Overnight Contacts: Tips for Comfortable Use of Ortho-K

Orthokeratology (ortho-k) lenses offer an effective way to correct your vision while you sleep, be it for myopia management or simple vision correction. However, the unique design of ortho-k can require an adjustment period for new wearers. 

To help make adjustment period of ortho-k lenses more comfortable, we’ve outlined a few tips for wearing them: 

• Be consistent in wearing your lenses and always adhere to the wear schedule outlined by your optometrist. 
• Create a comfortable sleeping environment that doesn’t place unnecessary pressure on your eyes.
• Keep your tear film hydrated to keep the corneal surface comfortable for lens wear. 
• Consistently follow up with your optometrist to confirm the lenses continue to fit properly. 
• Follow proper contact lens wear and care. 
• Report any unusual symptoms or persistent discomfort immediately. 

By implementing these tips, ortho-k lens wearers can enjoy an overall comfortable experience while safeguarding their eye health and maintaining clear vision throughout the day.

Understanding Orthokeratology Lenses

Orthokeratology (ortho-k) contact lenses offer a unique approach to vision correction.

Unlike traditional soft contact lenses, which are worn during the day, ortho-k lenses are hard gas-permeable contact lenses designed for overnight wear. While asleep, these lenses gently reshape the cornea, allowing the wearer to enjoy clear vision throughout the day without needing glasses or contacts. 

Ortho-k lenses offer an alternative to refractive surgeries, making them an attractive option for those who prefer a non-permanent solution to vision correction or for children requiring myopia management. 

The visual correction provided by ortho-k is temporary, which is why these lenses need to be worn consistently. It might be helpful to think of these lenses as working somewhat like dental retainers. 

Just as a dental retainer is used to maintain the position of teeth after braces, ortho-k lenses help maintain clear vision by reshaping the cornea overnight. Both processes are non-invasive, reversible, and rely on consistent use to maintain desired results.

While a dental retainer gently nudges teeth back into place over time, ortho-k lenses subtly modify the corneal shape, ensuring that your vision remains sharp throughout the day without the need for daytime lenses. 

Encouraging a proactive approach to eye care can ensure that children and teens benefit from clear vision and maintain good visual health as they grow. Just as we value dental checkups and the use of retainers, prioritizing our eye care is equally as important. 

Tips on Adjusting to Ortho-k Lenses

Ortho-k lenses often require an adjustment period as users get accustomed to wearing lenses overnight. To help ease the transition, here are several tips to consider for a seamless adjustment period with ortho-k lenses: 

• Be patient and give your eyes time to adapt to the new sensation. It’s important to follow the wearing schedule strictly, as consistency helps accelerate adaptation. 
• To ease any anxiety associated with lens wear, practice breathing exercises or other relaxation techniques of your choice. A calm state of mind can make lens handling smoother and may also reduce perceptions of discomfort. 
• If discomfort continues beyond the normal adjustment period, consult with your optometrist. They’ll be able to make slight adjustments to the lenses. Don’t make adjustments yourself, as fitting issues can lead to discomfort and even impair vision correction.

Everyday Tips for Comfortable Ortho-k Lens Wear

Once the adjustment period has passed, here are some everyday tips to implement into your daily routine to help maintain a comfortable wear experience: 

• Always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before handling your lenses to reduce the risk of contamination and infection. 
• Make sure to clean your lenses nightly using the recommended cleaning solutions and follow the specific instructions provided by your optometrist. This helps remove any proteins or deposits that can accumulate on the lenses, which might cause discomfort or irritation.
• Stay hydrated to help maintain proper eye lubrication, as dryness can affect the comfort of lens wear. Consider using preservative-free artificial tears or a warm compress mask to help alleviate any dryness.
• If you experience dryness or discomfort, rewetting drops can provide relief. Consult your optometrist for recommendations that can be safely used with ortho-k lenses.
• Adhere to the wear schedule of your lenses.  This helps ensure that the shaping of the cornea remains stable and that your vision correction is optimal.  Your wear schedule is tailored specifically to your individual needs. 
• Create a comfortable sleeping space that doesn’t place unnecessary pressure on your eyes. Use a supportive pillow to maintain head and lens stability during sleep.

Do’s & Don’ts of Wearing Ortho-K Lenses

In addition to being aware of safety and care protocols for ortho-k lenses, it’s also helpful to know which bad habits we should avoid:

• Don’t Customize Lens Wear: Don’t self-adjust your lens schedule without consulting your optometrist. Altering your wear time can affect vision correction and compromise the lens’s reshaping effect.
• Maintain Hygiene: Practice good hygiene by washing your hands before handling lenses and using clean materials to dry them. This helps mitigate the risk of eye infections.
• Don’t Use Tap Water on Lenses: Avoid exposing your lenses to tap water, as it can contain impurities and pathogens that may harm your eyes. Stick to your lenses’ recommended lens solution. 
• Store Lenses Properly: Use the correct storage solution and replace it as recommended. Proper storage preserves lens integrity and minimizes contamination risks.
• Be Regular in Check-Ups: Schedule periodic appointments with your optometrist to monitor the health of your eyes and confirm that your lenses continue to fit properly. Doing this prevents potential issues and allows your optometrist to detect any potential concerns early.
• Report Unusual Symptoms: If you experience discomfort, redness, or vision changes, promptly contact your optometrist. Early detection can prevent concerns from worsening. 

Schedule a Consultation

Achieving a comfortable wear experience with ortho-k lenses extends beyond having a basic care routine. Implementing these tips on top of your daily care routine can help you achieve long-term comfort. Connect with our team at Fort Myers Eye Associates to schedule a consultation for your ortho-k lenses.