If you stop wearing Ortho-K lenses, your cornea gradually returns to its original shape over several days to a few weeks, and your original prescription comes back with it. Stopping does not damage your eyes.
That makes Ortho-K (orthokeratology) very different from laser vision correction, which is permanent. Ortho-K is fully reversible. This is one of the questions we hear most at River City Eye Care, so here is what to expect. If you’re new to the topic, start with what Ortho-K is and how it works.
Why Does Your Vision Go Back to Normal After Stopping Ortho-K?
Ortho-K lenses gently reshape the outer surface of the cornea while you sleep. The effect lasts only as long as you keep wearing them. Once you stop, the cornea naturally relaxes back to its previous shape, and your vision returns to what it was before treatment.
Is It Safe to Stop Wearing Ortho-K?
Yes. Stopping Ortho-K does not harm your eyes. The one thing to expect is that your original nearsightedness returns, so you’ll likely need glasses or contact lenses again to see clearly. Talk to your optometrist first so you have a plan for the days in between.
What Happens If My Child Stops Wearing Ortho-K?
In children, Ortho-K is often used as part of a myopia management program to help slow how fast nearsightedness progresses. Research shows that Ortho-K can reduce eye growth by roughly half over two years, but the benefit lasts only while the lenses are worn.
If treatment stops before the eyes have finished growing, myopia may start progressing again. This doesn’t mean Ortho-K made the prescription worse. It means the treatment is no longer slowing the eye’s growth. Your optometrist can recommend other myopia management options if Ortho-K is no longer the right choice. Our guide to children and contact lenses covers what parents should know.
What Should I Do If I Want to Switch to LASIK?
People sometimes stop Ortho-K because they decide on laser vision correction. Let your optometrist know your plans. Because the cornea needs time to return to its natural shape, they can advise how long to leave the lenses out before your laser measurements are taken.
Why Do People Stop Wearing Ortho-K?
Common reasons include:
- Their vision needs change
- They decide to have laser vision correction
- They switch to another form of vision correction
- Their lifestyle or personal preferences change
None of these is a wrong reason. Ortho-K is a choice you can revisit at any point.
Thinking of Stopping Ortho-K? Talk to Your Edmonton Optometrist First
Before you stop, speak with your optometrist. We can talk through your options and recommend the best plan for your vision and eye health. If you’re still deciding whether Ortho-K is right for you, see Is Ortho-K safe? or read what happens at an Ortho-K consultation.
River City Eye Care is in the Newcastle Shopping Centre at 16957 127 St NW, Edmonton. Book an appointment or call 587-520-8821.