Being nearsighted is common enough that it’s often not viewed as a big deal. After all, it’s manageable. However, always needing to wear eyeglasses or dealing with contact lenses can get tiring–and going without corrective lenses means constantly squinting to see far-away objects. What if there was an alternative option?

That’s where ortho-k lenses come in. Orthokeratology (ortho-k) lenses are a potential alternative to traditional options for vision correction, and are specially designed to gently reshape the cornea while you sleep.

What is Myopia?

Myopia, commonly known as nearsightedness, causes distant objects to appear blurry while close objects can still be seen clearly. Myopia occurs when the eyeball is too long or the cornea, the eye’s outermost layer, is too curved. This causes light entering the eye to focus in front of the retina instead of directly on it, resulting in blurry images being sent to the brain.

Myopia is increasingly common, especially among children and teenagers. According to the World Health Organization, myopia affects about 30% of the world’s population, and this number is expected to rise. Left unchecked, a child’s myopia can progress over time, leading to severe vision problems and increasing the risk of eye conditions like glaucoma and retinal detachment as an adult.

What is Orthokeratology?

Traditionally, myopia is managed with glasses or regular contact lenses, which correct the refractive error that causes myopia by adjusting the focus of light onto the retina. While effective, these methods require constant use of glasses or contact lenses during the day.

Enter orthokeratology, or ortho-k, a non-surgical method of vision correction that uses specially designed gas-permeable contact lenses to temporarily reshape the cornea. These lenses are worn overnight, and can be removed in the morning, providing clear vision throughout the day without the need for glasses or regular contact lenses.

Ortho-k has been around for decades, but has gained significant traction in recent years due to advancements in lens technology and increased awareness of myopia management. The technique was first developed in the 1960s, but with the advent of computer-aided design and manufacturing, today’s ortho-k lenses are more effective and comfortable than ever.

Ortho-k lenses gently reshape the cornea, the clear surface at the front of the eye, to correct refractive errors like myopia. This happens while the wearer is asleep. The reshaping effect is temporary, lasting for about a day or two, which means that the lenses must be worn regularly to maintain clear vision. Think of it as orthodontics for your eyes!

What Do Ortho-K Lenses Do?

• They correct vision by flattening the central cornea, changing how light is focused onto the retina. Our customized ortho-k technology can correct myopia even beyond -6.00 diopters along with higher astigmatism.
• They can slow down myopia progression in children. Several studies have shown that wearing ortho-k lenses can reduce the elongation of the eyeball, which is responsible for worsening myopia. This makes ortho-k an attractive option for parents concerned about their child’s eye health.
• They provide the daytime freedom of clear vision without needing glasses or contact lenses. This makes ortho-k lenses ideal for people with active lifestyles, athletes, or anyone who finds glasses or regular contact lenses inconvenient.

How Do Ortho-K Lenses Differ from Regular Lenses?

The most apparent difference between ortho-k and regular contact lenses is when they’re worn. Ortho-k lenses are designed for overnight wear, while regular lenses are worn during the day. This distinction allows ortho-k lenses to reshape the cornea while you sleep, providing clear vision during waking hours with additional correction.

Ortho-k lenses are customized to fit the unique shape of your cornea, ensuring optimal comfort and effectiveness. A dedicated eye care professional uses advanced diagnostic tools to map the cornea and create lenses tailored to each individual’s needs.

Ortho-k offers temporary vision correction, requiring ongoing use to maintain its reshaping effect. On the other hand, regular contact lenses provide continuous correction, but must be worn daily. While both methods have their advantages, the ortho-k approach offers a non-invasive alternative to laser eye surgery for those seeking temporary yet effective vision correction.

Is Ortho-K Safe?

Ortho-k lenses have a strong safety record when correctly fitted and maintained. Like any contact lens, they carry some risk of infection, but these risks are minimal with good hygiene practices and regular follow-ups with an eye care professional.

Some common concerns include initial discomfort, dry eyes, and potential complications from improper cleaning. However, these issues can be managed with proper care and guidance from an eye care provider.

Are Ortho-K Lenses Worth It?

While the initial cost of Ortho-K lenses can be higher than regular contact lenses or glasses, many users find the investment worthwhile due to the long-term vision benefits and convenience. Additionally, slowing myopia progression can save on future eye care.

For those with active lifestyles or those who find glasses and regular contacts combative, enjoying clear vision without daytime correction can significantly enhance their quality of life.

At Eyelab Doctors of Optometry, we want to be at the forefront of myopia management. Contact us today to see how we can design a custom plan specifically suited to your eye’s needs.