ORTHOKERATOLOGY (ORTHO-K)

Orthokeratology, often called “orthok” or "ortho-k," is a non-surgical way to correct vision by reshaping the front surface of the eye (the cornea) while you sleep. Ortho-k uses specially designed contact lenses that you wear overnight to gently mold your cornea, so you can see clearly without glasses or contacts during the day. This treatment is especially popular for people with mild to moderate nearsightedness (myopia), as well as for children, because it may help slow down the worsening of their vision over time.

Here’s a breakdown of what you need to know about ortho-k in a straightforward way:

How Ortho-K Works

  • The Goal: Ortho-k aims to change the shape of the cornea, which is the clear, dome-shaped front part of the eye. When you’re nearsighted, light focuses in front of your retina instead of on it, making distant objects look blurry. By reshaping the cornea, ortho-k lets light focus properly on the retina, so you can see clearly.

  • The Process: You wear ortho-k lenses only at night while you’re sleeping. These lenses are firm but allow oxygen to pass through, so they’re comfortable and safe for overnight wear. As you sleep, the lenses gently reshape your cornea. When you wake up, you remove the lenses, and your cornea holds its new shape for the day, giving you clear vision without glasses or contacts.

What to Expect with Ortho-K

  • Overnight Correction: The first night you wear ortho-k lenses, you may notice a bit of improvement the next day, but it typically takes a few nights (or even a couple of weeks) to see the full effect. Once your vision is stable, you’ll need to wear the lenses every night to keep your cornea in the right shape. Some people can go a night or two without wearing them once their vision stabilizes, but most people wear them nightly.

  • Temporary and Reversible: Unlike surgery, ortho-k doesn’t permanently change your eye. If you stop wearing the lenses, your cornea will gradually return to its original shape, and your vision will go back to the way it was. This is reassuring for people who aren’t ready for a permanent change or who are young and still growing.

Who Ortho-K is For

  • Kids and Teens: One of the best uses for ortho-k is for children and teenagers with nearsightedness, because it may help slow down how quickly their vision gets worse. This is important since high levels of nearsightedness can lead to other eye problems as they get older. Parents often choose ortho-k to help manage their child’s vision health.

  • Active Adults: Ortho-k is also a great option for people who have active lifestyles and don’t want to deal with glasses or contacts during the day. Athletes, for example, benefit from ortho-k because it gives them the freedom to see clearly without any eyewear that could interfere with their game or get damaged.

Benefits of Ortho-K

  • No Glasses or Contacts During the Day: One of the biggest perks of ortho-k is that you can go about your day with clear vision, no glasses, and no contacts. You don’t have to worry about lenses drying out or glasses fogging up.

  • Non-Surgical Option: Unlike procedures like LASIK, ortho-k is completely reversible and doesn’t involve any surgery. For many people, this makes it a more comfortable choice, especially for children and teens.

  • Potential to Slow Down Vision Worsening: For young people whose nearsightedness is getting worse, ortho-k can help slow down that progression. While it doesn’t cure nearsightedness, it can reduce the rate of change, which can help protect their vision long-term.

Risks and Downsides of Ortho-K

  • Requires Consistency: To keep your vision clear, you need to wear the ortho-k lenses every night, or nearly every night. If you skip a few nights, your vision may start to go back to what it was before.

  • Risk of Infection: Because you’re wearing these lenses overnight, it’s essential to keep them clean and follow proper hygiene practices. There’s a slight risk of infection if lenses or hands aren’t properly cleaned before inserting the lenses.

  • Mild Discomfort at First: When you first start wearing ortho-k lenses, you might feel some discomfort. This usually improves after a few nights as your eyes adjust, but some people may take longer to get used to them.

Cost and Care of Ortho-K Lenses

  • Cost: Ortho-k can be more expensive upfront than regular contact lenses or glasses because the lenses are custom-made, and there are additional checkups involved. You’ll likely need a replacement set every one to two years.

  • Maintenance: Ortho-k lenses need careful cleaning each day, as well as regular checkups to ensure they continue to fit well and keep your vision clear.

Summary

Orthokeratology is a safe and effective way to improve vision without glasses or daytime contacts. It’s especially popular with children and people who live active lives, as it provides freedom from daytime eyewear and may help slow down vision worsening in young people. If you’re considering ortho-k, an eye doctor can determine if it’s the right choice for you based on your prescription, corneal health, and lifestyle.

Discover the benefits of orthokeratology (Ortho-K) contact lenses at Clearview Eyecare Burwood, in Sydney. Our specially designed lenses gently reshape the cornea overnight, offering clear, lens-free vision during the day. Ideal for those with myopia, Ortho-K lenses are safe, non-surgical, and perfect for active lifestyles. Book a consultation today to experience clear, comfortable vision without daytime contacts or glasses!