Park Slope Eye
682 Union St Brooklyn NY 11215 +1 347-560-8393
https://parkslopeeye.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/ParkSlopeEye-Logo-Black.png

overnight-contact-lenses-1 Hero

How Overnight Contact Lenses Work to Control Myopia

Book Appointment

For millions of people around the world, myopia is more than just a minor inconvenience. Poor distance vision can affect daily activities and overall quality of life. Even worse, if left untreated, myopia progresses as you age

To help manage refractive errors, people typically wear glasses or contact lenses during the day. For mild to moderate myopia, Orthokeratology lenses offer another option to treat the refractive error. 

Overnight contact lenses work by gently reshaping the cornea while you sleep to help your eyes focus light correctly. The effects of the reshaping persists into the following day, effectively providing the benefits of traditional contact lenses without the hassle of daytime wear.

What Is Myopia?

Myopia, commonly known as nearsightedness, is a refractive error where distant objects appear blurry. This occurs when the eye becomes elongated or when the cornea or lens is too curved. 

People with myopia often experience headaches, eye strain, and difficulty seeing distant objects clearly, like road signs or classroom boards. In some cases, high myopia can lead to complications such as retinal detachment, cataracts, and glaucoma. Early intervention and effective treatment methods are crucial to managing this condition.

How Is Myopia Treated?

There are several ways to manage myopia, each with its own set of advantages and drawbacks. Here’s a look at the most common treatment options available.

Eyeglasses

Eyeglasses are the most traditional and straightforward method to correct myopia. They use lenses to refract light and focus properly onto the retina, helping you see distant objects clearly. While convenient, glasses can be cumbersome and aren’t suited for all activities, like sports.

Soft Contact Lenses

Soft contact lenses sit directly on the eye and offer a more natural field of vision compared to glasses. They are comfortable and easy to adapt to but require daily maintenance and cleaning. They also need to be replaced regularly, which can be costly over time.

Hard Contact Lenses

Rigid Gas Permeable (RGP) lenses like those used in orthokeratology (or Ortho-K) can sometimes provide better vision correction for some people due to their rigidity. Hard contact lenses are durable and allow for better oxygen flow to the eyes. However, they can be less comfortable initially and require an adaptation period.

Atropine Drops

Atropine eye drops are used in low doses to slow the progression of myopia in children. They work by relaxing the eye muscles and dilating the pupil. While effective, they can sometimes cause side effects like light sensitivity and blurred vision at close distances.

Laser Eye Surgery

Laser eye surgery uses precision laser technology to reshape the cornea and correct myopia, offering a permanent solution. Laser surgery is effective but comes with risks and requires a significant investment. Not everyone is a suitable candidate for this procedure, so consult your eye doctor to see if this is a suitable option for you. Your eye doctor can also guide you with postoperative care guidelines.

What Are Overnight Contact Lenses?

Overnight contact lenses, also known as orthokeratology (Ortho-K) lenses or corneal reshaping lenses, are designed to be worn while you sleep. These RGP lenses gently reshape the cornea overnight, providing clear vision during the day without the need for glasses or daytime contact lenses.

Unlike traditional contact lenses, Ortho-K lenses are worn only at night. They temporarily alter the shape of the cornea, flattening it to correct the refractive error caused by myopia. This effect lasts throughout the day, offering clear vision without any eyewear.

Ideal Candidates

Ortho-K lenses are suitable for both children and adults with mild to moderate myopia. They are particularly beneficial for active individuals and those who find glasses or traditional contact lenses inconvenient.

A close-up of a person's hand, with a contact lens resting on their fingertip. In the background, a contact lens case and a bottle of cleaning solution sit on a table.

How Do Overnight Contact Lenses Work?

The Science of Corneal Reshaping

The cornea is the eye’s outermost layer that helps focus light onto the retina. In myopic eyes, the cornea’s curvature causes light to focus in front of the retina, resulting in blurred distance vision. Ortho-K lenses gently reshape the cornea by applying controlled pressure, which flattens the center of the cornea and reduces its curvature.

Wearing the Lenses

Before bed, you place the Ortho-K lenses on the surface of your eye. Throughout the night, these lenses reshape your cornea while you sleep. When you wake up, you remove the lenses, and the cornea retains its new shape throughout the day, allowing you to see clearly. For consistency, Ortho-K lenses should be worn nightly.

Daily Benefits

One of the most significant advantages of Ortho-K lenses is the freedom they provide. You can enjoy a full day of clear vision without the hassle of glasses or traditional contact lenses. This is especially beneficial for athletes, children, and anyone who finds daytime eyewear limiting.

Potential Drawbacks

While Ortho-K lenses offer numerous benefits, they might not be suitable for everyone. Here are some potential drawbacks to consider.

Maintenance

Ortho-K lenses require regular cleaning and maintenance to ensure they remain effective and safe to use. Neglecting proper care can lead to eye infections and other complications.

Cost Considerations

Ortho-K lenses can be more expensive upfront compared to traditional contacts or glasses. However, the investment can pay off in terms of the freedom and quality of life they offer.

Not a Permanent Solution

The corneal reshaping effect of Ortho-K lenses is temporary. If you stop wearing the lenses nightly, your cornea will gradually return to its original shape.

Are Overnight Contact Lenses Right for You?

Ortho-K lenses offer an innovative and effective solution for managing myopia. By reshaping the cornea overnight, they help provide clear vision during the day without the need for glasses or traditional contact lenses.

If you’re struggling with myopia or looking for a more convenient way to manage your vision, Ortho-K lenses might be the answer. Our team at Park Slope Eye can help you determine whether overnight contact lenses are right for you. Book an appointment with us today to see the options we have for you!

Categories:

  • Categories
  • Written by Justin Bazan

    Dr. Justin Bazan is a 2004 SUNY College of Optometry graduate. He established Park Slope Eye in 2008 with the goal of providing high quality eyecare and incredible eyewear for the neighborhood. He has a true passion for optometry and stay up to date with the current research and trends. He is active in the profession and holds several leadership positions on the local, state and national levels. Dr. Bazan is a Park Slope local and can often be seen out in the neighborhood so be sure to say Hi next time you see him!

    More Articles by Justin Bazan

    Visit Our Location

    We’d love to meet you. You can find Park Slope Eye on the corner of Union Street and 5th Ave in Brooklyn.

    To book an appointment please use our Book Appointment link. For general inquiries, please email us at info@parkslopeeye.com and a member of our staff will return your email promptly.

    Our Address

    • 682 Union St
    • Brooklyn, NY 11215, USA

    Contact Us

    Hours

    Monday
    Noon - 8:00 PM
    Tuesday
    9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
    Wednesday
    10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
    Thursday
    9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
    Friday
    9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
    Saturday
    By Appointment Only
    Sunday
    By Appointment Only

    Our Reviews

    /5 Reviews
    Verified Patient Reviews
    1 of 20
    <
    >
    <
    >
    Powered by
    chevron-right chevron-left chevron-down chevron-up instagram facebook facebook2 pinterest twitter google-plus google linkedin2 yelp youtube phone location calendar share2 link star-full star-half chevron-right chevron-left chevron-down chevron-up envelope fax