What Is Ortho-K and How Does It Work?

Ortho-k corrects nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism without surgery. It uses special contact lenses worn at night while sleeping. The lenses reshape the transparent front of the eye (the cornea) to improve vision temporarily. When you wake up and remove the lenses, you can see clearly all day without glasses or daytime contacts.




Nighttime Vision Correction


Ortho-K lenses are safe to wear at night. They work while you are sleeping, reshaping your cornea. The lenses are rigid and curved to guide your cornea into better focus. So, you wake up with improved vision. It is like having an eye workout while you sleep.




How Ortho-K Works


Custom lenses fit your unique eye shape. Advanced computer models design subtle curves on the lenses to reshape small areas of the cornea as you sleep gently. Reshaping the center improves focusing and light bending to the back of the eye, which allows clear vision when you wake up.




Waking Up With Clear Vision


When you remove the lenses in the morning, the reshaped cornea stays in focus all day. As the day goes on, the cornea slowly returns to its original shape. Wearing the lenses every night keeps the cornea in better focus.



Great for Active Lifestyles


Ortho-k offers complete freedom from glasses and day contacts, making it ideal for sports and activities. It also works well for children and teens. However, stopping lens wear reverses the effects, unlike permanent LASIK surgery.




Ortho-K vs. LASIK


Both reshape the cornea, but key differences include the following:

• Ortho-k: Temporary nighttime lenses

• LASIK: Permanent laser eye surgery

• Ortho-k: Reversible

• LASIK: Not reversible

• Ortho-k: Works for kids

• LASIK: 18+ only

Both effectively reduce nearsightedness and astigmatism. Ortho-k also treats farsightedness.



Is Ortho-K Right for You? 


Do you have mild to moderate nearsightedness, mild farsightedness, or astigmatism? If so, ortho-k may work well. Consult a specialist to discuss your options.



See a Specialist 


Proper ortho-k evaluation and treatment require specialty training beyond regular optometry schooling. Choosing an experienced eye doctor is critical to success. In your initial exam and fitting, the specialist will determine if this option suits your eyes well.
They examine essential factors like refractive error, eye health, corneal shape, and tear film quality. Custom lens design relies on advanced instruments to map your unique corneal curvature.

The design enables tailored lenses to reshape your cornea gradually and safely. The doctor educates you on proper lens handling, which includes step-by-step insertion, removal, and cleaning techniques. Mastery of wearing these lenses overnight comes with practice, so guidance is crucial.

It also sets clear expectations for lens wear commitment. The specialist schedules frequent follow-up exams, especially early on. This helps to ensure your corneas respond as intended for healthy visual outcomes.

Ongoing appointments may tweak lens prescriptions for more clarity during the day without needing eyewear. Your doctor's experience and oversight make the difference in an ortho-k journey.


Follow-Up Appointments


Regular exams ensure ortho-k works safely and well.
The specialist will:

• Check your vision with and without lenses

• Examine your eye health

• Tweak your lenses if required

• Answer your questions

Ortho-k offers clear, glasses-free daytime vision by reshaping your cornea with night lenses. It is reversible, unlike LASIK. See an ortho-k specialist to discuss whether it is right for you. Follow their guidance for continued success.

For more on ortho-k lenses, visit Eye Care Associates of Princeton at our office in Princeton, New Jersey. Call (609) 536-1017 to schedule an appointment today.