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Orthokeratology, commonly called Ortho-K, uses specially designed rigid gas-permeable contact lenses that are worn during sleep. The lenses temporarily reshape the front surface of the eye so qualified patients can see more clearly during the day without glasses or daytime contact lenses.For children with progressive nearsightedness, Ortho-K may also be considered as part of a doctor-directed myopia-management plan.Because every patient’s eyes are different, a comprehensive evaluation is necessary to determine candidacy, expected results and an appropriate wearing schedule.Request an Ortho-K EvaluationCall Eagle Eye Center at 281-491-2199

Yes. Orthokeratology may also be called:Ortho-KCorneal reshapingCorneal moldingOvernight vision correctionVision-shaping treatmentCorneal refractive therapyThe prescribed lenses may be described as Ortho-K lenses, corneal reshaping lenses, overnight lenses or vision retainers.Although these terms are sometimes used interchangeably, lens designs and treatment programs may differ. Your doctor will explain the specific lenses prescribed for you.

Ortho-K lenses are worn while you sleep. They apply carefully controlled forces through the tear layer to temporarily change the shape of the cornea—the clear front surface of the eye.This allows light to focus more accurately on the retina and can provide clearer daytime vision after the lenses are removed.The effect is temporary. Consistent lens wear is generally necessary to maintain the desired vision correction.

No. Ortho-K does not permanently change the eye.If lens wear is discontinued, the cornea will gradually return toward its original shape, and the patient’s original vision prescription will generally return. The timing varies among patients.

Many patients notice improvement after the first few nights of lens wear. Some may need several days or weeks to achieve more stable daytime vision.The speed and quality of the response depend on factors such as:The original prescriptionCorneal shapeTear-film qualityLens fitAgeTreatment goalsConsistency of lens wearYour doctor will monitor your progress and explain what results are reasonable for your individual eyes.

Ortho-K may be considered for qualified children and adults who:Have nearsightedness, with or without certain levels of astigmatismWant freedom from glasses or daytime contact lensesParticipate in sports or active occupationsExperience difficulty wearing daytime contact lensesAre not ready for, or do not want, refractive surgeryCan follow proper lens-cleaning and handling instructionsAre willing to attend regular follow-up examinationsCandidacy cannot be determined from prescription alone. Eye health, corneal shape, tear quality, lifestyle and treatment expectations must also be evaluated.

There is no single age that is appropriate for every patient.Children must be mature enough—or have a parent or caregiver available—to follow the required hygiene, lens-handling and follow-up procedures. Adults may also be candidates when their eye health and prescription are suitable.Candidacy is based on the individual patient rather than age alone.

Research indicates that Ortho-K can slow the progression of myopia in many children compared with standard single-vision correction. However, the response varies, and no treatment can guarantee that myopia will stop progressing.Ortho-K is not a cure for myopia. It may be one component of an individualized myopia-management plan that can also include:Regular measurement of vision and eye growthIncreased outdoor timeHealthy near-work and screen habitsSpecially designed soft contact lensesMyopia-management spectacle lensesLow-dose atropine when clinically appropriateYour doctor will discuss the potential benefits, limitations and alternatives for your child.

Higher levels of myopia are associated with an increased lifetime risk of eye conditions such as retinal detachment, myopic macular degeneration, glaucoma and cataracts.The goal of myopia management is to reduce the rate of progression and help limit the child’s final level of myopia. Risk cannot be eliminated completely, even when treatment is successful.

Ortho-K can be used safely by appropriately selected patients who follow their doctor’s instructions. However, it is not risk-free.Because the lenses are worn overnight, improper use or poor hygiene can increase the risk of complications, including:Corneal infectionInflammationCorneal staining or abrasionRedness or discomfortChanges in corneal shapeReduced vision or visual distortionSerious infections are uncommon but can threaten vision. Careful lens hygiene, correct wearing time and regular follow-up examinations are essential.Contact Eagle Eye Center promptly if you experience pain, significant redness, light sensitivity, discharge or a sudden decrease in vision. Remove the lenses unless your doctor instructs you otherwise.

No. Do not expose Ortho-K lenses or their storage case to tap, bottled, distilled, lake, pool or ocean water.Water can contain microorganisms that may cause serious eye infections. Use only the cleaning, disinfecting and rinsing products recommended by your doctor.Do not swim, shower or use a hot tub while wearing Ortho-K lenses.

Dry-eye symptoms do not automatically exclude someone from Ortho-K, but they require careful evaluation.Your doctor may examine:Tear-film quality and stabilityEyelid healthMeibomian-gland functionCorneal healthThe severity and cause of dry-eye symptomsSome patients may need dry-eye treatment before or during Ortho-K wear. Patients with significant ocular-surface disease may not be suitable candidates until the condition is adequately managed.

Most patients can learn to insert, remove and care for their lenses with proper instruction and practice.Eagle Eye Center will teach you or your child:Handwashing and dryingLens insertion and removalCleaning and disinfectionCorrect use of approved solutionsLens-case careWhat to do if a lens feels uncomfortableWhen to stop lens wear and contact the officeParents may need to supervise or assist younger children.

Many patients can see well enough through their Ortho-K lenses to perform simple activities before sleeping or after waking. However, vision through the lenses can vary.Do not drive or perform another safety-sensitive activity unless your vision meets the required standard.

Contact Eagle Eye Center as soon as possible.Missing one or more nights of wear may cause the treatment effect to decrease and daytime vision to become less clear. Do not wear a chipped, cracked or damaged lens.Your doctor may recommend keeping a spare lens or backup pair, particularly when replacement delays could interfere with school, work, travel or sports.

The number of hours required varies by patient, prescription and lens design. Some patients may achieve adequate results with fewer hours, while others need a longer and more consistent wearing period.Your doctor will recommend an individualized wearing schedule. Do not increase wearing time without professional guidance.

Some adults with presbyopia may still be candidates. Options can include:Correcting both eyes primarily for distance and using reading glassesA modified or multifocal lens designMonovision, in which one eye is emphasized for distance and the other for near visionThese approaches involve visual compromises and are not suitable for everyone. A diagnostic evaluation or trial may be needed before choosing a plan.

Follow-up schedules vary, but patients are generally examined more frequently during the initial fitting period.Visits may include:An examination after the first night or early period of wearAdditional visits while vision and lens fit stabilizeCorneal topographyVision testingEvaluation of lens fit and conditionOngoing eye-health examinationsPatients should attend every recommended visit, even when their vision seems clear and the lenses feel comfortable.

Many appropriately selected patients achieve useful daytime vision with Ortho-K. However, results vary, and perfect vision cannot be guaranteed.Some patients may still need glasses for certain activities, particularly during the initial treatment period or under low-light conditions. Others may not achieve their desired correction and may need a different lens design or another vision-correction option.A comprehensive evaluation provides the best estimate of your likely outcome.

The best way to determine candidacy is through a comprehensive Ortho-K evaluation that includes eye-health examination, prescription measurements and corneal mapping.Request an Ortho-K EvaluationCall Eagle Eye Center at 281-491-2199Eagle Eye Center1730 Williams Trace Blvd., Suite JSugar Land, TX 77478