What Is Ortho-K and How Does It Work?

Many people wear glasses or contacts every day to see clearly. However, some prefer a different option, one that does not need to be worn all day. Ortho-K, short for orthokeratology, offers a non-surgical approach to enhancing vision. It involves wearing special contact lenses while you sleep. These lenses gently reshape the front part of your eye to improve your eyesight during the day.

Understanding Ortho-K

People should wear Ortho-K lenses overnight. While you sleep, these lenses reshape your cornea, the clear outer layer of the eye. This change is temporary but enough to correct vision during waking hours. When you remove the lenses in the morning, you can see clearly without glasses or regular contacts.

People who prefer not to wear glasses all the time appreciate Ortho-K lenses. It can also help children and teens slow the worsening of nearsightedness, also known as myopia. Many find Ortho-K a practical alternative to surgery like LASIK.

How Do Ortho-K Lenses Work?

Ortho-K lenses apply gentle pressure to reshape the cornea’s surface. They push the cells in the center to flatten slightly. This reshaping changes how light bends when it enters the eye. As a result, light focuses properly on the retina, improving vision.

Because the cornea slowly returns to its original shape, you need to wear the lenses every night. Most people notice clearer vision after a few days or weeks of use. The effects usually last through the day but wear off by the next night.

Who Can Benefit From Ortho-K?

Ortho-K is ideal for people with mild to moderate nearsightedness. It can also correct some cases of astigmatism. Children and teenagers benefit because the lenses can slow the progression of myopia. This helps reduce future risks of serious eye problems.

Active adults, especially athletes, appreciate Ortho-K since it frees them from the need for glasses and daytime lenses. It’s also beneficial for individuals who cannot undergo surgery or prefer a reversible option. However, it is not suitable for everyone. A thorough eye exam can determine if Ortho-K is right for you.

What to Expect During Treatment

If you choose Ortho-K, your eye doctor will carefully measure your cornea. They will fit lenses designed just for your eyes. You’ll wear the lenses overnight and remove them in the morning.

Regular checkups will be needed to monitor your eye health and vision. The doctor will make sure that the lenses fit well. You will also learn how to clean and properly care for the lenses. Good hygiene is very important to avoid infections.

Benefits and Limitations

Benefits:

• Clear vision all day without glasses or contacts.

• Non-surgical and reversible treatment.

• It slows the progression of myopia in children.

Limitations:

• It’s not a permanent fix; lenses must be worn nightly.

• Some discomfort when first using lenses.

• There is a small risk of eye infections if proper care is not taken.

Is Ortho-K Right for You?

Ortho-K can be life-changing for many people. It offers freedom from glasses and daytime contacts. It also provides an option to manage myopia progression, especially in children. But it requires commitment and good lens care.

If you’re interested, consult your eye doctor. They can explain the process and check if your eyes are a good fit. With proper care, Ortho-K might be the vision solution you’ve been searching for.

For more on Ortho-K lenses, visit 2020 EyeMax at our office in Lexington, Kentucky. Call (859) 787-0936 to book an appointment today.