Proper Ortho-K Lens Care: What Parents Should Keep in Mind

Orthokeratology, also known as “ortho-k,” is a non-invasive vision improvement technique for nearsighted (myopic) individuals. It utilizes special gas-permeable lenses that help reshape the corneas’ curvature while you sleep. They’re worn overnight and removed when you wake up, resulting in better vision without the need for contact lenses or eyeglasses.

Like any contact lenses, ortho-k lenses require proper care. This is easier said than done, however, especially if your adolescent child is undergoing this form of treatment. Here are the following things parents should keep in mind when helping their sons and daughters take care of their special lenses.

Practice Regular Hygiene

Poor hygiene is among the many risk factors for acquiring eye infection due to improper handling of ortho-k lenses. Just like what your eye doctor instructed you, remind your child to always rinse and dry their hands thoroughly before touching the lenses. Microorganisms may get to your eyes if the lenses are handled with wet hands. Also, avoid the bathroom when washing hands or taking lenses out of containers—after all, it contains more germs than any other room in your home.

Supervise Your Child on the Use of Contacts

See to it that your child doesn’t mix their ortho-k contacts with the regular ones. Ortho-k lenses are not designed for everyday use. In the same vein, regular contact lenses are not to be worn while sleeping. Also, remind your child to sleep on time while under treatment. Ortho-k requires an individual to get a minimum of six hours of sleep.

Keep Track of Follow-Up Appointments

Your succeeding visits to your optometrist are vital to the success of the procedure. The eyes of your adolescent child are still developing, so it is important to monitor the progress of the treatment as well as to determine if the lenses need to be changed.

Six One Six Vision Center offers a wide range of eye care services, including comprehensive eye exams and eyeglass and contact lens prescriptions. Our doctors are trained to fit standard and specialty contact lenses, including CRT/orthokeratology lenses, sclerals, and multifocal contacts. Give us a call at (208) 514-1858 or fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment. We serve residents of Eagle and Meridian, Idaho.