Orthokeratology, often called Ortho-K, is a type of contact lens treatment that has attracted increasing interest, particularly among people looking for an alternative to daytime glasses or contact lenses.
Ortho-K lenses are specially designed rigid gas-permeable lenses worn overnight. While you sleep, they gently alter the shape of the cornea so that vision can be clearer during the following day. Despite their growing popularity, there are plenty of misconceptions surrounding Ortho-K- but are they fact or fiction?
Ortho-K permanently reshapes your eyes
Ortho K lenses reshape the cornea, but this is only temporary, generally only lasting for the duration of the day. If you stop wearing the lenses, your cornea will gradually return toward its original shape. This means you don’t have to have the lenses in throughout the day to achieve clear vision, although consistent use every night is more likely to improve your vision over time.
This is often a more suitable solution for those who are considering laser eye surgery but are concerned about the potential risks or recovery period.
Ortho-K is only for adults
Ortho-K lenses are also effective for children and teenagers and, in most cases, can slow the progression of myopia. Being worn only at night, it is easier for parents to supervise their use, and means there is no longer a need to worry about lost or broken specs!
The glasses-free vision that Ortho-K lenses offer may be particularly beneficial for young people who enjoy sports or have trouble with regular contact lenses.
It’s dangerous to sleep wearing contact lenses
All contact lens wear carries some degree of risk, but with professional fitting, good hygiene and regular follow-up, these risks can be minimised, making Ortho-K lenses one of the safest myopia management methods available. Ortho-K is a well-established option for myopia management, and at The Bromley Eye Centre, our Ortho-K specialists are on hand to guide you through every step of achieving effortless daytime vision.
Ortho-K lenses are uncomfortable
Ortho-K lenses can feel a little different to soft contact lenses at first, but most wearers quickly get used to the sensation. As they’re worn overnight while you sleep, you typically won’t notice them, and many patients find them comfortable and easy to incorporate into their evening routine.
As with any new contact lenses, it can take a little time to adjust. If you do experience ongoing discomfort or any concerns, our Ortho-K specialists are here to help and can check the fit of your lenses to ensure you’re getting the best possible experience.
You can buy Ortho-K lenses online and fit them yourself
As with any medication or healthcare concern, seeing a qualified professional is always the safest option. Ortho-K lenses interact directly with the cornea and therefore require specialist fitting and ongoing eye examinations. The Bromley Eye Centre is home to Ortho-K experts, being among the first to introduce Ortho-K to patients in the local area.
Book your appointment to see how Ortho-K contact lenses can change your vision- and your life- today!
