Individuals familiar with contact lenses are aware that sleeping in your contacts is strongly discouraged. However, there are specialized contact lenses designed specifically for overnight wear.
Orthokeratology (ortho-k) lenses are hard gas-permeable contact lenses that reshape the cornea while sleeping. This lens technology makes them a great, non-invasive form of temporary vision correction, eliminating the need to wear corrective lenses during the day.
There are many benefits to ortho-k lenses, some of which include:
- Freedom from corrective lenses
- Safe and reversible non-surgical vision correction
- Comfort for dry eyes
- Myopia control
What Are Orthokeratology Lenses?
Many individuals use contact lenses as their preferred form of vision correction. While contacts are great, they require more maintenance and TLC than eyeglasses.
Traditional hard and soft contacts aren’t designed for overnight wear. To avoid vision and ocular health complications, it’s highly advised that lenses be removed before sleeping, showering, or swimming. Orthokeratology lens technology differs from traditional contacts as they are specially designed for overnight wear.
Orthokeratology (ortho-k) lenses are specially designed, hard gas-permeable contact lenses fitted to gently reshape the cornea and correct vision while sleeping, making them a non-invasive form of temporary vision correction.
Ortho-k lenses can correct refractive errors like myopia, hyperopia, presbyopia, and astigmatism. For most patients, vision correction lasts all day, eliminating the need for glasses or contact lenses to see. Others with high prescriptions may notice that the effects of ortho-k reshaping will slowly wear off during the day.
The results with ortho-k lenses take time. It can take a few days or even weeks to wake up with clear vision. This is why being consistent with routine wear is important.
How Does Ortho-K Technology Work?
Ortho-k lenses work by reshaping the cornea. The cornea is the clear, round structure that covers the pupil and iris. It’s responsible for refracting light as it enters the eye before focusing on the retina, which helps us see.
Ortho-k lenses reshape the cornea by flattening the center of the cornea. This changes how light is bent as it enters the eye. When the cornea is reshaped, refractive errors are corrected and light can focus directly on the retina resulting in clear vision.
These lenses are specially designed for overnight wear. Their unique technology allows oxygen to permeate the eye so that the eye stays healthy and moisturized. The eyes continue to remain comfortable because the lenses are removed in the morning, providing the eyes several hours of breathing room before applying the lenses before bed.
To stress the importance of routine wear for desired visual clarity, It helps to think of ortho-k lenses like dental retainers.
Not wearing your retainer for a few days will result in your teeth slowly shifting back to their position before braces. Similarly, not wearing your ortho-k lenses for a few nights will cause your eyes to revert to their original shape, and the refractive error will return.
Benefits of Orthokeratology Lenses
Orthokeratology lenses provide a broad range of benefits that enhance both vision clarity and overall quality of life.
Freedom from Corrective Lenses
One of the most immediate benefits of ortho-k lenses is the freedom from traditional corrective lens use during the day. Their unique design makes it particularly advantageous for athletes, active individuals, and those who simply prefer a glasses-free lifestyle.
Non-Surgical Vision Correction
Ortho-k lenses are a great alternative to refractive surgeries like LASIK or PRK. Not everyone is a suitable candidate for these procedures, nor are they interested in undergoing an invasive surgical process.
These lenses offer a temporary, non-invasive form of vision correction that is safe and reversible. Since no permanent changes are made to the eye, this reduces the risk of developing complications associated with refractive surgeries.
Comfort for Dry Eyes
Many find traditional contact lenses uncomfortable due to dryness or extended wear time during the day. Ortho-k lenses are worn at night, allowing the eyes to remain naturally lubricated throughout the day, making them a great option for individuals experiencing dry eyes.
Myopia Control
Studies have indicated that ortho-k lenses can effectively slow the progression of myopia in children and young adults. By controlling the elongation of the eyeball, these lenses can play a pivotal role in managing myopia and potentially reducing the severity of vision issues later in life.
Unlike other methods of myopia control, ortho-k lenses have been shown to slow myopia progression in individuals up to 29 years old. These make them a great option for young adults interested in myopia control.
Custom Fit
Each pair of ortho-k lenses is custom-made based on precise measurements of the cornea, ensuring a perfect fit. This customization helps to optimize vision correction, enhance comfort, and help make lens adaptation easier.
Safe & Reversible
Given that ortho-k provides temporary reshaping of the cornea, the effects are entirely reversible. If you choose to stop wearing the lenses, your cornea will gradually return to its original shape without lasting impact. This makes ortho-k a safe option for those unsure about committing to long-term vision changes.
Can Anyone Use Ortho-K Lenses?
While ortho-k lenses offer numerous benefits, they are not suitable for everyone. Your optometrist will be able to determine your candidacy during your ortho-k fitting consultation.
Ortho-k lenses are most suitable for individuals with mild to moderate myopia (typically up to -6.00 diopters), mild degrees of hyperopia and presbyopia, and low to moderate astigmatism (up to -1.75 diopters).
Ortho-k lenses aren’t compatible with Individuals with certain eye conditions like severe dry eyes, corneal scarring, or keratoconus.
Schedule a Consult
Overnight contacts like ortho-k lenses offer a unique approach to vision correction. Individuals who are suitable to wear ortho-k lenses are provided with numerous benefits, including freedom from corrective lenses, myopia control, and comfort from dry eyes.
To learn if ortho-k lenses are suitable for you or your child, connect with our team at Parks & Baines Optometry to schedule a consultation.
