Halloween is the season for spooky stories, but some of the things you've heard about Orthokeratology (Ortho-K) might be more fiction than fact!
Does Ortho-K permanently change your eyes? Is it only for adults? And is sleeping with contact lenses really safe?
Whether you're considering Ortho-K for yourself or your child, it's important to separate common misconceptions from the facts.
This Halloween, let's bust 5 spooky Ortho-K myths once and for all!
Myth 1: Ortho-K Permanently Changes Your Eyes 👻
MYTH: Once you start Ortho-K, your eyes will never return to their original shape.
FACT: Ortho-K temporarily reshapes the cornea, and its effects are generally reversible.
Ortho-K uses specially designed rigid contact lenses worn overnight to gently and temporarily reshape the front surface of the eye.
After removing the lenses in the morning, suitable wearers can enjoy clearer vision throughout the day without glasses or daytime contact lenses.
Unlike LASIK, Ortho-K does not involve surgery or permanently removing corneal tissue. If you stop wearing the lenses, your cornea generally returns towards its original shape over time.
The truth? Ortho-K provides temporary vision correction, not permanent surgical changes.
Myth 2: Ortho-K Is Only for Adults 🦇
MYTH: Children are too young for Ortho-K.
FACT: Ortho-K can be suitable for both children and adults.
In fact, Ortho-K is commonly used as a myopia management option for children. For suitable children, it may help slow myopia progression while providing clearer daytime vision without glasses.
Adults with myopia may also benefit, particularly those who prefer not to wear glasses or contact lenses during work, sports or daily activities.
Suitability depends on factors such as prescription, eyehealth and proper lens handling.
The truth? Ortho-K isn't just for adults. It can also be an option for children with myopia.
Myth 3: Sleeping with Ortho-K Lenses Is Dangerous 🕷️
MYTH: Sleeping with contact lenses will always damage your eyes.
FACT: Ortho-K lenses are specifically designed for overnight wear.
Unlike regular daytime contact lenses, Ortho-K lenses are designed to be worn while sleeping.
However, overnight lens wear still carries risks, including eye infections. Proper lens hygiene, professional fitting and regular follow-up appointments are essential.
The truth? Ortho-K can be an appropriate overnight vision correction option when professionally fitted and carefully monitored, but it is not risk-free.
Myth 4: Ortho-K Is Just Like Regular Contact Lenses 🧟
MYTH: Ortho-K works the same way as ordinary contact lenses.
FACT: Ortho-K works differently from conventional contact lenses.
Regular contact lenses correct your vision while you're wearing them.
Ortho-K lenses temporarily reshape the cornea overnight, allowing suitable wearers to enjoy clearer vision during the day after removing the lenses.
For children with myopia, Ortho-K may also help slow myopia progression.
The truth? Ortho-K offers a different approach to vision correction, with additional myopia management benefits for suitable children.
Myth 5: Once You Start Ortho-K, You Don't Need Eye Check-Ups 🎃
MYTH: If your vision is clear, there's no need to visit your optometrist.
FACT: Regular follow-up appointments are an essential part of Ortho-K care.
Even when your vision feels clear, your optometrist needs to monitor your corneal health, lens fit and overall response to treatment.
For children undergoing myopia management, regular reviews also help monitor changes in their eyesight and myopia progression.
The truth? Clear vision doesn't replace regular eye examinations.
Don't Let Ortho-K Myths Haunt You!
Ortho-K may sound mysterious, but understanding the facts can help you make a more informed decision about your vision.
Whether you're exploring Ortho-K for your child's myopia management or considering an alternative to glasses and daytime contact lenses, a professional assessment is the best place to start.
Wondering if Ortho-K could be suitable for you or your child?
Visit People's Optics at Yishun or Tampines for an Ortho-K assessment. Our optometrists can explain how Ortho-K works, answer your questions and help you explore your options.
This Halloween, leave the spooky myths behind and discover the facts about Ortho-K! 🎃
