocular needs and vision concerns.Connect with our team at Dr. Zargar Eyecare to schedule an appointment for your ortho-k lens consultation.