Can Ortho-k Lenses Reshape Your Vision Overnight?
If you’ve ever dreamt of waking up with perfect vision, free of glasses and contact lenses, Orthokeratology lenses may be the answer. Ortho-K lenses are specially designed to gently shape the cornea while you sleep. Whether you’re an active adult yearning for hassle-free vision or a parent seeking an effective solution to slow down your child’s Myopia, Ortho-K may work for you.
What are Orthokeratology Lenses?
Orthokeratology (Ortho-K) lenses are rigid gas permeable (RGP) lenses that are worn overnight. The magic of these lenses lies in their ability to reshape the cornea while the wearer sleeps. The cornea is the clear outer layer of the eye responsible for protecting the eye and the initial refraction of light before it passes through to the retina.
The orthokeratology lenses are removed in the morning and the wearer has clear vision that lasts throughout the day. While the reshaping may sound painful in theory, Ortho-K lenses very rarely cause any irritation after the first week of wear. After a few days you shouldn’t be able to feel anything with your eyes closed.
What are the Benefits of Ortho-K Lenses?
Many parents prefer Ortho-K lenses for their children because they are a painless way to improve vision without the need for contact lenses or glasses. Kids also often prefer wearing Ortho-K lenses at night because they can play freely and participate in sports and classroom activities without worrying about broken or lost glasses or contact lenses in their eyes during the day.
Ortho-K lenses are also an excellent option for athletes or children who participate in sport. Sports such as swimming, football, martial arts, and running can be negatively impacted by wearing glasses or contact lenses. This makes overnight Ortho-K lenses the ideal option for athletes because they get clear vision for the entire day, allowing them to participate in their sport without hindrances.
Orthokeratology lenses offer another benefit which is slowing down the progression of Myopia, also known as nearsightedness. Myopia can worsen with age and Ortho-K lenses are an effective method of slowing this progression. These specialty lenses can reduce the progression of myopia by up to 50% which can lower the risk of eye diseases such as cataracts, retinal detachments, macular degeneration, and glaucoma.
Who are the Ideal Candidates for Otho-K?
Both adults and children with active lifestyles are ideal candidates for Ortho-K lenses. The use of these lenses at night allows them to go through their day as if they have clear vision. The effects will last only as long as you keep wearing the lenses, so it is entirely reversible.
Teenagers who may be self-conscious about wearing their glasses can find a great deal of relief from being able to go to school without glasses. At school, glasses are often lost or broken, and lenses can be difficult to maintain for younger children as they require specific care. Ortho-K lenses can be cleaned and maintained by the parents at home to reduce stress for their kids.
Patient review:
Dr. Kramer is great! Both my son and daughter are her patients and with progressive myopia. We moved this year but still decided to drive 3:30 hours to be seen by her at the Miami Contact Lens Institute.
~ Celina
What is the Orthokeratology Fitting Process Like?
An Ortho-K fitting session is completely painless and non-invasive. Our specialists will create a topographic corneal map to help us make lenses that fit your eyes exactly. Once we have taken all the required measurements, we can determine what your corneal curvature should be to design your unique lenses accordingly.
We will then make your first lenses which will reform the cornea into a shape which will allow the image to be focused clearly on the retina. Due to the minute precision of Ortho-K lenses you may need a few sets of lenses with minor corrections before we find an adequate fit.
Each cornea has a unique shape and Ortho-K lenses require specialized training to be designed. Our expert optometrists are highly qualified to provide excellent service including Orthok fit and design. There are a few essential things you need to know about caring for your new lenses to avoid infections or irritation.
How do You Take Care of Orthokeratology Lenses?
For maximum safety and hygiene, you must be vigilant about keeping your lenses clean and reducing any contact with bacteria. This is the ideal protocol to follow in the morning right after you wake up:
- Wash your hands with warm water and antibacterial soap to remove any traces of lotion, perfume, hair spray etc. which can transfer onto the lenses or into your eyes.
- Dry your hands completely and avoid collecting lint or dust on your fingers.
- Remove your lenses while sitting down. Sitting at a table with everything you need in front of you reduces the risk of dropping a lens or getting your hands dirty when you need to find something.
- Avoid removing your lenses in the bathroom as it has a high concentration of bacteria and there is a risk of dropping a lens down the drain.
- Carefully inspect each lens for any damage. Scratches or cracks create a breeding ground for bacteria, so they should be replaced if you notice any issues.
- Never wash your lenses with water as it can contain microorganisms such as Acanthamoeba. Only use an approved lens cleaner and follow your optometrist’s instructions for disinfecting and storing your Orthokeratology lenses safely.
Experience the Magic of Orthokeratology Lenses
With Ortho-K lenses, you can experience the magic of waking up to a world in focus, freeing yourself from the constraints of glasses and daytime contact lenses. If you’re intrigued by this innovative approach to vision correction, contact Weston Contact Lens Institute to find out if you’re a candidate for these incredible lenses.