Ortho-K Lenses for Myopia Management: How They Work

Myopia is more than just needing glasses to see at a distance - it’s a progressive condition that can impact long-term eye health if left unmanaged. At InVision Eye Health, we take a proactive approach to myopia management. Orthokeratology, or Ortho-K, is an advanced, non-surgical option designed to provide clear daytime vision while helping slow the progression of myopia.

What Are Ortho-K Lenses?

Ortho-K lenses are specially designed, gas-permeable contact lenses worn overnight. While you sleep, these lenses gently and temporarily reshape the surface of the cornea (the clear front part of the eye). When you remove the lenses in the morning, you can see clearly throughout the day - without needing glasses or daytime contact lenses.

How Ortho-K Works

Ortho-K lenses use precise corneal mapping and custom design to redistribute cells on the surface of the cornea. This subtle reshaping changes how light focuses on the retina.

Here’s how the process works:

• Comprehensive Eye Exam: Your eye doctor performs detailed measurements of the cornea using advanced imaging technology to create a customized lens.

• Custom Lens Fitting: The lenses are designed specifically for your eyes to ensure safe, effective reshaping.

• Overnight Wear: You wear the lenses while you sleep. The lenses gently reshape the cornea without causing pain.

• Clear Vision During the Day: In the morning, you remove the lenses and enjoy clear vision without corrective eyewear.

With consistent use, many patients achieve 20/20 vision or close to it during the day.

How Ortho-K Helps Manage Myopia

Ortho-K does more than temporarily correct vision - it can help slow the progression of myopia, especially in children and teens.

Research suggests that reshaping the cornea changes peripheral defocus (how light focuses in the outer areas of vision). This altered focus pattern sends signals that may reduce the eye’s tendency to grow longer, which is the primary cause of worsening myopia.

Slowing eye growth is critical because higher levels of myopia are associated with increased risk of:

• Retinal detachment

• Glaucoma

• Cataracts

• Myopic macular degeneration

By managing myopia early, we can help protect long-term eye health.

Schedule Your Child’s Eye Exam at InVision Eye Health

Myopia management is about more than seeing clearly today - it is about protecting your vision for the future. Ortho-K lenses provide a safe, effective, and non-surgical way to correct vision while helping slow the progression of myopia, especially in children.

Contact InVision Eye Health to schedule a comprehensive eye exam and learn more about Ortho-K lenses for myopia management. Visit our office in Sandy, Utah, or call (801) 495-2020 to book an appointment today.