Imagine putting in contact lenses at bedtime, removing them the following morning and seeing clearly throughout the day, without wearing glasses or daytime lenses.
That’s the idea behind orthokeratology, known as Ortho-K. It is a non-surgical and reversible form of vision correction that uses specially designed rigid contact lenses that you wear overnight while you sleep.
Ortho-K is available for both adults and children at our Winchester and Purley practices.
How does Ortho-K work?
Short sightedness, clinically known as myopia, occurs when the eye grows too long or the cornea is too curved. This causes light to focus in front of the retina instead of directly on it, making distant objects appear blurred.
Ortho-K lenses are individually designed using detailed measurements of the eye so no two pairs are the same. While you sleep, they gently and temporarily change the curvature of the cornea, the clear surface at the front of the eye. This means that the light that hits your eye is focused and helps to provide clear vision after the lenses are removed in the morning.
While the effect is temporary, and the lenses must be worn regularly to maintain the correct shape of your cornea, Ortho-K offers a different approach to managing short sightedness. If you stop wearing them, your cornea gradually returns towards its original shape and the myopia becomes more apparent again, meaning Ortho-K is a reversible alternative for people who want freedom from glasses but are unsure about laser eye surgery.
Can Ortho-K help with childhood myopia?
Absolutely Yes, Ortho-K can help your child enjoy clear daytime vision, while also helping to play a role in myopia management.
Short sightedness usually progresses as children’s eyes continue to grow, usually becoming more obvious as they get older, which can also be linked to high risk of conditions like retinal detachment, glaucoma and myopic macular disease.
Studies have shown that Ortho-K can help slow the excessive lengthening of the eye in many children, and while it can’t promise to stop the progression, it can help manage it. Regular measurements are needed to monitor how your child’s eyes are growing and whether the treatment is remaining effective.
How quickly does Ortho-K work?
Many people will see an improvement after the first night, but reaching clear and stable vision takes several nights or longer. The speed of change will depend on your prescription and corneal shape, as well as your individual response.
During the early fitting period, your vision may fluctuate and temporary daytime correction may be required. Carefully scheduled follow-up appointments allow your Optometrist to assess the result and refine the lens fit where necessary.
Who is Ortho-K suitable for?
Ortho-K is most effectively used to correct mild to moderate short-sightedness, and sometimes certain levels of astigmatism. It may be a great fit for:
- Children and adults who are short-sighted
- People who play sport or enjoy an active lifestyle
- Swimmers who want clear vision without wearing contact lenses in the water
- Those who experience discomfort with daytime lenses in dry or dusty environments
- People who would like daytime freedom from glasses but do not want laser surgery
Ortho-K will not be suitable for every eye. Corneal health, tear quality, prescription, sleep pattern and the ability to follow a thorough cleaning routine must all be assessed.
Is it safe to sleep in Ortho-K lenses?
Ortho-K lenses are designed specifically for overnight wear, but sleeping in contact lenses can increases the risk of complications. Microbial keratitis is a rare but potentially sight-threatening infection.
Safe wear depends on good hygiene, proper lens care and sticking to the aftercare schedule. The College of Optometrists advises that Ortho-K wearers know the warning signs of infection and seek out quick care if they experience any pain, redness, light sensitivity, discharge or reduced vision.
What does an Ortho-K fitting involve?
An Ortho-K assessment includes a full evaluation of your prescription and eye health. Corneal topography creates a detailed map of the front surface of each eye, allowing bespoke lenses to be designed.
You will be shown how to apply, remove, clean and store the lenses correctly. Follow-up appointments, often including a check after the first night, allow your Optometrist to examine the cornea, assess your vision and monitor the changing lens fit. Ongoing aftercare is an essential part of treatment, not an optional extra.
Ortho-K is available for adults and children through our Winchester and Purley practices. Patients from other Rawlings branches, and those with prescriptions from other opticians, are also welcome.
If you would like freedom from glasses and daytime contact lenses, or want to explore myopia-management options for your child, book an Ortho-K consultation to discover whether overnight vision correction could suit you.
