What Is Orthokeratology (Ortho-K), and How Does It Work to Improve Vision Overnight?

If you've ever wished you could improve your vision while you sleep, Orthokeratology might be the solution you've been looking for. This non-surgical vision correction method is growing in popularity for both children and adults - especially those looking for freedom from daytime glasses or contact lenses. Let’s explore how Ortho-K works and why it might be the right choice for you or your child.
 

What Is Ortho-K?

Orthokeratology (Ortho-K) is a treatment that uses specially designed rigid gas-permeable contact lenses to gently reshape the surface of your cornea overnight. While you sleep, these lenses apply precise pressure to flatten the central cornea, temporarily correcting refractive errors like myopia. When you remove the lenses in the morning, your cornea retains its new shape for most or all of the day, allowing you to see clearly without glasses or daytime contacts.
 

How Does Ortho-K Improve Vision Overnight?

Your cornea plays a major role in how light is focused onto your retina. In cases of myopia, the cornea is typically too steep, causing light to focus in front of the retina and making distant objects appear blurry. Ortho-K lenses are custom-fitted to apply gentle pressure to the cornea and flatten it slightly, improving how light is refracted.
 

This reshaping process occurs gradually during sleep, and most patients begin noticing clearer vision within just a few nights of wear. For many, full correction is achieved within one to two weeks of consistent overnight lens use.
 

Who Can Benefit from Ortho-K?

Ortho-K is especially popular among:

• Children and teens with progressive myopia: It has been shown to slow the progression of nearsightedness, making it a powerful tool for long-term eye health.

• Active individuals: Those who play sports or work in dusty environments often prefer Ortho-K to avoid the inconvenience of glasses or daytime contact lenses.

• Adults with mild to moderate refractive errors: Ortho-K is a great non-surgical alternative to LASIK for those who may not be good candidates for surgery.
   

It’s important to have a comprehensive eye exam to determine if your eyes are healthy enough for Ortho-K and to ensure the lenses are properly fitted for your unique corneal shape.
 

Discover the Freedom of Clear Vision with Ortho-K

Orthokeratology offers a remarkable way to correct vision while you sleep - providing freedom from glasses and daytime contacts and even helping to slow the progression of myopia in younger patients. If you're curious about whether Ortho-K is right for you or your child, we are here to help guide you through the process with expertise and care.
 

Schedule a consultation with Pupila Family Eye & Ear Care to see if Ortho-K is the right solution for your visual needs. Contact our Energy Corridor office, located in Houston, Texas, by calling (281) 741-7295 to book an appointment today.