Those who suffer from refractive errors may prefer options other than daily prescription eyeglasses. Fortunately, vision correction is possible without wearing prescription glasses or surgery. Ortho-k can make this a reality.
 

What is Ortho-k?

Ortho-k entails contact lenses that are different from conventional contacts. Wearers need to have them on overnight as they sleep to gradually reshape the eye to make their vision clearer and sharper. Eye reshaping is easily reversible and temporary. Ortho-k lenses have proven to slow the progression of myopia.
 

Candidates for Ortho-k

Orthokeratology treats patients with refractive errors such as astigmatism, hyperopia, and myopia. It treats conditions such as presbyopia, where the eye lens becomes less elastic and hardens as the patient ages. Patients with such conditions experience clear vision during the daytime when they wear ortho-k lenses. 

Others who do not have to wear the lenses each night still have relatively better sight when they wear ortho-k lenses every week for a few hours. Individuals with the mentioned conditions are ideal candidates for ortho-k lenses. You can live a life free of prescription eyeglasses and daytime contacts. Ortho-k lenses help with sporting activities or jobs wherein wearing contacts or eyeglasses can be an encumbrance.
 

Who Should Not Get Ortho-k?

Almost everybody can benefit from ortho-k. However, some people may not be the ideal candidates. Individuals with dry eye disease are among the few who are not eligible. The condition causes the eyes to lack adequate moisture for lubrication. As a result, the lack of enough lubrication in the eye causes inflammation that leads to damage.

Ideally, do not get lenses fitted on you if you have had a history of allergic reactions from wearing contact lenses. Eye infections also disqualify you from getting ortho-k. If you have itchy and painful eyes, avoid getting ortho-k lenses. Ideally, let your eye doctor ensure your safety first by examining your eyes before you go through any procedure.
 

Safety of Ortho-k

Ortho-k is safe. It only requires proper care of the lenses. If your eyes become agitated, watery, or red when you wake up, you should not worry. It is perfectly normal, like with conventional lenses. Your eyes can sometimes feel discomfort and dryness.

Infections that can arise from the use of ortho-k lenses result from poor hygiene of the user when handling the lenses. Ensure you wash your hands thoroughly when you touch the lenses, and you should also clean the lenses properly.

Various myths claim that your eyes get squished when you wear ortho-k lenses. However, advanced and modern ortho-k processes use the natural fluids from your eyes and hydraulic forces. No pressure gets applied to your cornea.
 

What to Expect
 

Orthokeratology can achieve optimal vision correction within a couple of weeks. However, some patients begin experiencing changes after a few days. Patients can use a series of temporary ortho-k lenses before they get their ideal prescription. Before achieving the best vision correction, you may have to wear up to three pairs of lenses. 

You will begin using retainer ortho-k lenses after achieving the desired corneal curve. You will have to wear them as your doctor recommends. If you use the lenses as directed, you will experience your desired vision improvements.

For more about ortho-k, visit Look! Optometry at our office in Manhattan Beach, California. Call (310) 796-5665 to book an appointment today.