Correct Your Vision as You Sleep!
A few years ago, this would just have been a fantasy, but today it is possible to have your vision
corrected as you sleep. The technique which makes this possible is called ‘Orthokeratology’ or ‘ortho-k’,
and it helps in vision correction without surgery.
Orthokeratology refers to the technique of fitting gas-permeable contact lenses to the patient’s eyes.
These have been specially designed to reshape patients’ cornea as they sleep. After removing the lenses,
the next day, they can see clearly with an improved vision.
Listed below is all the essential information about this modern technique which is changing many lives.
How Does Ortho-k Work?
Most ortho-k lens fittings are done by optometrists in the U.S.A, but sometimes ophthalmologists or
contact lens technicians can also do the job. It is important to remember that not all eye doctors can fit
these lenses as they are very specialized.
First, a corneal topographer is used to measure the shape of the patients’ corneas – this is a painless
procedure. According to the results, the optometrist may provide a lens from in-office inventory or
order a custom ortho-k lens later.
A series of lenses may be needed before you find the perfect lens, and you will get used to wearing one
eventually. Often, three pairs of lenses are required to achieve maximum vision correction. As you sleep
wearing the lenses, they fix the cornea’s shape to eliminate refractive errors.
Is Orthokeratology Right for Me?
Ortho-k is recommended for the correction of refractive errors and to slow down the progression of
childhood myopia. Refractive errors can include problems like nearsightedness, farsightedness, and
astigmatism.
In some cases, orthokeratology has also proven to be effective against presbyopia. It is most widely
used for correcting myopia and has been known to correct up to -6.00 diopters of nearsightedness.
While more specific guidance regarding your type and amount of refractive error will come from your
eye doctor, you can consider orthokeratology if you have any of the aforementioned vision problems.
Moreover, children and young adults hoping to get rid of glasses but are not eligible for LASIK, or those
who participate in contact sports, also make good candidates for ortho-k.
How Much Does It Cost?
Orthokeratology is a time-consuming process and requires multiple visits to the optometrist.
The actual cost of the orthokeratology contact lenses, and follow-up care, vary depending on your
optometrist, their level of expertise, and the region where you live.
Usually, the procedure is half the price of LASIK ranging between $1000-$2000 (for both eyes).
Additional costs of follow-up care can add a further $300-$500 per year.
In a Nutshell
Overall, ortho-k lenses are an excellent solution for achieving correct vision without glasses or surgery.
Quite a few people have used the procedure to witness observable improvement. However, it is
important to remember that orthokeratology offers a temporary risk-free solution, and without long-
term use, the patient will have to go back to wearing glasses.