Imagine waking up and seeing clearly without reaching for your glasses or contact lenses. That’s exactly what Orthokeratology, commonly called Ortho-K, is designed to do.
Ortho-K uses specially designed rigid contact lenses that are worn overnight while you sleep. As you rest, the lenses gently reshape the front surface of your eye (the cornea). In the morning, you remove the lenses and can enjoy clear vision throughout the day without glasses or daytime contact lenses.
How Does Ortho-K Work?
The cornea is the clear front surface of your eye and is responsible for focusing light. Ortho-K lenses gently and temporarily reshape the cornea while you sleep, allowing light to focus more accurately on the retina.
The effects are temporary, which is why the lenses must be worn regularly to maintain clear vision.
Who Can Benefit from Ortho-K?
Ortho-K is an excellent option for:
- Children with progressive myopia (nearsightedness)
- Adults who want freedom from glasses during the day
- Athletes and active individuals
- People who work in dusty or dry environments where contact lenses may be uncomfortable
- Individuals who are not ready for or are not candidates for laser vision correction
Ortho-K and Myopia Management
One of the biggest advantages of Ortho-K is that it doesn’t just correct vision and it can also help slow the progression of myopia in children.
Research has shown that slowing myopia progression may reduce the risk of serious eye conditions later in life, including retinal detachment, glaucoma, myopic macular degeneration, and certain types of cataracts.
Is Ortho-K Safe?
When properly fitted by an optometrist and worn according to instructions, Ortho-K has an excellent safety profile. Success depends on good hygiene, regular follow-up appointments, and proper lens care. Learn more here.
What Is the Process?
At River City Eye Care, every Ortho-K patient begins with a comprehensive consultation. This includes advanced measurements of your eyes, corneal topography, and a discussion about your visual needs and goals. If you’re a suitable candidate, customized lenses are ordered specifically for your eyes.
After your lenses arrive, we’ll teach you how to insert, remove, and care for them safely. Regular follow-up visits allow us to monitor your vision, eye health, and treatment results.
Is Ortho-K Right for You?
Whether you’re looking to reduce your dependence on glasses or help slow your child’s worsening prescription, Ortho-K may be an excellent option.