{"id":9208,"date":"2020-12-28T13:12:06","date_gmt":"2020-12-28T13:12:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.optometrists.org\/?page_id=9208"},"modified":"2021-08-11T10:00:40","modified_gmt":"2021-08-11T10:00:40","slug":"are-ortho-k-lenses-safe","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.optometrists.org\/general-practice-optometry\/guide-to-myopia-management\/are-ortho-k-lenses-safe\/","title":{"rendered":"Are Ortho-K Lenses Safe?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Optometrists tell us not to sleep in our contact lenses\u2014 but ortho-k lenses are worn overnight, so do they increase the risk of contact lens complications?<\/b><\/h2>\n

Ortho-k lenses are designed to reshape your cornea while you sleep<\/b>, so you can benefit from clear vision during the day\u2014 without the need for glasses or contact lenses.<\/p>\n

These specialized lenses are prescribed to control the rate of myopia<\/a> progression in children, as well as for vision correction without the need for daytime eyewear.<\/p>\n

Are ortho-k safe?<\/h2>\n

Some of the most common contact lens complications<\/a> include eye infections, hypoxia, corneal abrasions<\/a> and corneal staining\u2014 all of which can lead to more serious conditions that can even threaten permanent vision loss.<\/p>\n

Studies that have compared the safety of regular contact lenses to ortho-k lenses have concluded that ortho-k lenses do NOT increase your risk of contact lens complications.<\/b><\/p>\n

Eye infections<\/b><\/h2>\n

Every year, serious eye infections affect up to 1 in 500 contact lens wearers.<\/b><\/p>\n

The number one reason that eye infections develop from contact lens wear is inadequate contact lens hygiene\u2014 this occurs with all types of contact lenses.<\/p>\n

Between 40-90 percent of contact lens wearers do not follow instructions on proper care for their contact lenses.<\/b><\/p>\n

The most effective way to prevent eye infections from contact lens wear is to wash your hands<\/b> before touching your eyes and contact lenses and follow your eye doctor\u2019s instructions on how to properly disinfect and store your lenses, as well as how often to dispose and replace them.<\/b><\/p>\n

Hypoxia<\/b><\/h2>\n

Extended, uninterrupted contact lens wear can reduce the supply of oxygen to the cornea and cause hypoxia and corneal inflammation.<\/p>\n

If you wear your ortho-k lenses as directed and remove them each morning, your risk of hypoxia should not increase.\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n

If your child has myopia, contact an eye doctor<\/a> near you, to discuss whether myopia management is a suitable option.<\/strong><\/p>\n

SEE RELATED: <\/strong>Ortho-K: Top 10 FAQs<\/a><\/p>\n\n\t

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