Benefits of Orthokeratology
Orthokeratology can provide non-invasive, comfortable vision correction for a wide range of patients. Orthokeratology (ortho-k) involves wearing specially designed rigid contact lenses overnight. Wearing these specialty lenses gently reshapes the cornea.
Reshaping how light focuses on the cornea can effectively treat a variety of vision issues, including myopia. Our guide will cover 8 benefits of orthokeratology and how to know if you are a good candidate for Ortho-K treatment.
Key Benefits
Non-Invasive Vision Correction
Daytime Freedom from Glasses and Contacts
Effective Myopia Control
Improved Peripheral Vision
Convenience and Comfort
Reversible and Adjustable
Suitable for a Wide Range of Patients
Potential Cost Savings
1. Non-Invasive Vision Correction
Orthokeratology is completely non-invasive, making it an excellent treatment option for a variety of vision issues. The special lenses gently reshape the cornea, providing a non-surgical solution to myopia (short-sightedness).
Learn more about how orthokeratology works in our guide here: How Does Orthokeratology Work?
2. Daytime Freedom from Glasses and Contacts
One of the biggest benefits of Ortho-K lenses is the freedom they offer during the day. Wearing Ortho-K lenses at night allows users to skip wearing glasses or contact lenses completely during daytime hours.
This is a huge benefit for parents who no longer need to worry about their child losing or damaging spectacles during the day. Adults and children alike can enjoy clear vision during the day without needing any prescription lenses or spectacles.
3. Effective Myopia Control
Ortho-K lenses can effectively slow the progression of myopia. This is crucial for young children who need effective myopia management. Left untreated, myopia can rapidly progress and lead to serious effects on eye health and vision in adulthood.
Studies (Sartor et al.) have demonstrated that Ortho-K lenses are an effective treatment for slowing myopia progression in children.
Learn more: The-Role-of-Orthokeratology-in-Myopia-Management
4. Improved Peripheral Vision
Ortho-K lenses can reshape the cornea to correct how light focuses on the retina. This can improve how light enters from the periphery. This orthokeratology benefit is particularly helpful for athletes who depend on peripheral vision during performance or games.
5. Convenience and Comfort
Although there is an adjustment period during initial usage, Ortho K lenses are easy to wear and considered comfortable.
Ortho-K lenses are easy to apply, wear, remove, and care for. Simply put them in at night while you sleep. In the morning, store them safely as you enjoy clear vision during the day. Caring for Ortho-K lenses is simple and similar to caring for regular contact lenses.
6. Reversible and Adjustable
Ortho-K lenses do not cause permanent change to the cornea or eyes. If you stop wearing the lenses, your eye will gradually return to its natural shape. The effects of the lenses usually wear off in a matter of days. This makes Ortho-K lenses a good non-surgical option for vision correction.
Ortho-K lenses are also customisable, making it easy to make slight changes to enhance comfort or results.
7. Suitable for a Wide Range of Patients
Orthokeratology is suitable for a wide range of patients. The majority of individuals with mild to moderate myopia are likely to be good candidates for orthokeratology. Even young children can safely wear Ortho-K lenses, making this a great option for managing myopia in children.
8. Potential Cost Savings
The initial cost may be higher but in the long term Ortho-K lenses can lead to cost savings. With orthokeratology, you can eliminate the expenses from disposable contact lenses, solutions, and reduce the risk of future vision correction treatments.
When Is Orthokeratology Best Prescribed
When Orthokeratology Is Appropriate
Ortho-K lenses are appropriate for a wide range of patients. Most people with mild to moderate myopia make good candidates for orthokeratology.
Although Orthokeratology is commonly used for myopia correction, it can also be used for the management of other types of prescriptions such as presbyopia, astigmatism, and hyperopia.
To confirm your eligibility for orthokeratology, you will need a consultation. During a consultation, we assess your corneal health, overall eye health, and discuss your vision concerns and goals. If you are a good candidate, we can begin the process of developing custom Ortho-K lenses for your eyes.
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When Not to Use Orthokeratology
Orthokeratology is generally not recommended for:
Individuals with corneal irregularities, corneal scars, or keratoconus
Individuals with severe dry eye
Individuals with active eye infections or inflammation, or certain systemic conditions
Individuals with very high prescriptions, such as for severe myopia
Individuals who are not committed to wearing the lenses every night
Individuals who are not committed to properly cleaning, maintaining, storing, and disinfecting their Ortho-K lenses
Individuals with abnormally large pupils
Pros and Cons of Orthokeratology
Pros of Orthokeratology
Minimal Age Restrictions: Ortho-K treatment is applicable even for young children, making it a wide-reaching vision solution.
Myopia Control: Ortho-K lenses can reshape the cornea to help light focus on the retina, improving the ability to see at a distance.
Astigmatism Treatment: Ortho-K lenses can help address vertical and horizontal distortions and correct corneal irregularities.
Fast Results: Many Ortho-K wearers experience noticeable improvements to their vision within just a few nights.
Reversible: The changes to the cornea are temporary and will reverse if you stop wearing the lenses.
Freedom and Convenience: Ortho-K lenses eliminate the need to wear contact lenses or spectacles during the day for clear vision. This is especially good for individuals who suffer from dry eyes, play contact sports, or children who frequently break or lose their spectacles.
Customised to Your Needs: Ortho-K lenses are created according to your specific eye shape, curvature, and desired vision outcome. This ensures the lenses are comfortable and that excellent results are achieved.
Cons of Orthokeratology
Patient Commitment: The effectiveness of orthokeratology depends on cooperation and commitment from the patient. If you consistently skip wearing overnight, you will not achieve the desired results.
More Initial Visits: Ortho-k typically involves more initial appointments than soft contact lenses to ensure a proper fit.
Initial Discomfort: There may be slightly more initial discomfort as you adjust to Ortho-K lenses compared to regular contact lenses. However, this initial discomfort usually improves rapidly.
Enjoy Clear Vision Without Spectacles With Ortho-K Lenses
Are you tired of wearing contact lenses every day or worried about your child losing their spectacles at school? Ortho K lenses may be a good option.
Orthokeratology offers freedom from wearing glasses or contact lenses during the day, dramatic results, and effective myopia control.
Learn more on our orthokeratology page or contact us to schedule an appointment to find out if you are a good candidate.
