What Are Overnight Ortho-K Contact Lenses? - Blue Planet Optics

Overnight Ortho-K contact lenses are specialized, gas-permeable contact lenses worn during sleep. These night contacts gently reshape the cornea, temporarily correcting refractive errors like myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism.

The key benefit of Ortho-K lenses is that wearers can enjoy clear vision during the day without glasses or daytime contact lenses.

This technology, also known as nighttime contacts, is particularly beneficial for myopia in children and teenagers as it can slow the progression over the years, reducing the risk of conditions like retinal detachment and macular degeneration later in life.

What is Orthokeratology/Ortho-K?

Orthokeratology, commonly referred to as Ortho-K, is a non-surgical procedure that involves wearing these specially designed lenses. Made from a rigid, gas-permeable material, the lenses are custom-fitted to the shape of the eye to temporarily correct vision.

This allows wearers to see clearly during the day without additional corrective eyewear. However, since the effects of Ortho-K are temporary, the lenses must be worn consistently every night to maintain vision correction.

​Ortho-K night contacts are particularly effective in managing myopia progression in children, which is one of their key benefits.

The Other Names for Ortho-K

Ortho-K is known by various names, reflecting different fitting systems and techniques. These include:

• Accelerated Ortho-K (AOK)
• Corneal Refractive Therapy (CRT)
• Dream Lenses
• Global Orthokeratology Vision (GOV)
• Gentle Vision Shaping System (GVSS)
• Night Lenses
• Overnight Corneal Reshaping (OCR)
• Vision Shaping Treatment (VST)​

What Are The Benefits of Ortho-K?

Myopia Control

Children's myopia is reported to progress more slowly with Ortho-K lenses. This matters since having a high degree of myopia raises your risk of getting significant eye disorders such as cataracts, glaucoma, and retinal detachment later in life. Ortho-K can thus assist in maintaining long-term eye health by delaying the progression of myopia.

Freedom from Daytime Eyewear

This is especially beneficial for athletes and individuals in professions that require clear, unaided vision, such as pilots or law enforcement officers. The convenience of being able to wear contact lenses instead of corrective eyewear during the day is a major advantage for many users.

Safety and Comfort

Ortho-K lenses are custom-fitted for comfort and are considered safe when used correctly. The lenses are FDA-approved and have a good safety record when patients adhere to the recommended care guidelines. Unlike surgery options like LASIK, Ortho-K is reversible, which means that if a patient stops using the lenses, the cornea will gradually revert to its original shape.

Are Overnight Ortho-K Lenses Safe?

Overnight contacts are considered safe when proper hygiene and care routines are followed. Risks, such as potential corneal abrasions or infections, are minimal and similar to those associated with regular contact lens use. 

Using the prescribed cleaning solutions, avoiding tap water, and washing your hands before handling your lenses are all part of proper lens maintenance. Schedule routine eye exams with an ophthalmologist to track the condition of the eyes and the efficacy of treatment.

How Much Do Orthokeratology Lenses Cost?

The cost of Ortho-K lenses normally ranges between $800 and $2,000 per year. This includes the first fitting, the lenses, and follow-up treatment. Factors influencing the cost include the complexity of the prescription, the type of lenses used, and the practitioner's expertise.

Although initially more expensive than normal contact lenses, many users find that benefits such as reduced reliance on daytime eye glasses and excellent myopia correction, make the investment​​ worth it.

For those who want to wear Ortho-K for the first time, make an appointment with your eye doctor and schedule an eye exam to determine if this treatment is right for you. 

Blue Planet Optics does not carry Ortho-K lenses at this time.