Ortho-k, or orthokeratology, is a method for correcting and mitigating myopia that employs special contact lenses. These contact lenses are designed and fitted specifically to reshape the cornea in order to temporarily enhance vision. The cornea is a transparent, convex window of flexible tissue that focuses light on the retina.
Most ortho-k contact lenses are designed to be worn at night while sleeping, so they will not affect your vision during the day. However, if the ortho-k procedure is not strictly adhered to, the cornea can revert to its original shape. Therefore, the special contact lenses involved in this treatment must be worn consistently to obtain the desired results.
Ortho-k is an unobtrusive and non-surgical method to eliminate the need for spectacles or contact lenses to combat the effects of myopia during daily life. Myopia can also be treated with eyeglasses, contact lenses, LASIK and PRK surgeries, and contact lenses.
What Are Gas-Permeable Rigid Lenses?
Ortho-k employs special rigid gas-permeable (RGP) lenses that momentarily alter the cornea’s curvature and shape while you slumber. This mitigates the effects of myopia and enables you to see more clearly while awake.
Some unique qualities of RGP lenses are:
- They can correct vision for a variety of individuals with a variety of vision problems. If you’ve attempted soft contact lenses and they haven’t provided you with the desired results, or if your eyes tend to dry out frequently, these lenses may be the most beneficial.
- They are more durable than soft contact lenses; on average, RGP lenses can be worn and are effective for longer than soft contacts. Additionally, RGP lenses permit more oxygen to reach the cornea.
- Some RGP lenses can be worn for a week or even 30 days; however, they must be cleaned regularly.
Getting used to RGP lenses can take a few days to a few weeks; this is the typical range in which individuals adjust to donning these lenses.
Advantages of Ortho-k
Among the advantages of using ortho-k are:
- Neither spectacles nor contact lenses are required for vision correction during the day.
- RGP lenses are breathable, so your eyes can receive the oxygen they require while donning them.
- No surgical intervention is required to achieve optimal results with ortho-k.
- If you correctly maintain your RGP lenses, they will last long.
Disadvantages of Ortho-k
During ortho-k treatment, remember the following:
- Results from ortho-k are not permanent; you must maintain a consistent routine of donning your ortho-k lenses in order to accomplish any results.
- RGP lenses can be pricey compared to other myopia-treating solutions.
- When you first start wearing ortho-k lenses, it can take some time to acclimatise to them.
- Compared to other treatment methods, the comprehensive ortho-k treatment can be costly, particularly for a solution that is not permanent.
