Orthokeratology -- Correct Your Vision While You Sleep

Find a greater Denver area ortho-k specialist near you.

Orthokeratology gives you improved vision without daytime lenses. It’s done through the innovative use of special contacts that correct your vision while you sleep.

The soft, flexible eye tissue is gently reshaped regaining the ability to focus correctly. The change is gradual and long-lasting, but it is not permanent. In just days or weeks, the need for daytime corrective lenses can be eliminated.

Only a trained eye doctor can prescribe and properly fit ortho-k lenses following a comprehensive exam.

Is Orthokeratology Right for You?

Orthokeratology -- or ortho-k -- is most commonly used to improve mild to moderate myopia. It is an alternative for people who don’t want or aren’t the right candidate for LASIK surgery.

Ortho-k may be the right choice for people who find the use of daytime contact lenses challenging due to work conditions or lifestyle. It may also be right for children too young for corrective surgery.

Talk to an ortho-k specialist if you or your child have a prescription for any of these conditions:

• Nearsightedness

• Farsightedness

• Astigmatism

• Presbyopia

• Progressive myopia

How Does Orthokeratology Work?

Orthokeratology works because eye tissue is both strong and flexible. A series of special “retainer” lenses progressively mold the shape of the eye for better focus.

The lenses work overnight and take a few days or weeks to fully improve vision. During that time, most wearers need temporary daytime prescriptions as their vision adjusts. Ortho-k lenses can only be made by specially trained doctors and are custom fit to your eye.

There are essentially two phases -- a treatment phase that requires several visits to your optometrist for mapping your eye and fitting your ortho-k lenses and a maintenance phase where you care for your lenses and maintain the altered shape of the cornea by wearing them nightly.

Generally, the process includes the following steps:

• A comprehensive eye exam to determine health of the eye and cornea

• A topographical map to help your doctor see the shape of your eye

• “Retainer lenses” will be created and fitted to help mold your eye and improve its ability to focus

• Adjustment to your daytime prescription during the treatment phase

• Next-day follow up to check on the shape of the cornea and possible adjustment of the lenses

• Ongoing maintenance to retain corrected cornea shape by wearing retainer lenses at night on a scheduled basis

• Routine hygiene and care for your lenses until replacements are needed

Is Orthokeratology Safe?

Ortho-k is considered very safe. The lenses are gas-permeable which allows oxygen to reach eye tissue. As with any contact use, there is some risk of minor infection. Your local optometrist can guide you on ways to minimize risk including a careful hygiene and care.