What Is Ortho-K? Clearer Vision While You Sleep
Imagine putting in your contact lenses at bedtime, removing them the following morning and seeing clearly throughout the day—without wearing glasses or daytime lenses.
That is the idea behind orthokeratology, usually shortened to Ortho-K. It is a non-surgical and reversible form of vision correction that uses specially designed rigid contact lenses while you sleep.
How Does Ortho-K Work?
Short-sightedness, or myopia, usually 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. While you sleep, they gently and temporarily change the curvature of the cornea, the clear surface at the front of the eye. This alters how light is focused and can provide clear vision after the lenses are removed in the morning.
The effect is temporary. The lenses must be worn regularly to maintain the corrected corneal shape. If you stop wearing them, the cornea gradually returns towards its original shape and the short-sightedness becomes apparent again.
How Quickly Does Ortho-K Work?
Many people notice an improvement after the first night, although reaching clear and stable vision can take several nights or longer. The speed of change depends on your prescription, corneal shape and 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 commonly used to correct mild to moderate short-sightedness, sometimes alongside certain levels of astigmatism. Suitability is determined by much more than the spectacle prescription, however.
It may appeal particularly to:
- 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.
Can Ortho-K Help With Childhood Myopia?
For children, Ortho-K can provide clear daytime vision while also playing a role in myopia management.
Myopia often progresses as a child’s eyes continue to grow. Higher levels of myopia are associated with an increased lifetime risk of conditions including retinal detachment, glaucoma and myopic macular disease.
Research indicates that orthokeratology can slow the excessive lengthening of the eye in many children, although it cannot promise to stop progression. Regular measurements are needed to monitor how the eyes are growing and whether the treatment remains effective.
An additional practical benefit is that the lenses usually remain at home. Parents can supervise their insertion, removal and cleaning, without worrying about lenses being lost or mishandled at school.
Is It Safe to Sleep in Ortho-K Lenses?
Ortho-K lenses are designed specifically for overnight wear, but sleeping in any contact lens increases the risk of complications. Microbial keratitis is a rare but potentially sight-threatening infection.
Safe wear depends on excellent hygiene, correct lens care and regular professional aftercare. The College of Optometrists advises that Ortho-K wearers understand the warning signs of infection and seek prompt care if they experience pain, redness, light sensitivity, discharge or reduced vision.
Never expose Ortho-K lenses or their storage case to tap water, and do not swim, shower or use a hot tub while wearing them – unlikely as they are only worn whilst asleep which is one of their great advantages!
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.
