What to Expect: Your Orthokeratology Appointments and Treatment Journey
Orthokeratology (Ortho-K) is a non-surgical treatment option that uses specially designed contact lenses to temporarily reshape the cornea while you sleep, providing clear and stable vision throughout the day. Our optometrists are here to guide you through every step of the Ortho-K journey, from initial preparation and lens instruction appointments to ongoing follow-up care.
Getting Ready for Contact Lenses
If you’ve never worn contact lenses before, there are some things you can do to prepare for your appointment. First, make sure to wash your hands well. Then, you can practice holding your eyelids open and gently touching the white part of your eye with a lubricating eye drop. It may be hard not to blink at first, but you’ll get used to it over time.
Getting Your Lenses
At your lens delivery appointment, your optometrist will check how the lens fits on your eye and teach you how to take care of your lenses. You’ll usually start wearing your Ortho-K lenses that night. When you first put them in, your eyes may feel a bit strange, but this feeling should go away over time.
The First Few Days
Your vision may be clearer after just one night of wearing the lenses, but you may still need to use your glasses during the day. Your eyes may be sensitive when you wake up, so remember to loosen the lens before taking it out. After a week, most patients will see a significant improvement in their vision.
Follow-Up Appointments
Your optometrist will schedule follow-up appointments to monitor your progress and make sure your eyes stay healthy. It’s important to attend these appointments and follow the instructions provided to avoid any complications. Ortho-K lenses can last longer than soft lenses, but it’s still important to replace them every one to two years.
Possible Complications
Complications are rare, but it’s important to know about them. Some patients may experience lens binding, corneal staining, or fluctuating vision. It’s also possible to develop an infection of the cornea, but this is rare if instructions are followed.
Night Vision
Some patients may experience halos or flare during the evening, especially if they have large pupils. This is normal and should improve over time.
When Treatment is Complete
Once your treatment is complete, you’ll need to wear your Ortho-K lenses every night to maintain your vision. Some patients may even be able to skip a night and still maintain their vision for up to 40 hours. Regular aftercare visits are necessary to keep your eyes healthy.