Who Is a Candidate for Ortho-k Lenses?

Orthokeratology is a nonsurgical method of correcting nearsightedness (and sometimes farsightedness and astigmatism) using specially designed contacts that are worn while you sleep. They gently reshape the cornea to improve your vision during the day without needing glasses or daytime contact lenses.

What are Ortho-k Lenses?

Ortho-k lenses have been around for several decades. However, they have become increasingly popular in recent years. More people seek alternatives to traditional eyeglasses and daytime contact lenses. Patients wear these lenses overnight. The lenses use a proven cornea-reshaping technology[1] to improve a person's vision during the day.

The History of Ortho-k Lenses

The concept of Ortho-k was first introduced in the 1960s, and since then, it has become a popular alternative to traditional corrective eyewear such as glasses and contacts. The lenses are worn overnight and gently reshape the cornea while the wearer sleeps, correcting the refractive error and allowing for clear vision during the day.

Ortho-k lenses have come a long way since their inception. Early versions were less comfortable and were more limited in the range of prescriptions they could correct.  But advances in material technology have led to lenses that are more comfortable, and safe for extended wear. Today, Ortho-k lenses are custom-fit to the wearer's individual needs and offer a convenient solution for those who want to avoid the hassle of daily wear contact lenses or glasses.

Despite its popularity, Ortho-k is still considered a relatively new field. However, with more and more people seeking a non-surgical solution to their visual needs, Ortho-k is quickly gaining recognition as a safe and effective alternative.

Who Is a Candidate for Ortho-k Lenses?

The primary indication for ortho-k lenses is nearsightedness, also known as myopia. However, not everyone nearsighted is an ideal candidate for ortho-k lenses. The best candidates are typically those who:

 

• Have mild to moderate nearsightedness

• Want a nonsurgical alternative to eyeglasses or daytime contact lenses

• Have healthy eyes without any significant corneal or eyelid issues

• Will comply with the strict wearing and care instructions for the lenses

• Have realistic expectations about the potential results of the treatment

How Adults and Children Can Benefit from Orthokeratology in Different Ways

Orthokeratology (Ortho-k) lenses are a popular alternative to traditional corrective eyewear for both adults and children. While both groups can benefit from the clear vision provided by Ortho-k lenses, there are different reasons why each may choose to use them.

 

For adults, Ortho-k lenses are often seen as a convenient alternative to daily wear contact lenses or glasses. It is sometimes chosen as an alternative to LASIK.  By wearing the lenses overnight, adults can enjoy clear vision during the day without having to constantly put on and take off glasses or contacts. This is especially attractive for those who are active and do not want to be limited by their vision correction.

 

Children, on the other hand, may use Ortho-k lenses to slow down the progression of myopia. As myopia often begins in childhood, early intervention is key in reducing the risk of other vision problems associated with high levels of nearsightedness. By reshaping the cornea overnight, Ortho-k lenses can slow down the progression of myopia, reducing the need for stronger glasses or contacts as the child grows.

Benefits of Ortho-k Lenses

One of the main benefits of ortho-k lenses is that they provide a temporary solution to nearsightedness. Your vision will return to its original state once you stop wearing the lenses. Ortho-k lenses allow more freedom for physical activities.

 

Ortho-k lenses carry a lower risk of complications than traditional eye surgeries, such as LASIK. They can improve your quality of life by providing clear vision without using glasses or daytime contact lenses. It can be particularly beneficial for children and teenagers. Many kids may be self-conscious about wearing glasses, or they may not have the skills to care for their glasses and lenses while away from home. This provides an option for them to use with parental supervision and gives them the ability to enjoy clear vision during the day.

How Ortho-k Lenses Can Help Slow Down the Progression of Myopia

Myopia, or nearsightedness, is a common vision condition that affects millions of people worldwide. While traditional eyewear such as glasses and contact lenses can correct myopia, they do not slow down its progression. In recent years, orthokeratology (Ortho-k) lenses have emerged as a solution for slowing down myopia progression.

Ortho-k lenses are designed to gently reshape the cornea overnight, correcting the refractive error that causes myopia. By slowing down the progression of myopia, Ortho-k lenses can reduce the risk of other vision problems associated with high levels of nearsightedness, such as cataracts, myopic macular degeneration, glaucoma and retinal detachment.

Not only do Ortho-k lenses provide clear vision during the day, but they also offer a non-surgical, non-invasive alternative to traditional corrective eyewear. This makes them an attractive option for parents who want to slow down myopia progression in their children, as well as adults who want to reduce their dependence on glasses or contacts.

If you are concerned about the progression of myopia, consider Ortho-k lenses as a solution. With proper fitting and use, these lenses can help you maintain clear vision and reduce your risk of other vision problems.

How to Get Ortho-k Lenses

If you are interested in getting ortho-k lenses, the first step is to schedule a consultation with one of the doctors at Factoria Eye Clinic. During the consultation, they will evaluate your eyes and prescription to determine if you are a suitable candidate. It is also vital to note that not all optometrists or ophthalmologists can perform ortho-k.

For more about ortho-k lenses, contact Factoria Eye Clinic at our office in Bellevue, Washington. Call (425) 641-2020 to book an appointment today.

[1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8970893/