LASIK surgery is a popular choice for those who no longer want to rely on glasses or contact lenses. However, not everyone is comfortable with surgery, and some people may not be ideal candidates for LASIK due to factors like thin corneas, severe dry eye, or an unstable prescription. If you’re looking for a non-surgical alternative that still provides clear vision without glasses or regular contacts, ortho-k could be the perfect solution. 

What is ortho-k? 

Ortho-k, also known as orthokeratology, is a specialty contact lens that you wear overnight while you sleep. These lenses gently reshape your cornea (the clear front part of your eye) to temporarily correct vision problems such as nearsightedness and farsightedness. When you take them out in the morning, you can see clearly throughout the day without needing glasses or daytime contact lenses! Some benefits of ortho-k include: 

1. No surgery required 

One of the main advantages of ortho-k is that there’s no surgery involved. If you’re unsure about eye surgery, ortho-k offers a safe, non-invasive solution. Since it doesn’t require permanently altering your eyes, the risk factors are lower than with surgery. This makes it an appealing option for people who might be wary of undergoing a surgical procedure. 

2. Ideal for those with thin corneas 

Not everyone can get LASIK, especially if you have a thin cornea. To effectively perform LASIK, the cornea needs to be thick enough to maintain its shape after surgery. If your cornea is too thin, LASIK might not be an option. Ortho-k, however, works for many people with thinner corneas since it doesn’t require any permanent changes to the eye’s structure. 

3. Reversible 

Ortho-k is completely reversible! If you want to stop wearing the ortho-k lenses (for example, if you decide you want LASIK surgery), your eyes will return to their original shape over time. 

4. Perfect for active lifestyles 

If you live a very active lifestyle—whether that means playing sports, hiking, or running around with the kids—ortho-k may be a great option for you. With ortho-k, you don’t have to worry about glasses fogging up or contact lenses drying out. You also won’t need to carry extra contacts or glasses with you. 

5. Helps control myopia (nearsightedness) 

Has your child been diagnosed with myopia? Glasses and regular contact lenses can correct their vision, but they won’t slow down the progression of myopia. Controlling myopia progression is important because myopia can increase the risk of serious eye conditions later in life, such as retinal detachment, glaucoma, and macular degeneration. Ortho-k not only corrects vision but also helps slow myopia’s progression. It’s especially beneficial for kids and teens with progressive myopia, myopia that continually worsens over time due to abnormally fast eye growth. 

6. Ideal for dry eye sufferers 

One common issue with traditional contact lenses is that they can reduce the amount of oxygen reaching your cornea, leading to dryness and discomfort. While some contacts are designed to allow more oxygen flow, wearers can still experience dry, gritty eyes toward the end of the day. Since ortho-k lenses are only worn while you sleep, they can help reduce contact lens-related dry eyes. During the day, your eyes are completely lens-free, allowing them to get the oxygen they need and preventing dry eye symptoms. 

7. Safe for all ages 

Ortho-k isn’t just for adults—it’s also an excellent choice for kids and teens! Many parents use ortho-k to manage their child’s nearsightedness, and it’s safe for younger eyes. It’s a great way to give children clear vision without the need for daily lenses. 

Not sure which option is right for you? 

At Pittsburgh Primary Eyecare, we can help you decide whether LASIK or ortho-k is the better fit for your vision needs and lifestyle. We offer LASIK consultations and refer ideal candidates to trusted LASIK surgeons. If ortho-k seems like a better option for you or your child, our team can help you understand the benefits and guide you through the process. Give us a call today or use our online scheduler to book an eye exam in Pittsburgh, PA!