Many people with corrected vision are interested in exploring the world without glasses or contact lenses. Unfortunately, however, not everyone is a prime candidate or interested in undergoing refractive surgery, so glasses and contacts often remain necessary.
Fortunately, orthokeratology (ortho-k) lenses provide a unique, non-invasive, and temporary option for vision correction.
Adults who meet the vision and ocular health requirements are suitable candidates for ortho-k lenses. There’s no age limitation for these specialized lenses.
If adults are interested in using ortho-k lenses for myopia management, studies have shown that they’re effective in slowing myopia for teenagers and young adults up to age 29.
What Are Orthokeratology Lenses?
Orthokeratology (ortho-k) lenses are specially designed gas-permeable contact lenses that temporarily reshape the cornea to correct vision. They are worn overnight and removed in the morning, providing clear vision during the day and eliminating the need for glasses or contact lenses.
Ortho-k lenses offer a non-invasive method for vision correction. For many individuals, vision improvement from ortho-k lenses can last throughout most of the day. Others may experience a gradual decline in clarity as the day progresses.
Vision correction provided with ortho-k lenses isn’t immediate. Individuals with mild prescriptions may achieve clear vision within a few days, while those with stronger prescriptions might need several weeks of consistent use to see optimal results.
For optimal results, users are encouraged to wear ortho-k lenses nightly and adhere to the instructions provided by their optometrist.
How Do Ortho-K Lenses Work?
Ortho-k lenses work by gently reshaping the cornea’s surface while the wearer sleeps. The cornea is the clear front part of the eye that helps focus light onto the retina. By flattening the central area of the cornea, Ortho-k lenses correct the refractive error, by focusing light directly on the retina, improving visual clarity.
Unlike traditional soft or hard contact lenses, ortho-k lens technology is designed for overnight wear. The lenses allow oxygen to permeate through the lens, keeping the eye moisturized while you are asleep. This makes ortho-k a great contact lens option for individuals experiencing dry eyes.
Vision correction with ortho-k is stable but not permanent. If the lenses are not worn regularly overnight, the cornea will gradually return to its original shape, and the initial refractive error will reappear.
In this sense, using ortho-k lenses is similar to wearing dental retainers.A few nights without your retainer can cause your teeth to shift back to their pre-brace positions. Similarly, not wearing ortho-k lenses for a few nights can lead your corneas to revert to their original curvature—in which case your vision will also revert back as well.
Who Can Benefit From Wearing Ortho-K Lenses?
There’s no age restriction for individuals interested in wearing ortho-k lenses, but not everyone is a suitable candidate.
Ortho-k lenses are most suitable for people with mild to moderate myopia (typically up to -6.00 diopters), mild degrees of hyperopia and presbyopia, and low to moderate astigmatism (up to -1.75 diopters). However, a comprehensive eye examination is necessary to determine if you are a suitable candidate for ortho-k treatment.
Are Ortho-K Lenses Suitable for Adults?
Yes! There’s no age limit for wearing ortho-k lenses. Many adults can benefit from wearing ortho-k lenses, provided that they’re a suitable candidate.
In addition to temporary vision correction, ortho-k lenses can manage myopia progression in children. If myopia remains unchecked, it can worsen over time and increase the risk of developing high myopia, defined as -6.00 diopters or greater.
High myopia can increase one’s risk of developing eye conditions such as:
- Cataracts
- Glaucoma
- Myopic Maculopathy
- Retinal Detachment
- Retinal Tears
Myopia control treatments are designed to slow myopia progression. Ortho-k lenses help slow myopia progression by focusing light rays directly on the retina. This process acts as a top signal for eye growth.
Early intervention is key for effective management. Children as young as 6 can start using ortho-k lenses for myopia management. Ortho-k lenses are the only treatment that shows evidence of slowing myopia progression in young adults, up to age 29.
Who Should Consider Ortho-K Lenses
Ortho-k lenses are ideal for individuals who:
- Lead active lifestyles and find glasses or contacts inconvenient
- Suffer from dry eyes.
- Have interest in a non-surgical alternative to LASIK or PRK.
- Are interested in exploring options for myopia control.
- Have stable vision and a prescription within the appropriate range.
Consulting your optometrist is important for determining whether you’re a suitable candidate for ortho-k lenses. During the consult, your optometrist will assess your eye health, corneal shape, and refractive error.
Schedule a Consult
Ortho-k lenses provide a unique option for temporary vision correction. A comprehensive eye exam, consultation, and fitting with your optometrist will help determine if ortho-k lenses are compatible for you!
Connect with our team at Golden Vision to schedule your ortho-k consultation!
