OUR SERVICES

Orthokeratology

Clear vision all day — without glasses, daytime contacts, or laser surgery. Correction that happens while you sleep.

Many patients come to us struggling to get through their day with their current vision correction. Some have eyeglasses that don’t sit properly or feel their peripheral vision is hindered by the frames; contact lens users may find their lenses uncomfortable or have them fall out at inconvenient times. For these patients, we’re pleased to offer orthokeratology, or Ortho-K — a revolutionary way to see clearly throughout the day without glasses, contacts, or laser eye surgery.

THE BASICS

WHAT IS ORTHO-K?

Generations ago, eye doctors understood that the tissue in the eye is soft and somewhat malleable. That led them to wonder: if they could gently push the eye back into the proper shape, could a person see clearly even without their prescription lenses? With the development of gas permeable contact lenses, some doctors noticed their patients’ prescriptions weren’t changing as rapidly — and that they could see well even when not wearing their contacts.

From those early discoveries, the world of Ortho-K was born. A special gas permeable contact lens is placed in the eye each night before bed, gently reshaping the eye while you sleep. In the morning, you remove the lenses and still see clearly throughout the day.

Some patients can see clearly for up to three days after wearing their lenses for just a single night.

WHO SHOULD CONSIDER ORTHO-K?

There are many reasons patients turn to Ortho-K. If any of the following sound familiar, call our office today to schedule an appointment.

Allergies to the materials in contact lenses

Dry eye that is made worse by wearing prescription lenses

Dirt or other debris that gets under contact lenses

You play sports and don't want to worry about glasses or contacts

The ability to wake up during the night and see clearly

A general dislike of glasses or contacts

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE?

Beyond blurry vision, myopia raises the long-term risk of serious, sight-threatening conditions. Controlling it early helps protect your child’s future vision.

1–4

WEEKS TO FULL BENEFIT

Though some patients notice a difference after just one night.

Once you receive your custom Ortho-K contact lenses, it takes anywhere from one to four weeks to fully see all the benefits they’ll provide — though some of our patients find their vision has improved after wearing the lenses for just a single night.

During the first few days, you may still need to wear prescription lenses to see clearly enough to drive or get through your normal day, but that’s generally resolved quickly.

Some patients also experience mild discomfort for the first few nights. As your eyes adjust over a few days, you should no longer be bothered by the feel of your lenses.

IS THE PROCEDURE SAFE?

Orthokeratology was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2002, and the procedure is considered safe, effective, and reversible.

As with any lens, there are some side effects to be aware of. Most are the result of improper cleaning of the lenses, which can lead to a minor infection — and these are usually remedied fairly quickly with antibiotic eye drops. Following your doctor’s care and cleaning instructions keeps the risk low.

WAKE UP TO CLEAR VISION

Tired of reaching for glasses or contacts every single day? Consider Ortho-K. Call our office to learn more and see how we can improve your everyday life.