5 Tips for Wearing Otho-K Lenses
Ortho-K, short for orthokeratology, is a non-invasive and temporary vision correction method. Ortho-K lenses are specially shaped gas-permeable contact lenses designed to gently reshape the curvature of your cornea overnight while you sleep. Unlike most contact lenses, these lenses are worn overnight only, then removed in the morning to reveal clear vision for the rest of the day – no eyeglasses or contact lenses needed for daytime wear. If you would like to be contact lens-free during your waking hours, Ortho-K may be right for you. Your eye doctor can help you determine whether you are a good candidate for this wonderful treatment. Here are a few tips for wearing Ortho-K lenses safely and comfortably.
- Keep your lenses clean
As soon as you receive your Ortho-K lenses, it’s of the utmost importance to follow cleaning instructions carefully. You should have a cleaning kit containing a specialized cleaning solution, a rinsing or soaking solution, rewetting eye drops, and a clean storage case. Be sure to wash your hands before handling your lenses. Try to avoid soaps containing oils or lotions, as these may leave residue on your lenses. It’s also a good idea to use a lint-free towel when you dry your hands. When you clean your lenses, gently massage a few drops of cleaning solution across the front and back of each lens for at least one minute to ensure that it is spotless.
- Rinse your lenses thoroughly
Once you have adequately cleaned your lenses, it’s important to rinse the cleaning solution off entirely before you wear or store them. The rinsing solution is typically a preservative-free saline solution. The cleaning solution may irritate your eyes if you leave any on the lens, so be sure to rinse it all off thoroughly. If you do get the cleaning solution in your eye and it stings or burns, flush out the eye with water or use an eyewash. Visit your eye-care practitioner to review contact lens cleaning to prevent this from happening again.
- Store your lenses properly
After you clean and rinse your lenses, it’s time to store them. The correct way to keep your Ortho-K lenses is by filling your storage case with fresh soaking solution and then inserting your clean lenses carefully. It is critical to ensure that your storage case is always clean and sterile. Be sure to air dry it thoroughly after each use to avoid moisture sitting around in the container and potentially breeding bacteria. Take care that your storage case is not exposed to any irritants, such as household cleaning products or perfumes.
- Wear your lenses the right way
As your eye doctor will explain, Ortho-K lenses are designed to be worn at night when you’re asleep, and your eyes are closed. That’s because these lenses place gentle pressure on your eye to allow for the temporary reshaping of your cornea. That means that if you wear them for extended periods while awake, the result is likely to slightly uncomfortable. When you wake up in the morning, follow the above steps to clean, rinse, and store your lenses properly before inserting them again that evening at bedtime.
- Attend your follow-up visits as recommended
Ortho-K lenses can last up to two years when properly handled and cared for. That’s one of the reasons that they are so cost-effective over time. However, your eye doctor will want to monitor the progress of your eyes closely. After receiving your lenses, you will need to have follow-up exams every four to six months (or according to your eye doctor’s recommendation) to have your lenses and ocular surface examined and ensure that your eyes are healthy with no signs of problems as well as to monitor the progression and effectivity of your treatment.
If you think that Ortho-K lenses might be right for you, we’ll be happy to help. You can schedule an appointment with us to discuss your options.