The Science Behind Orthokeratology: How It Works

Orthokeratology, commonly known as Ortho-K, is a non-surgical vision correction option that has transformed how people manage nearsightedness (myopia). At Creekside Family Eyecare, we’re passionate about helping patients achieve clear vision and protecting their eye health.

What Is Orthokeratology?

Orthokeratology involves specially designed rigid gas-permeable (RGP) contact lenses that gently reshape the cornea, the clear front surface of the eye, while you sleep. By wearing these lenses overnight, many patients experience clear vision throughout the day without the need for glasses or contact lenses.

How Does Ortho-K Work?

The cornea plays a critical role in focusing light onto the retina, allowing you to see clearly. In individuals with myopia, the cornea is too curved, causing light to focus in front of the retina rather than directly on it. Ortho-K lenses flatten the cornea slightly, adjusting how light is refracted and enabling it to focus correctly on the retina.

Ortho-K lenses are worn only at night. While you sleep, the lenses apply gentle pressure to reshape the outer layer of the cornea. This process is completely reversible and safe, as the cornea retains its elasticity.

When you remove the lenses in the morning, your cornea retains its new shape, allowing for clear vision throughout the day. Most patients find their vision remains sharp for 24–48 hours without wearing corrective lenses.

The Science Behind Ortho-K

Ortho-K lenses use advanced mapping technology, such as corneal topography, to create a custom lens design tailored to your unique eye shape. Here are the scientific principles that make Ortho-K effective:

•          Corneal Flattening: The reshaping of the epithelium (the cornea’s outermost layer) adjusts the curvature of the cornea, correcting refractive errors.

•          Gas-Permeable Material: The RGP lenses allow oxygen to pass through to your cornea, maintaining its health during overnight wear.

•          Temporary Reshaping: The changes to the cornea are temporary, which makes Ortho-K a safe and reversible option for vision correction.

Who Can Benefit from Ortho-K?

Ortho-K is ideal for individuals with mild to moderate myopia, particularly those who want an alternative to glasses, daytime contact lenses, or refractive surgery. It’s also a popular option for children, as it has been shown to slow the progression of myopia in younger patients.

Experience the Benefits of Ortho-K at Creekside Family Eyecare

Orthokeratology offers a safe, effective, and convenient way to achieve clear vision while managing myopia. We use the latest technology to design customized Ortho-K lenses that fit your lifestyle and vision needs.

Contact Creekside Family Eyecare to learn more about Ortho-K and whether it’s the right solution for you or your child. Visit our office in The Woodlands, Texas, or call (832) 559-3861 to book an appointment today.