Orthokeratology: Overnight Contact Lenses for Myopia Control

Orthokeratology, commonly called Ortho-K, is a non-surgical approach to vision correction that uses specially designed rigid gas-permeable contact lenses worn overnight. While you sleep, the lenses gently reshape the front surface of the eye, providing clear vision throughout the following day without glasses or daytime contact lenses. Ortho-K is also one of the most well-established methods for slowing the progression of myopia (nearsightedness) in children, making it a popular choice for families in Las Vegas who want to protect their child’s long-term eye health.

How Does Ortho-K Work?

Ortho-K lenses are custom-designed rigid gas-permeable lenses fitted to each patient’s unique eye shape and prescription. Unlike traditional contact lenses worn during the day, Ortho-K lenses are inserted at bedtime and removed in the morning. Overnight, the lenses apply a controlled, gentle pressure that temporarily reshapes the cornea, the clear front surface of the eye. This reshaping corrects the way light focuses on the retina, resulting in clear vision the next day without any corrective lenses.

The reshaping effect is temporary, which means consistent nightly wear is necessary to maintain clear daytime vision. If you stop wearing the lenses, the cornea gradually returns to its original shape over a period of days to weeks.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Ortho-K?

Ortho-K can be an excellent option for a wide range of patients, including:

• Children with progressive myopia whose parents want to slow the rate of prescription change
• Active children and adults who participate in sports or outdoor activities where glasses or daytime contacts are impractical
• Adults who want freedom from glasses and daytime contacts but are not candidates for or do not want refractive surgery
• Young children who may not be ready for the responsibility of daytime contact lens care

Your eye doctor will perform a thorough evaluation, including corneal mapping, to determine if Ortho-K is a good fit for your eyes and lifestyle.

What Are the Benefits of Ortho-K?

• Glasses-free daytime vision: Enjoy clear vision all day without glasses or contact lenses.
• Myopia progression control: Ortho-K has been shown to help slow the elongation of the eye in children, which is the primary driver of myopia progression. Slowing progression can reduce the long-term risk of serious eye conditions such as retinal detachment, glaucoma, and macular degeneration.
• Reversible and non-surgical: Unlike refractive surgery, Ortho-K is completely reversible. If you discontinue wear, your cornea returns to its original shape over time.
• Suitable for children: Because the lenses are inserted and removed at home under parental supervision, Ortho-K can work well even for young children.

What Should You Know Before Starting Ortho-K?

Ortho-K is safe and effective when properly fitted and maintained, but there are important considerations:

• Proper lens hygiene is essential. Ortho-K lenses must be cleaned and disinfected according to your eye doctor’s instructions after every use. Poor hygiene can increase the risk of eye infections, including corneal infections that can be serious.
• Consistent nightly wear is required. Skipping nights may result in blurry daytime vision and reduced effectiveness.
• Mild initial discomfort is normal. Some patients notice slight awareness of the lenses during the first few nights, but this typically resolves quickly.
• Multiple fitting visits may be needed. Because each lens is custom-designed, your eye doctor may need to refine the fit over several appointments to achieve optimal results.
• Regular follow-up exams are important. Ongoing monitoring ensures the lenses continue to fit properly and your eyes remain healthy.

If you experience sudden eye pain, redness, light sensitivity, or discharge while wearing Ortho-K lenses, remove the lenses immediately and contact your eye doctor right away. These could be signs of an infection that requires prompt treatment.

What to Expect During the Fitting Process

The Ortho-K fitting process begins with a comprehensive eye exam and detailed corneal mapping to create a precise model of your eye’s shape. Your eye doctor will design custom lenses based on these measurements. At the initial dispensing appointment, you will learn how to insert, remove, and care for the lenses. Follow-up visits are scheduled over the first few weeks to assess how the lenses are performing and make any necessary adjustments. Most patients notice significant vision improvement within the first week, though it may take two to four weeks for the full effect to stabilize.

Book an Ortho-K Consultation in Las Vegas

At Insight Vision Optometry, Dr. Stephanie Woo, OD, FAAO, FSLS, Dr. Nathan Schramm, OD, FSLS, FBCLA, and Dr. Thanh Mai, OD, FSLS bring extensive expertise in orthokeratology and myopia management. To find out if Ortho-K is right for you or your child, call us at 702-747-4070 or visit www.insightvisionlv.com to schedule a consultation.