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Orthokeratology (Ortho-K), also known as “night lenses,” involves specially designed rigid contact lenses worn only while you sleep. These lenses gently reshape the cornea overnight, allowing for clear vision during the day, without the need for glasses or daytime contacts.
But beyond convenience,Ortho-K plays a powerful role in slowing the progression of myopia (nearsightedness), particularly in children. With increasing rates of myopia worldwide, early intervention is more important than ever to help protect long-term eye health.That’s why Ortho-K is one of the leading tools in myopia management today.
These lenses work best with 6–9 hoursof sleep, with 8 hours being ideal for optimal vision correction.
Who Is a Good Ortho-K Candidate?
Ortho-K is especially beneficial for children and teens with progressive myopia, as it not only corrects vision but also slows the eye’s axial elongation, the root cause of worsening nearsightedness. Managing this early can reduce the risk of serious eye conditions later in life, such as retinal detachment, glaucoma, or myopic maculopathy.
Patients with myopia up to -6.00 D and astigmatism up to -1.75 DC are typically great candidates for Ortho-K, though higher prescriptions may be treated successfully in select cases.
Children between ages 5 and 16 tend to respond best to Ortho-K lenses. For younger patients, especially those under12, parental support with lens care and hygiene is essential. While Ortho-K was originally developed for adults seeking freedom from glasses and contacts, its greatest value today lies in its ability to protect children's vision as they grow.
Each case is unique, and your comprehensive exam will help us determine whether Ortho-K is the best and safest option for you or your child.
Your First Ortho-K Fitting Appointment
Your Ortho-K lenses will be custom-made to provide a precise fit, based on a corneal topographic map created during your initial consultation. Once your lenses arrive, we’ll schedule a fitting appointment. During this visit, we will insert the lenses for the first time to ensure that they are comfortable and fit your eye shape correctly. Before you leave, we’ll demonstrate everything you need to know about insertion and removal, lens wear, and care.
We will guide you through the insertion and removal process as many times as needed, so you feel confident at home. We will also show you how to clean and store your lenses to protect your eyes and ensure the longevity of your lenses. Lens cleaning is easy and necessary for maintaining the comfort and health of your eyes. Regular lens care helps prevent irritation and reduces the risk of infection. When you feel ready to handle your lenses independently, you’ll be prepared for your first night.
The First Night
It’s normal to feel a bit unsure the first time you apply your Ortho-Klenses. With a little practice, however, the process quickly becomes second nature. Within just a few nights, inserting and removing your lenses will feel much more comfortable, and you'll adjust to the new sensation with ease."
The Next Morning
After your first night of wearing Ortho-K, you may experience a noticeable difference in your vision; however, it will continue to improve over the first week. As you continue wearing your lenses every night, you will soon be waking up each morning with reliably clear vision. It’s important to stick to the wear schedule we provide for optimal results. Keep your lenses clean and wear them every night to enjoy the full benefits of Ortho-K.
Follow-Up Appointments
Follow-up care is a vital part of long-termOrtho-K success. Regular check-ups provide us with the opportunity to monitor your progress and ensure that your lenses continue to fit correctly. If there are issues, we can make adjustments to improve your experience. Maintaining your eye health is fundamental, as complications can interfere with your use of Orthokeratology. In the first few weeks, you may have several check-ups, which we will gradually space out as your vision stabilizes.
The Benefits of Ortho-K Lenses
There are many reasons why you might choose Ortho-K. The freedom of having clear vision without the need for glasses or contact lenses is a significant motivator for many of our patients. Athletes who cannot wear glasses or contact lenses safely also tend to prefer the flexibility that Ortho-K provides. Individuals who work in dusty or hazard ousenvironments can benefit from clear vision throughout the day without relying on traditional vision correction methods.
Patients who aren’t good candidates for laser eye surgery can experience the benefits of vision correction with out invasive procedures. Ortho-K is also completely reversible as it doesn’t permanently alter the eye, unlike surgery. If you choose to, you can simply discontinue wearing Ortho-K lenses with no lasting effects.
The most significant benefit of orthokeratology is its proven ability to slow the progression of myopia in children. To preventvision-threatening complications later in life, it’s advisable to manage myopia when children are still young. The gentle reshaping properties of Ortho-Klenses minimize irregular elongation of the eyes. It slows down the progression of myopia and protects eye health from a young age.
Experience Visual Freedom With Ortho-K
Contact the Miami Contact Lens Institute to discuss Orthokeratology for you or your child. Our expert eye care practitioners possess highly specialized knowledge and experience in working with orthokeratology. We also offer a range of other vision correction options that we can discuss if you aren’t an ideal Ortho-K candidate. Schedule a consultation today to start your Ortho-K journey and enjoy unrestricted visual clarity.
