Ortho-K: A Retainer for the Eyes!

Do your child need eyeglasses or contact lenses? There's another option you might want to consider — Ortho-K lenses. They're like retainers, but for the eyes! Instead of straightening teeth, these special lenses gently improve your child's vision while they sleep.

How does it work?

Ortho-K lenses are custom-made contact lenses worn only at night. While your child sleeps, the retainer lenses gently reshape the front surface of the eyes (called the cornea). In the morning, your child wakes up and can see clearly without wearing glasses or contact lenses during the day — and no surgery is needed! They are ideal for people with myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness) & astigmatism.

Studies have shown that Ortho-K lenses can help stop the progression of myopia in children and teenagers, which in turn can help prevent eye diseases in adulthood.

Ortho-K is perfect for athletes of any age who don’t want to deal with contact lenses or glasses while playing sports. The lenses may also allow many adults with presbyopia — a normal part of the ageing process — to forgo reading glasses. The lenses can also help adults, including professionals like pilots, who need clear vision without glasses.

What Are the Benefits of Ortho-K?

✔ Slows down worsening vision – Ortho-K can help stop nearsightedness from getting worse as your child grows. Having moderate to high myopia is a risk factor for developing serious eye conditions in adulthood.

✔ No need for glasses during the day – The lenses can correct myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism. Your child can enjoy school, sports, and playtime with clear vision

✔ Clear vision all day long – The gentle corneal reshaping that corrects vision overnight lasts all day and at times even two days.

✔ They’re comfortable – Created with precise mapping technology, Ortho-K lenses are custom-fit to the eyes, thus ensuring optimal comfort.

✔Have an excellent safety record – Orthokeratology lenses provide safe vision correction when used properly and according to hygiene protocols.

✔ Non-surgical and reversible – There’s no need for laser surgery. The changes to the corneal shape aren’t permanent, so if patients eventually opt for laser refractive surgery, they can stop using the lenses and the cornea will naturally revert to its original shape. This allows for better laser surgery results.

Is Ortho-K right for my child?

An eye doctor will examine your child's eyes to see if they’re a good match. They'll consider your child's age, eye health, and prescription. It works best for children with mild to moderate nearsightedness.

Are Overnight Ortho-K Lenses Safe?

Yes! Ortho-K is a safe, non-surgical, and reversible alternative to LASIK. Unlike regular contact lenses, these are specially made to be worn while sleeping. It is ideal for anyone who is active during the day and doesn’t want to wear contact lenses or glasses.

As with any contact lenses, make sure to always follow your eye doctor’s instructions regarding how to properly handle and care for your overnight lenses. For more information on Ortho-K lenses, contact Focal Sight today. We’ll be happy to schedule an eye exam and answer any questions you may have.