Are you having trouble with your distance vision? Anxious about your vision deteriorating? Disappointed by wearing eyeglasses or standard contact lenses?

If any of these situations describe what you are currently experiencing, your eye doctor may have recommended ortho-k treatment to correct your vision. Eye doctors usually prescribe ortho-k to nearsighted patients with or without low astigmatism.

If your eye doctor finds you suitable for ortho-k, they will fit both of your eyes for ortho-k lenses. After the fitting, you will be ready to start the treatment. Here is what you need to know before starting ortho-k.

What Is Ortho-k?

Ortho-k is short for orthokeratology. It is a nonsurgical treatment that uses special contact lenses to gently pull and change the shape of the cornea’s curve to improve vision. It corrects your eyesight while you sleep. You wear the contact lenses every night before you sleep, and when you wake up, your vision will be sharper throughout the day.

How Do Ortho-k Lenses Work?

Ortho-k lenses work to restructure the cornea. The cornea is a transparent, dome-shaped curve in front of your eye that directs light to the retina. It is flexible and controls your eye’s ability to focus. When the cornea’s curve is irregular, it will not focus light to the retina correctly, causing problems with your vision.

Ortho-k lenses work to flatten the irregular curve of the cornea and change how it focuses light as it enters your eyes. The lenses are rigid and gas permeable. They are strong enough to remodel the cornea while allowing oxygen to pass so your eyes stay in good physical shape.
 

When you remove your ortho-k lenses, the cornea stays flat for a while and improves your vision without needing eyeglasses. If you stop putting on the lenses while you sleep, your cornea will gradually return to its irregular curve, and the vision problem will return.

What Can You Expect From Treatment With Ortho-k?

It can take two or more weeks for your vision to improve with ortho-k treatment. But some people start noticing progress within days. You may need several pairs of ortho-k lenses to see better. 

Most people require up to three pairs of ortho-k lenses for optimal vision correction. Once you reach the preferred prescription, you will use the same lens shape to retain the vision correction. Once your cornea reaches its ultimate curve, you will wear retainer lenses as often as your eye doctor recommends to preserve your vision.

How Uncomfortable Are Ortho-k Lenses?

Ortho-k lenses may not feel comfortable at first. While they will not hurt, they will not feel natural. But the discomfort will ease as your eyes adjust to the lenses and start returning to their original curve.

What Should You Not Do With Ortho-k?

When handling ortho-k lenses, avoid touching unclean surfaces other than the lenses and the contents in their case. The lenses are generally safe but can trigger eye infections when contaminated.

Also, do not use the lenses for any considerable length of time with your eyes open. Inform your eye doctor about any discomfort or pain accompanied by light sensitivity. When storing the ortho-k lenses, make sure they are clean as instructed.

To learn more about ortho-k, visit Premier Eye Care at our office in Fort Worth, Texas. Call (817) 428-2020 to book an appointment today.