Orthokeratology: Vision correction while we sleep

Orthokeratology, also known as Ortho-K, is an innovative technique in the field of optometry that is rapidly gaining popularity. It is a non-surgical treatment that uses special contact lenses designed to be worn overnight to temporarily correct vision. During sleep, these lenses reshape the cornea, allowing wearers to enjoy clear vision during the day without the need for glasses or conventional contact lenses.

This method offers a practical and comfortable solution for people with myopia, astigmatism and currently also hyperopia, especially in a world where dependence on digital devices is contributing to an increase in visual problems. In addition, orthokeratology has been shown to be effective in controlling the progression of myopia in children and adolescents, making it an attractive option for parents concerned about their children’s visual health.

What is orthokeratology?

The first time the word Orthokeratology appeared was in the 1960s by Newton Wesley, who used this term to define an adaptation with contact lenses whose purpose is to reduce myopia without the need to use glasses or contact lenses.

Orthokeratology, or Ortho-K, is the use of special contact lenses specifically designed and fitted to temporarily reshape the cornea to improve vision. Almost all Ortho-K lenses are worn at night while sleeping. Vision improvement is reversible but can be maintained if the lenses continue to be worn as directed.

Three out of four Spaniards say they have eye health problems, and myopia mainly affected 28% of the country’s population in 2017, and with the latest available data, it has risen to 37% in 2021.

How does orthokeratology work?

Orthokeratology involves the use of specially designed contact lenses to mold the cornea overnight, thereby correcting the prescription and allowing clear vision during the day. These lenses are customized to each patient’s corneal topography, acting as a mold.

This technique is safe, non-invasive, painless and reversible. It has been used for over 20 years and has undergone significant innovations in lens design and materials. Patients can choose to stop using it at any time and choose another method of vision correction.

It is crucial to understand that orthokeratology provides a temporary correction of refractive errors. If you stop wearing the lenses overnight, your vision will return to its original state.

Benefits:

The benefits of orthokeratology are immediate and include eliminating the need for glasses, allowing you to enjoy optimal visual acuity. This makes it easier to carry out any daily activity without depending on glasses.

The experts consulted for this article perform treatments of Orthokeratology in Carabanchela district of Madrid, insist on the importance of remembering that, like any therapeutic procedure, nocturnal orthokeratology carries certain health risks. For this reason, before starting the treatment, patients must be informed about the indications and possible risks, and sign an informed consent form.

In short, orthokeratology is presented as an innovative and practical solution for temporary vision correction, offering a non-surgical alternative to conventional glasses and contact lenses. This method not only allows users to enjoy clear vision during the day, but has also proven to be effective in controlling the progression of myopia in children and adolescents.

As vision problems increase due to a society that is increasingly dependent on digital devices, orthokeratology is positioned as an attractive and convenient option. However, it is essential that patients are well informed about the potential risks and benefits before starting treatment.