Ortho-k lenses are special contact lenses that help reshape the cornea while the patient sleeps. Both adults and children who use them can enjoy clear vision the next day without wearing eyeglasses or contacts. 

People with refractive errors, such as myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism, can benefit from customized lenses. Research has shown that ortho-k lenses can help halt myopia progression. 

About Orthokeratology (Ortho-k)

Orthokeratology or ortho-k involves using customized lenses designed to reshape the eye. The gas-permeable lenses gently shape the cornea throughout the night. In the morning, the vision is clear, allowing the person to go all day without corrective lenses. 

Sports people and those in professions such as law enforcement can perform effectively without depending on reading glasses. Halting or slowing myopia progression can help prevent the development of severe eye conditions in the future. 

Ortho-k and Myopia Management 

Myopia, or nearsightedness, is a common condition that usually develops in childhood. The condition continues to worsen over the years before stabilizing in early adulthood. The younger a child is when the condition onsets, the more likely they will develop severe myopia. 

Eye specialists have developed myopia management solutions to prevent the progression of the disease. Orthokeratology is one of the most effective myopia management treatments. 

Benefits of Ortho-k Lenses

There are several benefits of wearing ortho-k lenses. They include:

• Slowing myopia progression.
• Correcting refractive errors such as myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism, and presbyopia.
• Providing fast vision correction results.
• Comfortable lenses.
• Ensure clear vision all day.
• Help reshape the cornea gently. 
• Provide safe vision correction.

Ortho-k for Adults and Children

Children with myopia can benefit from ortho-k lenses. The lenses are ideal for adults with mild to moderate myopia who want to avoid LASIK or other eye surgeries. The lenses offer a nonsurgical, safe, and reversible treatment option. Active individuals do not have to wear eyeglasses or contacts during the day. 

Unlike regular contacts, ortho-k lenses are safe to wear all night and do not harm the eyes. The treatment is reversible, which makes it low risk. You can discontinue the use of the lenses anytime. 

Good Candidates for Ortho-k

Good candidates for the lenses are children between eight to 12 with progressive myopia. Teenagers and adults can also benefit from the treatment. People who struggle to wear corrective lenses and those who do not qualify for refractive surgery can benefit from ortho-k lenses. 

Athletes, especially those involved in contact sports, are good candidates for custom lenses. Your doctor will examine your eyes and let you know if you are a good candidate for the lenses. 
 

Following instructions carefully will help ensure successful ortho-k treatment. The cornea-reshaping effect is effective but temporary. If you stop wearing the lenses, you will return to wearing your regular contacts or eyeglasses. 

The longer you wear the lenses, the less reliance you will have on prescription glasses. Some people enjoy good eyesight for up to 24 hours after wearing the lenses. The cost of the ortho-k treatment will depend on your prescription and specific eye condition. 

For more on children and adults wearing overnight ortho-k lenses, visit Federal Hill Eye Care at our Baltimore, Maryland office. Call (410) 752-8208 to schedule an appointment today.