December 17 2023

How Ortho-k Improves Your Sight As You Sleep

Some 12 million people over age 40 in the US have some vision impairment, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and nearly 7% of kids have a diagnosed eye condition. If you’ve dreamed of having better vision, dislike wearing glasses or contacts, or have learned that LASIK isn’t your best bet, you may want to consider orthokeratology or ortho-k. The series of customized lenses improve your vision while you sleep. Our qualified experts at West Broward Eyecare Associates are pleased to offer this nonsurgical therapy for qualified candidates. Read on to learn about ortho-k and its benefits.

Ortho-k basics

For ortho-k, your provider fits you for specially designed gas-permeable contact lenses. You’ll wear these custom lenses nightly while you sleep, which is when they work their medical magic. By gently reshaping the front surfaces of your eyes, you’ll see clearly the following day. While the benefits may last another day or even a bit longer, we recommend wearing the corrective lenses every night for the best results.

Ortho-k lenses are designed for two purposes:

To correct refractive issues, such as nearsightedness and, in some cases, farsightedness
To reduce the progression of myopia in kids

Benefits of ortho-k

Ortho-k can provide a range of benefits for suitable candidates. Because you wear the lenses only at night, you won’t have to deal with contact lens issues or wearing glasses during the day–which some people find cumbersome or annoying. Ortho-k can also provide an alternative to laser surgery if you’ve been told that you’re not a good candidate or don’t want to go “under the laser” for a LASIK procedure. And if your child has progressive myopia or nearsightedness, ortho-k lenses can help keep the condition from worsening.

Getting started with ortho-k

To get started with ortho-k, one of our experts will measure the curvatures of your corneas—your eyes’ outer surfaces—using a special tool known as a corneal topographer. This quick and painless process allows us to customize your treatment plan, which will include numerous sets of temporary contacts. You may notice some discomfort when you first start wearing ortho-k lenses, but over time, you’ll likely barely notice them.

Gradually, as your prescription changes, we’ll let you know when to switch to your next pair. Most people end up with their ideal vision within three sets of ortho-k lenses. Because results vary, it’s essential to stick to your plan, stay in touch with your provider, and follow their guidance.

Learn much more about ortho-k and whether you’re a good candidate by calling West Broward Eyecare Associates or booking an appointment using our online scheduler. We would love to help you find the best way to improve your vision.

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