For many people struggling with nearsightedness, contact lenses or eyeglasses are a regular part of daily life. But what if there were a way to correct your vision while you sleep, leaving you free to go about your day without any vision aids? Orthokeratology, or Ortho-K, makes this possible.
 

What is Ortho-K?

Ortho-K, also known as orthokeratology, uses specially designed gas-permeable contact lenses worn overnight to reshape the cornea temporarily. These lenses are custom-fit to gently reshape the surface of your eye as you sleep, correcting refractive errors like myopia (nearsightedness). When you wake up and remove the lenses, you can enjoy clear vision throughout the day.
 

The Science Behind Ortho-K

The effectiveness of Ortho-K lies in the cornea's flexibility. The cornea is the transparent front part of the eye that refracts light to help you see clearly. By adjusting the shape of the cornea, Ortho-K lenses change how light enters the eye, allowing it to focus correctly on the retina.
 

The cornea is made up of several thin layers of cells, including an outer layer of epithelium that is soft enough to be molded by the gentle pressure of Ortho-K lenses. Throughout the night, the lenses gradually flatten the cornea's center, adjusting its curvature to provide clearer vision. Because the epithelium is a resilient tissue, it returns to its natural shape if not maintained with nightly wear, meaning Ortho-K is a non-permanent and reversible treatment.
 

Benefits of Ortho-K

Ortho-K provides various benefits beyond clear vision, including:
 

• Freedom from Daytime Contacts or Glasses: Since the lenses are only worn at night, users don’t need to rely on contacts or glasses during the day, which can be especially convenient for athletes or people who work in environments where glasses may be impractical.
   

• Non-Surgical Vision Correction: Ortho-K offers a non-invasive alternative to LASIK or other corrective eye surgeries. It's also ideal for individuals who may not be suitable candidates for surgery due to age, lifestyle, or health considerations.
   

• Control Myopia Progression: Ortho-K is particularly popular among children and young adults because it has been shown to help slow the progression of myopia, which can prevent high levels of nearsightedness from developing over time.
   

What to Expect with Ortho-K

Most people start seeing improvement after just one night of wearing Ortho-K lenses. However, optimal results typically take a week or two. To maintain clear vision, you’ll need to wear the lenses every night. When the lenses are removed in the morning, the cornea retains its new shape throughout the day, but the effect gradually fades, so consistent use is essential.
 

Your eye doctor at GrandView Eyecare will guide you through the fitting process, adjusting the lenses as needed to ensure a comfortable, effective fit. They’ll also provide detailed instructions on cleaning and caring for your lenses to maintain optimal eye health.
 

Is Ortho-K Right for You?

Ortho-K can be an excellent solution for people of all ages who want the freedom of clear daytime vision without surgery. It’s particularly beneficial for those with mild to moderate myopia or astigmatism. However, it’s essential to consult with an optometrist to determine if Ortho-K is suitable for your specific vision needs.
 

To learn more about Ortho-K lenses, schedule a consultation with GrandView Eyecare. Visit our office in Fairbury or Hebron, Nebraska. Call (402) 729-6162 or (402) 768-6651 to book an appointment today.