• Cosmetic Benefits: Ortho-k is perfect for adults who prefer their natural appearance without glasses.
• Health & Safety: By removing the need for daytime glasses or contacts, ortho-k reduces the risk of lost or broken glasses and minimizes irritation from contact lenses during work, sports, or physical activities.
• Myopia Management: Ortho-k not only corrects nearsightedness but also helps slow the progression of myopia, which is valuable for adults still experiencing changes in vision.
• Non-Surgical Alternative: Ortho-k provides a safe and effective non-invasive option for vision correction, making it an excellent alternative to LASIK or other surgical procedures.
• Dry Eye Relief: Adults who struggle with dryness caused by daytime soft contact lenses often experience relief with ortho-k, as there is no need for contacts during the day.

The cornea, the clear dome-shaped surface at the front of the eye, is responsible for focusing most of the light onto the retina. Since corneal tissue is flexible, it can be gently reshaped when a specially designed contact lens rests on it in the correct way.

Orthokeratology (Ortho-k) lenses, which are FDA-approved for overnight wear, work by using the natural tear film between the lens and the cornea to apply gentle pressure and reshape the cornea while you sleep. This controlled reshaping slightly flattens the center of the cornea, changing how light enters the eye and providing sharper vision.

When the lenses are removed in the morning, the cornea maintains its new shape for a significant portion of the day, giving adults clear vision without the need for daytime glasses or conventional soft contact lenses. This makes ortho-k a safe, non-surgical, and highly effective solution for vision correction in adults seeking freedom from daytime eyewear.

At The Raleigh Contact Lens Institute, we use advanced technology to design highly customized orthokeratology (ortho-k) lenses for adults. During your exam, our doctors will map and measure the surface of your cornea using the Pentacam AXL Wave, one of the most advanced diagnostic devices in the world. This technology captures over 240,000 precise data points on the shape of your eyes, ensuring that each ortho-k lens is designed for a perfect fit. The result is a lens that provides optimal comfort, safety, and vision correction tailored to your unique corneal shape.

 When it comes to vision correction, many adults consider both orthokeratology (ortho-k) and LASIK surgery. While both options are effective, they differ significantly in approach, benefits, and limitations.

Advantages of Ortho-k:

• Non-Surgical and Reversible: Ortho-k lenses gently reshape the cornea overnight and require no surgery. If discontinued, the cornea returns to its natural shape.
• No Surgical Risks: Unlike LASIK, which carries risks such as infection, dry eyes, or rare complications, ortho-k avoids these risks entirely.
• No Recovery Period: Since it’s non-invasive, patients can enjoy clear vision without downtime.
• Suitable for Non-LASIK Candidates: Individuals with thin corneas, dry eyes, or other conditions that make them ineligible for LASIK may still benefit from ortho-k lenses.

Disadvantages of Ortho-k:

• Temporary Effect: Clear vision depends on consistent nightly lens wear; stopping use allows the cornea to return to its original shape.
• Daily Maintenance: Ortho-k requires proper lens care and hygiene to ensure safety and effectiveness.
• Adaptation Period: Some patients may need time to adjust before achieving full comfort and optimal results.

Summary:
The decision between ortho-k and LASIK depends on your lifestyle, vision needs, and eye health. Ortho-k provides a safe, non-surgical, and reversible solution with proven effectiveness, while LASIK offers a more permanent correction but involves surgical risks and a recovery period. Consulting with a myopia management and vision correction specialist can help you choose the option best suited to your needs.

Initial Adjustment Period: When beginning orthokeratology (ortho-k) lenses, adults may experience mild discomfort as the eyes adapt to overnight lens wear. This adjustment phase is temporary and typically improves within a few nights.

Gradual Vision Improvement: Vision correction with ortho-k for adults is not immediate. Many patients notice clearer vision within the first few days, while full stabilization may take up to two weeks. During this period, vision may fluctuate slightly, and temporary glasses may be recommended for specific tasks.

Daytime Clarity: Once the cornea has been gently reshaped, ortho-k provides crisp, glasses-free vision throughout the day. Most wearers enjoy all-day clarity, and some even experience extended clear vision for more than one day without lenses.

Consistent Wear is Crucial: To maintain the benefits of ortho-k, adults must wear the lenses nightly. If lens wear is discontinued for several nights, the cornea gradually returns to its natural shape, and myopia (nearsightedness) will reappear.

Orthokeratology (ortho-k for adults) is generally considered a safe and effective non-surgical vision correction method when proper care and hygiene are maintained. The primary risk associated with ortho-k is an increased chance of eye infections, such as microbial or bacterial keratitis, which can occur if handwashing, lens cleaning, or storage protocols are not followed. With appropriate care, regular follow-ups, and guidance from an experienced eye doctor, the risks are significantly minimized, making ortho-k a safe option for many adults seeking clear vision without surgery.

Many patients often ask about the best ortho-k contact lens brands for adults, as well as the cost of ortho-k lenses and which options are the most affordable. At The Raleigh Contact Lens Institute, we fit and manage patients wearing a wide variety of trusted brands, including Paragon CRT, WAVE Night Lenses, VST Lenses, EyeSpace, and Euclid Emerald. These brands are well-regarded for their effectiveness in reshaping the cornea and providing clear daytime vision without glasses or daytime contacts.

While we typically recommend these leading brands, we also collaborate with additional manufacturers in special cases to ensure patients receive the most customized solution possible. For personalized guidance, we invite you to schedule a free phone consultation to discuss your specific needs. You can reach us at (919) 850-5910 or via email at hello@raleighcontactlens.com.