Eye Care

What Do Ortho-K Lenses Do? How Much Do They Cost? Is It Better Than A Surgery?

ortho k lenses

Want to get rid of glasses or contact lenses without undergoing LASIK or ICL surgery?  Well, there’s a safe and effective solution for you – Ortho-K Lenses! Let’s dive in and explore how these lenses work, who they are suitable for, their cost, benefits, and whether they are a better alternative to LASIK!

What Are Ortho-K Lenses?

Ortho-K (Orthokeratology) lenses are specialized gas-permeable contact lenses designed to temporarily reshape the cornea while you sleep. These lenses are a non-surgical alternative for vision correction, allowing people with myopia (minus number) and astigmatism to wake up with clear vision without needing glasses or daytime contact lenses.

How Do Ortho-K Lenses Work?

  • Worn Overnight – You simply wear Ortho-K lenses before bed, just like regular contact lenses.
  • Gentle Corneal Reshaping – While you sleep, the lenses gently reshape the cornea, correcting the way light enters the eye.
  • Clear Vision Throughout the Day – When you wake up and remove the lenses, you can see clearly without glasses or contact lenses for the entire day!
  • Temporary & Reversible – The effect lasts for 24-48 hours, so the lenses must be worn every night to maintain clear vision.

Ortho-K lenses are especially useful for:
✔ Children and adults with progressively increasing eye power.
✔ People who are not eligible for LASIK or prefer a non-surgical option.
✔ Athletes and sports players who find glasses or daytime lenses inconvenient.
✔ Individuals preparing for medical exams where glasses or contact lenses are not allowed.

Ortho-K vs. LASIK: Which Is Better?

Feature Ortho-K Lenses LASIK Surgery
Invasiveness ✅ Non-surgical ❌ Surgical
Permanence ❌ Temporary (must be worn nightly) ✅ Permanent vision correction
Suitability for Kids? ✅ Yes (suitable for children & adults) ❌ No (Only for 18+ age group)
Daily Maintenance ✅ Required (cleaning & proper care) ❌ Not needed
Time to See Results ⏳ Overnight (effects last for 24-48 hrs) 🚀 Immediate improvement after recovery
Cost 💰 ₹30,000 per eye (recurring every 1-2 years) 💰 ₹10,000+ per eye (one-time cost)
Best For 🌟 Those who prefer a reversible, non-surgical solution 🌟 Those looking for a permanent vision correction
  • Choose Ortho-K if you want a non-surgical, reversible option that you can stop using anytime. It’s great for kids, athletes, and people not eligible for LASIK.
  • Choose LASIK if you want a permanent, hassle-free solution and are comfortable with a one-time surgical procedure.

Both options offer freedom from glasses, but your choice depends on your lifestyle, vision needs, and long-term goals.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a safe, non-surgical way to get rid of glasses, Ortho-K lenses can be a great option. They offer temporary vision correction while you sleep, making them ideal for kids, athletes, and those who aren’t eligible for LASIK. However, they require daily maintenance and regular replacements, so if you’re looking for a permanent solution, LASIK might be a better choice.

📞 Want to know if Ortho-K lenses are right for you? Visit the Best Hospital for Eye Care Services or Book a free consultation today at +91 9711116605! 👓✨

FAQs

1. What are the disadvantages of Ortho-K?
While Ortho-K is a great non-surgical alternative for vision correction, it has a few limitations:

  • Temporary Effect – The vision correction lasts only 24-48 hours, meaning you must wear the lenses every night to maintain clear vision.
  • Daily Maintenance Required – The lenses need to be cleaned properly every day to prevent infections.
  • Not Suitable for All Vision Issues – Ortho-K is mainly for myopia (minus power) and mild astigmatism. It doesn’t work for hyperopia (plus power) or presbyopia (age-related vision loss).
  • Replacement Needed – Ortho-K lenses typically need to be replaced every 1-2 years, adding to the long-term cost.

2. Does Ortho-K permanently fix vision?
No, Ortho-K does not provide a permanent solution. The effects last only as long as you continue wearing the lenses overnight. If you stop using Ortho-K lenses, your cornea will gradually return to its original shape, and you will need glasses or contact lenses again. For a permanent vision correction, LASIK or other refractive surgeries are better options.

3. What is the price of an Ortho-K lens?
The cost of Ortho-K lenses in India is approximately ₹30,000 per eye. However, this price can vary based on factors like:

  • Brand & technology used
  • Customization based on eye prescription
  • Clinic & doctor’s expertise
    Since Ortho-K lenses need to be replaced every 1-2 years, the long-term cost can add up.