Imagine waking up and seeing your alarm clock clearly—without reaching for your glasses first. You can go about your day free from the need for daytime contacts or prescription sunglasses. This is an option for many people who want clear vision without eyewear during the day.
Ortho-k lenses are a non-surgical option that gently and temporarily reshapes the front of your eye while you sleep, so you can see clearly during the day. They offer a different approach to vision correction by working overnight, so you don’t need to wear contacts during the day.
How Ortho-K Lenses Work
Ortho-k lenses use the natural flexibility of your cornea to reshape it temporarily overnight. The effect is similar to how a mould can shape a pliable material into a new form for a short time.
Overnight Correction
As you sleep, the ortho-k lenses gently flatten the centre of your cornea. This changes the way that light enters your eye, causing your vision to become clearer.
Ortho-k lenses are made from a highly breathable material that allows plenty of oxygen to reach your eyes. This helps keep your eyes healthy and comfortable throughout the night.
Enjoy Clear Daytime Vision
When you remove your lenses in the morning, your cornea holds its newly flattened shape for a day or two. This allows light to focus correctly, giving you sharp and clear vision. Most people can go about their entire day without any need for glasses or contact lenses.
A Temporary & Reversible Effect
The vision correction from ortho-k is completely reversible. If you decide to stop wearing the lenses regularly, your corneas will return to their original shape within a few days. Your vision will go back to how it was before you started the treatment.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Ortho-K?
Ortho-k is often used for specific types of vision correction, particularly for people with active lifestyles. A consultation with an eye care professional helps determine if this is a suitable choice for your specific eye health and vision needs. We can help you explore if this method fits your daily life.
Corrects Nearsightedness
Ortho-k is primarily used to correct nearsightedness, also known as myopia. Myopia is a common condition that makes distant objects appear blurry. Ortho-k provides an alternative to glasses, daytime contacts, or refractive surgery for many people with this condition.
A Choice for Children & Teens
Ortho-k is frequently recommended for children and teenagers whose nearsightedness is getting worse. Because their eyes are still developing, ortho-k can help slow changes in their vision due to myopia.
Who Might Not Be Suitable for Ortho-K
Ortho-k lenses may not be suitable for everyone. Certain eye conditions, high prescriptions, and dry eye syndrome might make ortho-k a less effective option. Your eye doctor will perform a thorough assessment to see if you are a good candidate.
The Fit Process & What to Expect
Getting fitted for ortho-k lenses is a detailed and precise process. It requires the right equipment and expertise to create a truly custom fit for your eyes. Here’s what to consider:
Your Initial Eye Exam & Cornea Map
Your journey begins with a comprehensive eye exam. We‘ll also use a machine called a corneal topographer to create a precise, 3-dimensional map of your cornea’s surface. This corneal topography map is created quickly and painlessly—without ever touching your eye.
Receive Your Custom Lenses
Using the detailed map of your cornea, we design a set of custom lenses specifically for your eyes. When your lenses are ready, you’ll learn how to insert, remove, and care for them. We‘ll walk you through every step of the process to help you feel comfortable.
Follow-Up Visits for a Perfect Fit
You will have several follow-up appointments to monitor your progress. The first visit is usually after your first night of wearing the lenses. These visits allow our team to check your vision and the lens fit, making small adjustments as needed.
Your Day-to-Day with Ortho-K Lenses
Adjusting to ortho-k lenses involves a short adaptation period and a commitment to daily care. Eventually, the process usually becomes a simple and quick part of your nightly routine. Most people find the freedom from daytime eyewear to be well worth the effort.
Adjustment & Comfort Levels
When you first put your lenses in, you may feel them on your eyes—this is known as lens awareness. This feeling is normal and typically fades within the first week as your eyes adapt. Since the lenses are worn while asleep, most people don’t notice them at all.
Safety & Proper Lens Care
Good hygiene is the most important part of safe and successful lens wear. Following a strict cleaning and disinfecting routine and following wear and care guidelines greatly reduces the risk of eye infections. Your eye doctor will provide you with a clear set of instructions to follow.
- Always wash your hands with soap and water before handling your lenses.
- Use only the cleaning solutions recommended by your eye doctor.
- Never allow tap water to touch your lenses or the lens case.
- Replace your lens case regularly as directed to avoid contamination.
How Long the Lenses Last
With proper care and handling, a pair of ortho-k lenses typically lasts for one year. Your eye doctor will check the condition of your lenses during your regular check-ups.
Ortho-k offers a unique way to manage your vision and may be a great option for you or your child. Our team at Village Optical can assess your specific needs and discuss all available options with you.
As your eye doctors in Winnipeg, we’re here to answer your questions and help you find a vision solution that fits your life. Contact us to book your appointment today. We look forward to helping you see clearly.
