Ortho-K: Non-Surgical Vision Correction
Orthokeratology, or ortho-k, corrects myopia (nearsightedness) and astigmatism using rigid gas permeable lenses worn overnight for clear daytime vision.
You wear ortho-k gas permeable (GP) lenses while you sleep. Overnight, the lenses gently reshape your cornea so your vision is clear by morning. The correction is temporary, and you may not need glasses or contacts for a day or two. To maintain clear vision, you need to wear ortho-k lenses each night.
Three orthokeratology lens brands are FDA-approved. These include Euclid Emerald (for myopia control), Paragon Vision Sciences (Corneal Refractive Therapy, CRT), and Bausch + Lomb (Vision Shaping Treatment, VST).
Candidates for Ortho-K
Ortho-k is a good option for nearsighted patients who are not candidates for vision correction surgery, including children. Patients of all ages with healthy eyes can try ortho-k and stop at any time without permanent effects.
People who play sports or work in dusty environments may benefit from the convenience of ortho-k.
Vision Results from Orthokeratology
Success rates for ortho-k are generally higher for mild vision prescriptions. The goal is to achieve 20/20 vision without eyeglasses or contacts during the day.
According to FDA trials conducted on both CRT and VST lenses, more than 65% of ortho-k patients achieved 20/20 visual acuity. More than 90% of ortho-k patients achieved 20/40 vision or better, which meets the legal requirement for driving without correction in most states. Consult your eye doctor to see if your prescription is suitable for ortho-k.
Vision often improves within a day or two, but full results may take a few weeks. During this transition, vision may be less sharp, and glare or halos may occur. Until ortho-k is fully effective, you may need glasses for certain tasks, such as night driving.
How Does Ortho-K Feel?
Although some people have difficulty with gas permeable lenses during the day, ortho-k lenses are worn overnight, so discomfort is usually minimal.
Is Ortho-k Expensive?
Professional fitting for ortho-k requires a series of visits to your eye doctor. You may need multiple pairs of lenses. Ortho-k GP lenses are more costly than standard contacts. Overall, ortho-k costs more than regular contact lenses.
LASIK after Ortho-K
Some consider ortho-k a non-surgical alternative to LASIK. Refractive surgery, such as LASIK, remains an option after ortho-k treatment. Because ortho-k reshapes your cornea, you must stop wearing lenses for several months before LASIK. This allows your eyes to return to their original shape.
Inform your LASIK surgeon if you’ve worn ortho-k lenses so they can advise how long to wait before surgery.