Orthokeratology Lenses (Ortho-K)

Myopia is an extremely common condition, and the number of people affected has increased dramatically over the past 30 years. Currently, approximately 2.6 billion people worldwide — more than one-third of the global population — are myopic. In recent years, Ortho-K lenses have become widely used by myopic patients seeking to improve their vision. In this article, Hikari Eye Care will help you better understand this type of lens.

What Is Ortho-K? How Do Ortho-K Lenses Work?

Ortho-K lenses were first developed in 1962 by Drs. Newton Wesley and George Jessen. Under the advancement of modern ophthalmology, Ortho-K lenses were further researched and refined by Dr. May and Grand (1970) and Dr. Coon (1982). Ortho-K contact lenses are used to correct myopia by controlling refractive error, delivering high efficacy and slowing myopia progression by 50–90%. However, if lens wear is discontinued, the refractive error will return to its original state.

The mechanism of Ortho-K lenses works as follows: patients simply wear the contact lenses overnight for at least 7–8 hours of sleep. During sleep, the cornea is gently reshaped and flattened to 0 diopters. Upon waking, the eyes achieve 20/20 visual acuity without the need for glasses or daytime contact lenses. Unlike conventional contact lenses, Ortho-K lenses are worn exclusively at night (during sleep). They are therefore particularly well-suited for adolescents and individuals at high risk of rapid myopia progression.

Who Should and Should Not Use Ortho-K Contact Lenses

Ortho-K is a widely preferred contact lens modality due to its relatively high safety profile and effectiveness in myopia control. The following outlines who is and is not an appropriate candidate for Ortho-K lenses.

Suitable Candidates for Ortho-K

Vision correction with Ortho-K lenses is appropriate for individuals who have not previously undergone refractive surgery. Specifically:

• Patients with refractive error, aged 7 years and older.
• Young patients with myopia up to –6.00 D and astigmatism up to –2.50 D (astigmatism not exceeding half the degree of myopia).
• Children with higher degrees of myopia, to prevent dangerous myopia-related complications.
• Patients with refractive error whose corrected visual acuity is limited, or those with corneal diseases such as keratoconus. (Note: this reflects the original Vietnamese text; in clinical practice, keratoconus is a contraindication for Ortho-K.)
• Myopic patients currently using glasses to compensate for anisometropia (unequal refractive error between the two eyes).

In addition, Ortho-K lenses are also suitable for individuals with refractive error who are unwilling or unable to undergo refractive surgery. Overall, this is an effective method for slowing myopia progression and is applicable to a wide range of patients.

Unsuitable Candidates for Ortho-K

Ortho-K contact lenses are not appropriate for patients with severe dry eye disease or ocular allergic conditions. Additionally, individuals who have previously undergone refractive surgery or have anterior uveitis are also not suitable candidates for Ortho-K lenses.

How to Use Ortho-K Lenses for Myopia Reduction

Since Ortho-K lenses are worn overnight during sleep and removed in the morning, they are relatively straightforward to use. The following is a guide on how to use Ortho-K lenses correctly.

Lens Insertion Instructions

First, insert the lenses approximately 15 minutes before going to sleep. Always wash your hands thoroughly before handling the lenses. Then, instill lubricating eye drops specifically formulated for contact lens use into both eyes and rinse the lenses with sterile saline solution. Next, inspect the lens for any debris or particles before placing the lens on the tip of your dominant index finger. Look straight into a mirror and use your middle finger to gently pull down the lower eyelid, while the other hand holds the upper eyelid open. Carefully center the lens onto the cornea (the dark part of the eye) and blink gently until the lens is securely positioned. After insertion, discard the soaking solution from the lens case and allow the case to air dry.

Lens Removal Instructions

To remove Ortho-K lenses, first instill lubricating eye drops into both eyes and look straight into a mirror. Use the middle finger of your non-dominant hand to hold the upper eyelid open, while the middle finger of your dominant hand holds the lower eyelid. Insert the removal tool (plunger) into the center of the lens or at approximately the two-thirds position of the cornea to gently lift the lens away from the eye.

Note: gently pull the lens free from the plunger and rinse it thoroughly with sterile saline solution. Place the lens in its case, fill the case completely with soaking solution, close the lid securely, and then proceed to remove the lens from the other eye.

The Most Widely Used and Trusted Ortho-K Lens Brands

When discussing Ortho-K lenses, the following brands are among the most recognized and clinically trusted.

Contex OK® E-System (Bausch & Lomb — USA)

Contex OK® is a rigid gas-permeable (RGP) contact lens with a reverse geometry design. The lens material is Boston® XO, which has low ultraviolet (UV) light absorption. Notably, this lens offers high oxygen transmissibility (Dk/t), ensuring adequate oxygen supply to the cornea — a critical factor for corneal health. Key specifications of this Ortho-K lens include: Myopia treatment range: –0.75 D to –9.25 D Astigmatism treatment range: up to –2.00 D

Breath-O Correct (Seed — Japan)

Breath-O Correct là dòng kính Ortho K Breath-O Correct is one of the leading Ortho-K lens choices for myopia control in the country. The lens is made from Toray's proprietary material, offering outstanding advantages including:

• Myopia treatment range: –1.00 D to –8.00 D
• Astigmatism treatment range: less than –1.50 D for with-the-rule astigmatism and below –0.75 D for against-the-rule astigmatism

In addition, this Ortho-K lens has high oxygen permeability and is safe for the cornea. The lens surface has excellent elasticity, contributing to its high durability. Furthermore, its design is particularly well-suited to the corneal anatomy of Asian patients.

Is Non-Surgical Myopia Treatment with Ortho-K a Good Option?

Using Ortho-K lenses to slow myopia progression is a safe and widely adopted non-surgical approach. Below are the advantages and disadvantages of this method.

Advantages

• Patients can see clearly during the day without the need for glasses or daytime contact lenses.
• The lens-wearing process is painless.
• Complications are uncommon when lenses are used and maintained correctly.
• Effective in controlling myopia progression in children.

Disadvantages

• Regular follow-up visits are required, and consistent nightly lens wear must be maintained.
• Patients must strictly adhere to the clinician's instructions to achieve optimal outcomes.

Examination, Consultation, and Ortho-K Lens Fitting Process at Hikari Eye Care

Upon enrolling in the Ortho-K treatment program at Hikari Eye Care, patients will undergo the following examination and lens fitting process.

At Hikari Eye Care, you can be fully confident in the expertise of our clinical team. Our ophthalmologists bring over 30 years of experience in the field of eye care, and will provide dedicated consultation and personalized treatment throughout your journey. In addition, Hikari Eye Care's state-of-the-art diagnostic and treatment equipment ensures the highest standard of care.

The consultation and treatment process at Hikari Eye Care follows internationally recognized clinical standards and has received consistently high patient satisfaction ratings. Appointments can be scheduled flexibly, eliminating the long waiting times typical of other facilities. Furthermore, Ortho-K lenses at Hikari Eye Care are sourced from certified, reputable manufacturers and are priced affordably for Vietnamese patients. Contact us today at Hotline 0961 39 39 83 to book your appointment at Hikari Eye Care.

Frequently Asked Questions About Ortho-K Lenses

Patients considering Ortho-K lenses for myopia control often have the following questions.

Are Ortho-K Lenses Safe?

Using Ortho-K lenses is a safe method; however, users must pay strict attention to lens hygiene. For this reason, when children use these lenses, they must always be closely supervised by an adult, as hygiene errors are more common in younger users.

What Symptoms May Occur When Wearing Ortho-K Lenses?

Common symptoms associated with Ortho-K lens wear include: increased lacrimation (tearing), ocular redness, foreign body sensation, mucous discharge, dry eye, photophobia (light sensitivity), and mild blurred vision. However, if any of these symptoms persist or worsen, patients should seek an immediate clinical evaluation so that the treating clinician can provide timely management.

Through this article, Hikari Eye Care has helped you explore everything you need to know about Ortho-K lenses.

Myopia Examination & Management at Hikari

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Hikari Eyecare is a specialized eye center focusing on vision care and myopia management, equipped with advanced technology and a highly experienced team of eye specialists, providing personalized solutions for each patient.

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