What do you Know About Ortho-K Lenses?

What is Ortho-K?

Ortho-K, or orthokeratology is a specially designed treatment using gas-permeable lenses to correct a variety of vision problems, including myopia (near-sightedness), hyperopia (far-signtedness), and astigmatism. It is worn during the night to reshape your cornea, and allows you to see during the day without glasses or contact lenses. It is a great non-surgical alternative for teens or adults who do not want to go through procedures like LASIK and is commonly used to slow myopia progression, most effective in younger children. Check out the study from Hong Kong Polytechnic University in 2014. 

Are Ortho-K lenses better than contact lenses?

Both Ortho-K lenses and contact lenses have their own benefits and considerations. If you lead an active lifestyle, Ortho-K might be preferable as contacts may fall out or get dirty. Traditional contacts would be preferable in cases of severe myopia as Ortho-K lenses may not be compatible with higher degrees of vision correction. Ortho-K may also be more costly as the lenses are customized for each individual.

Lastly, it is important to consider personal preference as some prefer not having to deal with lenses during the day, while others may think it is uncomfortable to wear lenses while sleeping.

How long do the effects of Ortho-K lenses last?

After first starting out with Ortho-K, wearers will experience gradual changes to their vision within the first 1-2 weeks, depending on their degree of vision. Since the effects of Ortho-K lenses are temporary, the lenses need to be worn 6-8 hours every night to maintain your vision.

What are some concerns of Ortho-K?

Some wearers may experience dry eyes, increased light sensitivity or discomfort wearing lenses overnight. Additionally, it is very important that lenses are cleaned regularly to avoid infection or irritation to one’s eye. Regular visits to your optometrist every 3-5 months can help to monitor the health condition and prescription of your eye and make appropriate adjustments. 

While many patients have successfully maintained their prescription or experienced minimal changes (as little as -0.50) over seven years with Ortho-K lenses, not everyone is a suitable candidate. A thorough evaluation of factors like, corneal health, eyelid condition, corneal curvature, axial length, and binocular vision is crucial before starting Ortho-K lenses for nighttime wear. Be sure to consult with our Markham optometrist to determine if Ortho-K is the right solution for you.

Check out the myopia risk calculator here to see if your child at at risk for fast myopia growth. 

Ashley Mok, student and Ortho-K wearer

Dr. Yan Ling LiangMarkham OptometristChanging lives one eye at a time!