What Are Ortho-K Lenses and How Do They Work?
Imagine waking up each morning with crisp, clear vision—without reaching for your glasses or daytime contact lenses. That’s exactly what night time contact lenses, also known as ortho-k lenses, are designed to do. These customized lenses gently reshape your cornea as you sleep, allowing you to enjoy sharp vision all day long.
Night time lenses are great for people of all ages with nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism. And they’re not just for kids—adults benefit from them too, especially those who want to reduce their dependence on glasses or traditional contacts.
Who Can Benefit from These Overnight Contact Lenses?
Studies show that wearing these lenses overnight can help slow down the progression of myopia (nearsightedness) in children and teens, lowering their risk of developing eye diseases later in life. They're also an excellent choice for athletes who don’t want glasses or contacts getting in the way. Even if you’re an adult dealing with presbyopia, night time lenses can sometimes help you ditch those reading glasses. And for professionals like pilots or law enforcement officers, they can meet the unaided vision requirements of the job—no more struggling to pass vision tests.
Different Names, Same Amazing Benefits
Over the years, you might have heard these night time contacts called by many different names, but they all follow the same basic principle—reshaping the cornea while you sleep. Some of the names include:
- Corneal Refractive Therapy (CRT)
- Accelerated Ortho-K (AOK)
- Dream Lenses
- Gentle Vision Shaping System (GVSS)
- Vision Shaping Treatment (VST)
- And more...
No matter what you call them, the result is the same—clear, glasses-free vision all day long.
What Are the Benefits of Ortho-K Lenses?
These lenses come with some incredible benefits:
Slows Myopia in Kids: Night time lenses can slow down the worsening of nearsightedness in children, helping to prevent serious eye issues later on.
Corrects Various Vision Issues: From myopia and hyperopia to presbyopia and astigmatism, these lenses cover a wide range of needs.
Quick Vision Correction: Some people see results after just one night, while others may take a few weeks. Either way, the outcome is worth it—clear vision all day.
Freedom From Glasses or Day Contacts: The reshaping effect lasts throughout the day, allowing you to enjoy an active lifestyle without glasses or traditional contact lenses.
Custom Fit for Comfort: These lenses are custom-made for your eyes, ensuring a comfortable and secure fit.
Safe and FDA-Approved: With proper care and hygiene, these lenses are safe for overnight wear, and FDA-approved options like CRT by Paragon are available.
Temporary Changes: The effects are reversible, so if you decide to explore laser eye surgery down the road, your cornea will return to its natural shape.
Are Overnight Lenses Safe to Wear?
Yes, they are! These lenses are designed specifically for overnight use and are a safe, non-surgical alternative to LASIK. They’re perfect for active adults who want clear vision during the day without the hassle of contacts or glasses. Unlike standard contact lenses, which aren’t safe to wear while you sleep, these lenses are built for overnight wear and provide optimal oxygen flow to your eyes.
As with any type of contact lens, proper care is key. Make sure to follow your eye care professional’s instructions on cleaning and handling to keep your eyes healthy.
Ready to Experience Clear Vision Overnight?
If you’re interested in learning more about how these overnight lenses can help you see clearly without glasses or daytime contacts, we’d love to help. Contact us at Lifetime Eyecare Associates to schedule an eye exam or to get answers to any questions you have.