Are you curious “why is ortho-k not popular“?
Ortho-k is a non-surgical way to correct vision.
It involves wearing special gas-permeable contact lenses while you sleep to reshape the cornea.
This helps improve your vision during the day without needing glasses or daytime contacts.
So, why isn’t it popular? Lack of awareness seems to be the answer.
In this article, we will look at why ortho-k has not become mainstream yet, its benefits and drawbacks, and whether it might be the right choice for you or your child.
What Is Ortho-K and How Does It Work?
Ortho-K, or Orthokeratology, is a non-surgical method that uses special contact lenses to reshape the cornea, the clear front part of the eye.
This treatment improves vision temporarily.
You wear these gas-permeable lenses overnight while you sleep and they gently flatten the cornea so you can see clearly during the day without glasses or regular contact lenses.
They can help with:
- Myopia (nearsightedness)
- Mild astigmatism
- Some types of hyperopia (farsightedness)
When you wake up and take out the lenses, you should see more clearly during the day.
The effects are not permanent, but if you wear the lenses regularly at night, you can keep the improvement.
For many people, especially kids and young adults, this method is a simple and non-invasive way to manage vision without surgery.
Benefits of Ortho-K
Ortho-K allows users to enjoy clear vision all day without glasses or daytime contacts, but this is just one of its many benefits:
1. Ortho-K is a non-invasive option with no permanent changes to the eye. If you stop using the lenses, your vision returns to its previous state.
2. Ortho-K has been shown to slow/stop myopia progression in children – the most common reason to use.
3. Worn overnight and removed in the morning, most users adapt to the lenses quickly.
4. Ortho-K lenses are tailored to your eye shape and can be adjusted over time, ensuring safety.
So, Why Is Ortho-K Not Popular?
There are several reasons why Ortho-K is not as popular as laser surgery or other treatments.
Let’s look at each reason.
At Vision Care Centre, we want to help our patients learn about all their vision correction choices, including new options like Ortho-k.
1. Lack of awareness and marketing
Many people don’t know about Ortho-k, which is why it’s not popular.
Unlike LASIK or glasses, which get lots of advertising, Ortho-k is a specialized service offered by certain optometrists.
Big eyewear brands usually don’t promote ortho-k because it is not made for everyone; each pair is custom-fitted.
On the other hand, it doesn’t bring in as much repeat business as glasses or daily contacts.
2. Specialized training required
Not all optometrists are trained to fit Ortho-k lenses.
Because it requires specialized skills, only certain clinics offer Ortho-k, making it hard to access, especially in rural areas.
3. Higher cost
Ortho-k can be pricey upfront, costing form $2,000-$3000 CAD for the year for lenses, mapping, and follow-up visits.
This is much more than the cost of regular glasses or disposable contacts.
4. Not Ideal for every prescription
Ortho-k works best for low to moderate myopia.
It may not be suitable for high prescriptions, advanced astigmatism, or presbyopia.
This limitation means Ortho-k isn’t for everyone, making it less popular than LASIK or multifocal glasses.
5. Discomfort
Some patients might feel discomfort when they first wear Ortho-k lenses, especially at night.
They may also experience dryness or mild irritation, and might be aware of the lenses while trying to sleep.
6. Daily commitment
To keep your vision clear, you need to wear Ortho-k lenses every night. If you skip a night, your vision might be blurry the next day.
For patients hoping for a low-maintenance solution like LASIK, this nightly routine may seem inconvenient.
Why Ortho-K May Be Worth Considering
Ortho-k may not be well-known, but it could be the right choice for you if:
- You want to go without glasses or contact lenses during the day.
- You prefer a non-surgical and reversible option.
- You have a child who needs help slowing down and managing myopia.
- You play sports and want a secure solution.
At Vision Care Centre, we have seen how Ortho-k can enhance quality of life, especially for students, athletes, and people with dry eyes who struggle with daytime lenses.
In Summary
So, why is Ortho-k not popular?
It’s not that it doesn’t work.
It’s that people aren’t aware of it, access is limited, and the industry hasn’t marketed it well enough.
If you want a non-surgical way to achieve clear vision, especially if you’re a parent worried about your child’s myopia: consider Ortho-k.
Contact Vision Care Centre if you are interested in this solution.
