Orthokeratology (Ortho-K) lenses are a widely used form of non-surgical vision correction for any individual who wants to be free of glasses or contact lenses during the day. However, if you’re already using Ortho-K lenses or thinking about going for this one, you might wonder: Can Ortho-K lenses be worn during the day? If you’d like to learn how orthokeratology lenses can help you achieve corrected vision without glasses or daytime contact lenses, talk to an eye care professional. In this article, we will explain the science behind Ortho-K, where it is applicable, and why Ortho-K should only be worn at night for the safety and efficacy of this treatment.
What Are Ortho-K Lenses?
Ortho-K lenses are specially designed gas-permeable contact lenses that gently reshape the cornea (the front of your eye) while you sleep. This temporary reshaping of the cornea corrects refractive vision problems like nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), and astigmatism. In the morning, once the lenses are out that’s it, you have clear vision without any lenses for the day.
If you are interested in non-invasive alternatives to LASIK and wish to control your vision without daytime contacts or glasses, ortho-k lenses in Palo Alto may be perfect for you!
What Happens If You Wear Ortho-K Lenses Accidentally During the Day?
It’s unlikely to be too damaging if you occasionally fall asleep while napping or forget to take your Ortho-K lenses out in the morning. But it’s neither safe nor effective for regular daytime use. If you wear it overnight and face any discomfort, dryness, or blurry vision during the day, consult an eye doctor in Palo Alto, who can evaluate you for what may be going on.
Reasons Ortho-K Lenses Are Intended To Be Worn at Night
Ortho-K lenses are designed and manufactured for overnight wear. Here’s why:
- Corneal Reshaping takes place while you sleep
Ortho-K lenses create gentle pressure on the cornea while sleeping, temporarily flattening it so that light is focused differently on the retina. This works well when worn for a minimum of 8-10 hours each day, preferably overnight, so that you can have clear vision during the day.
- It’s Not For Daytime Wear
Here are a few reasons why wearing Ortho-K lenses throughout the day is not typically recommended:
Less Comfortable: These lenses or not made for long wear while awake. They can feel uncomfortable, or irritate the eye, especially if worn for too long during the day.
Oxygen Supply: Wearing lenses for extended periods of time during the day reduces the availability of oxygen to the cornea, but gas-permeable lenses allow enough oxygen penetration to the cornea, making extended lens wear at night manageable.
Higher Risk of Infection: Wearing daytime lenses can also increase the risk of eye infection, dryness, or inflammation if lenses are not removed or cleaned as they should be.
Other Options for Treating Daily Vision
If you’re looking for flexibility in vision correction and are interested in options beyond Ortho-K, your optometrist can help you to explore:
- Daily wear contact lenses
- Prescription glasses.
- Lasik, or refractive surgery options.
We customize vision solutions to your lifestyle and eye health needs at Refine Optometry.
Palo Alto Optometry Practice and the Ortho-K Care
Select the right provider for Ortho-K to treat your eyes safely and effectively. A trusted Palo Alto Optometry practice will:
- Determine if your eyes are healthy & suited to Ortho-K
- Will design custom lenses that safely and effectively reshape the cornea.
- Teach how to take care of lenses and when to wear
- Provide follow-up care for vision and eye health
Managing Dry Eyes with Ortho-K Lenses
Ortho-K may cause dryness or discomfort with use, which can be an issue with any contact lens use. For effective treatment, it is very important you visit a dry eye doctor in Palo Alto if you feel dryness or irritation. Managing Dry Eyes includes in your routine:
- Lubricating eye drops
- Warm compresses
- Lifestyle adjustments
- Office procedures, like punctual plugs or TearCare
Fighting dryness with this approach enhances comfort and enhances the benefits of Ortho-K lenses.
Tips to Ensure Safe Use of Ortho-K
To get the best results and safeguard your eye health:
- Adhere to the recommended wearing of your lenses only overnight.
- Remove, and clean lenses well each morning.
- During the day only in some short-term situations as instructed by your optometrist.
Have your eyes checked regularly to ensure that the lenses fit properly and that your cornea is healthy.
Final Thoughts
Although Ortho-K lenses allow clear vision during the day without glasses or contacts, they are not designed for wearing during the day. Use them only as directed overnight for your safety and best results. If you’re interested in Ortho-K or need dry eye assistance, count on the expert staff at Refine Optometry, your trusted Palo Alto optometry.
Book a consultation today to find out whether orthokeratology lenses in Palo Alto are the best fit for you and start your journey towards a lens-free future of comfortable vision.