After training many individuals on how to apply and remove their orthokeratology (ortho-K) lenses, here are a few tips to keep in mind to try to have a successful process. I have also included common questions I ask my patients at the one-week and one-month follow-up visits.
First thing to keep in mind is this – the first night of wear will be the most uncomfortable (some may compare it to the first night in Minecraft). If you can get through that first application, then the next night will be better and then by the end of the first week, the comfort should have improved.
Most times, it takes at least a week to get 90% of a person’s prescription corrected by the ortho-K lenses. If you have older glasses (with lesser prescriptions), they can be helpful in the days leading up to the full treatment effect.
If a change in the ortho-K lenses is required, a person’s vision may be slightly distorted the first few days of the new lens wear. I usually recommend individuals to start new lenses Friday evenings so that their vision may be blurry over the weekend, when it won’t affect their school or work activities as much.
Application Tips
- Please wash your hands prior to touching your lenses or your eyes!
- Make sure to evaluate the edges of the lenses for any breakages or deposits on the lenses. If a breakage is found, then do not apply the lens and call your eye care provider. If deposits are visible, then please see the “Cleaning” section below for cleaning information.
- Apply a drop of artificial tears to the lens well prior to applying to the eye. This will reduce bubble formation under the lens and allow for better optics the next day.
- I like to use Refresh Gel or Celluvisc drops due to their thicker, more viscous nature.
- If you feel irritation more than typical, see if a few blinks will allow the lens to settle. If that doesn’t resolve the irritation then remove the lens, inspect it for damage and add additional artificial tears before applying again.
Removal Tips
- Be sure that you wash your hands prior to touching your eyes or handling the contact lenses.
- Apply a drop of artificial tears to your eyes and ensure that the lenses are moving on the eye prior to attempting removal.
- Use your DMV device to remove your lenses. The ortho-K lenses have a specific reverse geometry design that is prone to breakage with traditional hard lens removal techniques that are found online.
- Make sure to have extra DMV devices on hand!
Cleaning Tips
- Please follow the recommended cleaning solutions that are detailed by your eye care provider. Cleaning solutions that our office recommends:
- Boston Simplus
- Menicon Unique pH
- Prior to applying lenses, place the lens in the palm of your hand. Add a few drops of the cleaning solution to the lens and clean the inside and outside of the lens by rubbing your lenses with your finger in a clockwise and counterclockwise motion.
- The above process can be completed when removing the lenses in the morning as well.
- Replace your contact lens solution everyday. Keep the lens hydrated to increase the life of the lens.
- Once/week enzymatic cleaners that can reduce protein deposit:
- Boston One-Step
Questions that I often ask my patients at follow-up visits:
- How is the comfort of the lens when your eyes are closed? Are you able to tolerate it with no issues while sleeping?
- How does your vision compare first thing in the morning to end of the day? Do you notice a decline in your vision? Do you notice glare or flare? Do you notice the overall blur? At what point in the day do you notice those things?
- When you remove the lenses in the morning, do you notice any binding or feel like the lens takes some effort to remove with the device?
I hope that this information will make your ortho-K process an easier and more comfortable success! Good luck and know that your eye care provider is there for you if any concerns or questions come up during the treatment process.
Growing Eyes 