Everything You Need To Know About Ortho-K Contact Lenses

Woman putting on Ortho-K lenses for Better Vision

 

Orthokeratology or Ortho-K contact lenses refer to special gas-permeable lenses designed to improve vision by temporarily reshaping the cornea. People who wear ortho-k lenses overnight can enjoy clear and sharp vision when they are removed during the day, without depending on glasses or daytime contact lenses. Vision improvements can be maintained if you keep using Ortho-K contact lenses as directed. The names of Ortho-K contact lenses may vary based on their systems and designs:

 

  • Global Orthokeratology Vision (GOV)
  • Gentle Vision Shaping System (GVSS)
  • Overnight Lenses
  • Overnight Corneal Reshaping (OCR)
  • Molding Lenses
  • Natural Vision Improvement
  • Accelerated Ortho-K (AOK)
  • Corneal Refractive Therapy (CRT)
  • Dream Lenses
  • Night Lenses
  • Vision Shaping Treatment (VST)

1. Who should use ortho-k contact lenses?

 

  • Athletes who wish to forgo spectacles

Ortho-k lens are ideal for athletes as they eliminate the hassle of wearing contact lenses or glasses while playing sports.

 

 

 Braun Buffel eyewear by Better Vision Singapore

 

  • Children with progressive myopia (near-sightedness)

Ortho-k lenses may slow down the progression of myopia in children aged 8 to 12. For some children, their vision may continue to change as they progress into adulthood. Nonetheless, LASIK and other vision correction surgeries are not recommended until their vision has stabilised. This is when ortho-k comes in handy.

 

Ortho-k cannot be used to correct farsightedness. We can perhaps use Adults with occupation requirements like pilots.

 

  • Adults with special occupational requirements

Ortho-k lenses are also suitable for adults with special occupational requirements. For instance, pilots. The lenses allow them to have clear vision without relying on spectacles.

 

  • People with astigmatism

Contact lens prices for astigmatism are usually higher than that of myopia. In some cases, ortho-k lenses make for a more cost-effective option for individuals with astigmatism. They also eliminate the hassle of wearing spectacles. 

 

  1. How do ortho-k contact lenses work?

An instrument named corneal topographer will be used by your ophthalmologist to map and measure the surface of your cornea for designing a tailor-made lens just for your eye. Your ophthalmologist will then check the shape and curves of your cornea through the corneal topography map. 

 

Most ortho-k lenses are worn at night. They flatten the centre of the cornea, changing how light is bent as it enters the eye. When ortho-k lenses worn overnight are removed during the day, the cornea stays flattened for a while, thus correcting the vision without the aid of glasses. The improved vision generally lasts for 24 to 72 hours.

 

  1. How do ortho-k contact lenses reduce myopia progression?

Eyeglasses and contact lenses are the two conventional ways to correct myopia, helping to enhance vision, while Ortho-k lenses reshape the cornea for vision correction and are proven to be able to slow down myopia progression. 

 

  1. Advantages of ortho-k lenses
  • Correct refractive errors 

Ortho-k lenses can correct presbyopia, hyperopia, myopia and astigmatism.

 

  • All-day clear vision 

Enjoy clear vision all day, or even two days at times, after wearing ortho-k lenses overnight.

 

  • Excellent safety record 

Ortho-k lenses correct vision in a safe way under proper usage and compliance with hygiene protocols. 

 

  • Optimal comfort

As ortho-k lenses are created to be custom-fit to the eyes, they bring optimal comfort for users, compared to contact lenses and eyeglasses sold at some spectacles shops.

 

  • Provide fast correction 

In general, some people can forgo their corrective lenses after a single night of treatment through ortho-k lenses. The lenses provide fast and significant results. 

  1. Some tips to take note of while using ortho-k lenses:
  • You should wear ortho-k lenses regularly to maintain vision correction.
  • It may take at least two weeks to attain maximum vision correction.
  • You will use the same shape of lens every night to maintain the correction, once you have achieved the desired prescription.
  • A retainer lens will be necessary, once your corneas have created the final desired curve.
  • You should ensure good hygiene by cleaning your ortho-k lenses daily to prevent eye infections.

At Bettervision, we offer quality and trendy eyewear. Looking for designer eyewear that suits your style? Call us now to get your desired pair!


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