Contact lenses have been around for decades as an alternative to glasses. They offer more freedom and comfort than spectacles, but they also come with certain drawbacks. A new type of contact lens emerged recently: orthokeratology or ortho-k for short. Here are factors to consider if you are wondering whether to switch to ortho-k or stick with traditional contact lenses.

What Is Ortho-k?

Ortho-k is a type of contact lens worn at night while you sleep. Unlike traditional lenses worn during the day, ortho-k lenses reshape the cornea during the night. This temporarily corrects your vision. That means you can take out the lenses in the morning and have clearer vision throughout the day without needing lenses or glasses.

What Are the Advantages of Ortho-k?

No More Daytime Lenses

The ability to wear lenses during the day is one of the primary benefits of ortho-k lenses. This eliminates the need to worry about dry eyes, losing a lens, or getting dust or debris in your eyes. You also do not have to wear contacts during the day, avoiding the redness and discomfort from prolonged lens wear.

No Surgery Required

Ortho-k is a nonsurgical alternative to LASIK and other types of vision correction surgery. Ortho-k can be a viable alternative for you if:
 

• You do not like the idea of having surgery

• You cannot get certain kinds of surgery

Good for Active Lifestyles

Ortho-k lenses are great for people with active lifestyles, including athletes and swimmers. You do not have to wear lenses all day, letting you participate in activities without worrying about dropping or breaking your lenses.

Slow the Progression of Myopia

Studies show that ortho-k lenses can slow the progression of nearsightedness in children. They may be a good option for children diagnosed with myopia who want to slow the condition's progression.

How Do Ortho-k Lenses Compare to Traditional Lenses?

Initial Discomfort

One downside of ortho-k lenses is that they can be uncomfortable to wear at first. This is because it may take some time for the cornea to adjust to the lenses' ability to reshape it. Nevertheless, most wearers discover that the discomfort subsides after a few days or weeks.

More Maintenance

Ortho-k lenses require more maintenance than traditional lenses. You must clean and disinfect them each morning before putting them away. Additionally, it would be best to replace them every one to two years, unlike traditional lenses that you can replace every few months.

Cost

Ortho-k lenses are more expensive than traditional lenses. However, they may be more economical in the long term. This is because they eliminate the need for daytime lenses and can stop myopia progression.

Not Suitable for Everyone

Ortho-k lenses may not suit everyone. For example, if you have severe myopia or astigmatism, they may not be able to correct your vision to the desired level. Additionally, ortho-k might not be a good choice if you have certain eye conditions like keratoconus or dry eye.

Conclusion

Both traditional contact lenses and ortho-k have their benefits and drawbacks. The choice between them ultimately depends on personal preferences and lifestyle. But they are ideal if you are looking for a nonsurgical, convenient, and effective way to correct your vision while avoiding wearing lenses during the day. It is worth discussing with your eye doctor to see if these lenses fit your specific needs and goals.
 

For more on ortho-k lenses, visit Optometry Medical Group at our office in Madison or Rainier, Washington. Call (206) 888-6028 or (206) 888-6128 to book an appointment today.