What Is Ortho-K? A Complete Guide to Orthokeratology

March 20, 2025 contact lenses Uncategorized 0

What Is Ortho-K Guide to Orthokeratology

Do you know dental braces? Now, picture something like that for your eyes. That is exactly what orthokeratology means. Ortho-k is used for overnight vision correction of the cornea. It is another form of eye treatment that consider convenience and comfort.

Table of Contents

Understanding Orthokeratology

This is traditional corrective eyewear that is used to reshape the cornea temporarily. Having to put on contact lenses or eye glasses during the day is a burden for some people because of the uncomfortability. However, with orthokeratology lenses, you can go about your daily activities without either of them. It is a revolutionary vision correction technique, which is also referred to as Ortho k. This method existed centuries ago, but it recently became a topic of interest a few decades ago. It was linked to the Chinese tradition where they put sandbags or small weights on their eyelids when sleeping to prevent myopia.

Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) corneal contact lenses, which were the first set of contact lenses, were seen to cause unintentional changes in the cornea and also slowed down myopia progression, especially when they were fitted in a flattened way. This was where the research of Orthokeratology lenses began.

How does Orthokeratology Work?

Teeth braces are used to realign dentition gradually; so is Ortho K used to correct the cornea gradually. It doesn’t require surgery but uses gas-permeable contact lenses that are specially designed for that purpose. They are called ortho k lenses, corneal refractive therapy (CRT), OK, and vision shaping treatment (VST). These lenses help to reshape the cornea temporarily or eliminate refractive error, reduce axial elongation of the eye, and produce clear vision during the day without the aid of glasses or contact lenses.

The main part of the eye that has the role of focusing light on the retina is the cornea. What these Ortho k lenses do is gently and safely reshape the cornea overnight when worn, while you sleep. By correcting refractive errors, they offer a temporary but effective solution to the eyes. This is particularly effective for people suffering from myopia. The Ortho-k lenses for other eye conditions are currently being developed.

The cornea is flattened with these lenses and the process of light entering the eyes is changed. This will automatically affect the reflection of light on the retina and cause better vision. This process is quite similar to soft contact lenses or glasses importance but the effect is temporary and lasts for just a day, unlike contact lenses and glasses.

Ortho k Process

These lenses are not ready-made or just prescribed; the eye doctor has to go through some comprehensive eye examination process to get an ortho k lenses customized for the wearer. An instrument called a corneal topographer is used to form a detailed cornea map by measuring the thickness of the cornea to determine if one is a good candidate. It helps them design customized and personalized orthokeratology lenses that are perfect and fit for the wearer’s unique eye shape.

It is meant to be worn at night so they can reshape the cornea as you sleep. In the morning, the k lenses worn should be removed for the cornea to retain its new shape and aid clearer vision. After this stage, returning to your eye doctor for follow-up appointments is very crucial. It is important to assess the effectiveness of the Ortho k lenses.

The vision will be monitored for the first night and week to make sure there is proper focus and fit on the cornea. After all these have been done, regular monitoring and scheduling are essential to maintain and monitor the corneal health for optimal correction of the vision.

Who are Ortho k Lenses Meant For?

It is suitable for everyone in general living with an eye condition consisting of myopia ranging from mild to moderate and mild astigmatism. However, it is particularly beneficial to people in the following categories:

Athletes or people involved in sporting activities where glasses or contact lenses are uncomfortable, incovenient, and unadvisable.
People who are looking for treatment alternatives to LASIK or other refractive surgery.
Individuals that experience dry eyes, irritation, contact lenses or glasses discomfort.
Children and teenagers suffering from progressing myopia. It can be used to manage the situation better.

Benefits of Ortho k Lenses

Control of myopia progression

Research proves that Ortho k can slow down the progression of myopia in children and teenagers. Myopia progression can lead to lifelong vision impairment and increase the risk of serious eye conditions. Slowing it down, Ortho k will protect the eye health for a very long time. Although the effect of baseline refractive error, gender, and age is still under research to see how it affects the myopia progression.

Reversible Correction

Ortho k is reversible, unlike other corrective methods like refractive surgery. Immediately you stop wearing the ortho k lenses, the cornea will eventually return to its original shape because it is a temporary solution. This option makes it a convenient option for those who are not ready for permanent vision correction.

Freedom

The ability to enjoy daytime without putting on contact lenses or glasses is one of the reasons why Ortho k is advisable. It is perfect for people with a dusty work environment and athletes and sport-related activities.

Convenience or Comfort

It is a more comfortable option than soft lenses or regular contact lenses. They are only worn at night and don’t disturb one from sleeping so dry eyes or discomfort during the day will not be experienced.

Risks To Be Considered With Ortho k

For every pro, there is always a corresponding con. Although it is safe for the general category of users, Ortho k has some potential risks and considerations attached to the correctional method. Here are some of the risks to be considered when going for such treatment options.

Infections: whenever a contact lens is worn on the eyes, there is always a risk of infection, no matter the type. Therefore, proper hygiene through washing your hands thoroughly with soap and water, drying them before picking the lenses, and cleansing the lenses with recommended and compatible solutions, is very important for risk minimization. Do not ever use tap water to cleanse your lenses.
Corneal Abrasions: this is the scratch to the surface of the eye’s cornea. It is an effect of improper handling of the lenses while putting them on the cornea, which can lead to pain, sensitivity to light, discomfort and eye redness. Corneal staining can also contribute to this abrasion because the Ortho k contact lens can cause a tear viscosity between the lens and cornea to increase during sleep and result in a fluid adhesion force between the two surfaces. In the attempt to remove this lens forcefully, it can cause abrasion.

Vision changes: This is also referred to as transient vision loss. This arises when there is a temporary disruption in blood flow to the retina. This then leads to impaired visual function such as halos, blurred vision, or dry eyes. It can most likely occur during the initial stages of treatment.
Increased risk of damage: When bad hygiene or improper handling of the lenses are continued, there will be an increase in the risk of complications. If it is not corrected or adjusted quickly by taking proper care, it can result in serious eye consequences that Ortho k might not be able to correct, e.g., keratitis.
Increased Sensitivity: People with extremely sensitive eyes should be placed under heavy monitoring by the eye doctor. They can also use the frequent blinking method to reduce the effect until the eyes get accustomed to the Ortho k lenses.

Maintenance of The Ortho K Lenses

In order for this treatment to be effective and safe, proper lens care must be put in place and prioritized. Strictly follow the eye doctor’s instructions and recommendations for cleaning, lens storage, and disinfection. If these instructions are properly followed, the risks associated with Ortho K will be greatly reduced to the minimum and increase your chance of having a comfortable experience.

Conclusion

The overall benefit of using the Ortho k lenses is convenience for the wearers. This was the reason behind this innovative approach of correcting the cornea by reshaping it during the sleeping hours. The ability to last a whole day before reset also gives it an edge over contact lenses and glasses. Considering the fact that it is also reversible, people whose eyes are incompatible with LASIK surgery can easily opt out of this option.

Its ability to slow down the progression of myopia by causing a temporary reshape on the cornea also makes it an ideal option for teens and children with that eye condition. It is also capable of dry eye reduction, which can be caused by the prolonged wear of contact lenses. This makes it a suitable option for comfort.

However, the success of this treatment method depends on the proper lens care, regular check-ups with the eye doctor and the consistent use of the ortho k lenses since its effect is temporary. If you are looking to try out this method, consult your eye doctor or ophthalmologist today to find out the best approach.