Expert Tips for Gentle Care of Your Ortho-K Lenses

Introduction

Orthokeratology or ortho-k is a modern approach to correcting refractive errors, particularly myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism. Many patients favor it because of its noninvasiveness and affordability compared to surgical solutions.

It is done to temporarily reshape the cornea and help those with refractive errors see clearly without prescription lenses. Patients will have to wear special ortho-k lenses at night when they sleep, and their cornea will be reshaped during this period. When they wake up, they will take off the lenses, but they will not experience blurry vision or other signs of refractive errors.

Since the lenses touch the eyes directly, there is an increased risk of eye infection. This is why Asian Eye Institute has summarized everything you need to know about proper ortho-k contact lens hygiene. Read on to learn how to protect your ortho-k lenses and prevent eye-related problems when using them.

Why Is Ortho-K Contact Lens Hygiene Necessary?

If you use normal contact lenses, it is necessary to exercise proper hygiene to avoid infections and other eye-related problems. The same is true if you wear ortho-k lenses. Here are some reasons you must practice proper hygiene when putting on and taking off the lenses:

Protect Your Eyes From Infection

Microbial keratitis is a condition that sometimes develops in people who wear contact lenses. Due to certain factors, like improper use of the lenses, the cornea can get scarred or infected. Germs, bacteria, and parasitic microorganisms can get into the eye and damage the cornea, leading to vision problems.

Ortho-k users are not immune to microbial keratitis. It is uncommon, but it can still develop in patients who do not practice good hygiene when wearing the lenses. A few symptoms of microbial keratitis are redness in the eye and blurry vision. If you think you might have this condition, contact your ortho-k specialist immediately for a proper diagnosis and treatment.

Avoid Contamination of the Lens Solution

The ortho-k cleaning solution you use is specially made for orthokeratology lenses. Keeping it uncontaminated is critical if you wish to avoid contracting eye infections and other related problems.

To avoid contamination of the liquid, make sure to wash your hands thoroughly before getting the lenses out of the case. It is also advisable to replace your ortho-k lens case monthly to lower the risk of contamination.

Prevent the Lenses From Getting Dirty

Ortho-k lenses directly touch your eyes, so they should remain clean at all times. Your doctor will provide you with ortho-k multipurpose cleaning solution and lens lubricant to keep your ortho-k lenses clean. The multipurpose cleaning solution is used as a rinsing, cleaning, and soaking agent to disinfect the lenses. Meanwhile, the lubricant is a special eye drop needed to lubricate the eyes when putting and taking off the lenses.

Even if you already have the ortho-k multipurpose solution and lens lubricant, practicing the proper way of wearing the lenses is still necessary. Be sure to follow these steps:

Wash your hands thoroughly and dry them using a paper towel or lint-free fabric.
Open the case and gently take out the ortho-k lens. Use the lens lubricant, and then place the lens onto the eye.
Blink and move your eyes to see if the lens is centered and placed correctly. If not, move it to the center using your index finger.
Put the other lens on using the same method.

Here is a step-by-step guide that you can follow when taking the lenses off:

Wash your hands properly and dry them.
Get the case ready, along with the disinfecting solution in it. Gently remove the lens with your thumb and index finger. If your doctor provided a suction tool, you can use that, too.
Place the lens into the case with the disinfecting solution and close it tightly.
Repeat the steps to take off the second lens.

Proper Care of Your Ortho-K Lenses

Protecting your ortho-k lenses from damage is necessary for prolonged use. Here are some helpful tips:

Follow Ortho-K Cleaning Instructions Strictly – Your doctor should teach you how to clean your ortho-k lenses when you get them. Listen to their instructions carefully and follow them religiously to avoid contaminating or damaging your lenses.
Do Not Use Other Cleaning Solutions – You will be given an ortho-k lens disinfecting solution and cleaner to sanitize the lenses before and after every use. Do not use tap water, regular contact lens solution, or other cleaning agents to disinfect your ortho-k lenses.
Do Not Drop the Lenses in the Sink – Take extra precautions when wearing the lenses to avoid dropping them on the bathroom floor or sink. If you do, disinfect them thoroughly with the lens disinfecting solution before putting them onto your eyes or back into the case.

Get Ortho-K Lenses From a Trusted Eye Care Center

Asian Eye Institute provides excellent orthokeratology services. If you have any problems with your ortho-k lenses, our doctors can help you right away and resolve the issue before it worsens.

You can visit our physical locations around Metro Manila to speak with our doctors. Simply schedule an appointment beforehand to ensure you will be attended to at your desired time. Alternatively, you can take advantage of our online consultation options.

Our teleconsultation services allow you to have one-on-one virtual sessions with our ophthalmologists and/or ortho-k specialists. This option is available for patients who might be too busy to visit our physical locations. It works like any normal face-to-face consultation where the doctor provides medical advice and prescriptions.

Conclusion

Orthokeratology provides patients with a noninvasive way to correct refractive errors, like myopia, astigmatism, and hyperopia. However, since the lenses are directly placed onto the eyes, it is crucial to follow your doctor’s instructions on how to correctly put them on and take them off. Ortho-k contact lens hygiene is also necessary to avoid eye infections and other related problems.

If you still experience irritation and other eye-related concerns that might stem from using your ortho-k lenses, consult your doctor as soon as possible. At Asian Eye Institute, we provide convenient ways for you to speak with our ophthalmologists and orthokeratology specialists. Contact our team today for more information regarding our services.

Asian Eye’s Dr. Robert Ang Wins Gold Medal at Cataract Olympics

At the recent American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery (ASCRS) Annual Meeting on April 8, 2024, Dr. Robert Ang of Asian Eye was awarded a prestigious Gold medal in the Cataract Olympics for his video presentation titled “Cataract Technology Hurdles.”

Held in Boston, Massachusetts, USA from April 05 to 08, 2024, the annual meeting featured the participation of outstanding ophthalmologists and eye care professionals from across the globe. The Cataract Olympics symposium provided a platform for teams from leading organizations such as ASCRS, APACRS, ESCRS, and LASCRS to showcase their expertise and compete in various cataract categories making Dr. Ang’s achievement even more remarkable.

Dr. Ang’s award-winning video focused on the critical aspect of astigmatism correction during cataract surgery and offered valuable insights into using Toric (astigmatism) IOLs. His impressive win coincides with Cataract Awareness Month this June, a time dedicated to raising awareness about cataracts and educating the public about available treatment options.

This video competition not only showcases the expertise and skills of specialists like Dr. Ang but also provides a platform for sharing knowledge and exchanging ideas with doctors worldwide regarding new technologies and surgical techniques. By leveraging the power of visual media, these educational resources help advance the field of cataract surgery and benefit patients globally.

Cataracts are an age-related eye condition, where the normally clear lens of the eye becomes cloudy. Sometimes, it feels like looking at a fogged-up glass. If not treated, it can lead to blindness. Fortunately, surgery can be done to remove it. The ophthalmologist will remove the lens with cataract and replace it with an IOL. There are different kinds of IOLs available, all designed to improve vision.

Asian Eye takes great pride in the exceptional skills and expertise of their esteemed medical team, exemplified by the contributions of Dr. Robert Ang. Dedicated to providing patients with the highest standard of care, patients can have peace of mind when it comes to cataract surgery and other vision-related procedures at Asian Eye.

For more information about Dr. Robert Ang and the advanced ophthalmological services offered at Asian Eye, please visit www.asianeyeinstitute.com.

Cataract Awareness Month: Reclaim Your Freedom, Restore Your Sight

June is Cataract Awareness Month, and as a leading eye center in the Philippines, Asian Eye aims to celebrate and raise awareness about the importance of cataract screenings and drive more individuals to seek timely treatment for cataracts. Cataracts are a common concern among older Filipinos and one of the major causes of visual impairment. According to the Philippine Eye Research Institute, there are 1.18 million people suffering from cataracts, with roughly 400,000 needing surgery.

Cataracts are the clouding of the eye’s natural lens, which can lead to symptoms such as blurry vision, difficulty seeing at night, and increased sensitivity to glare. It can lead to blindness if left untreated, so it’s essential to have them removed when they begin to interfere with your daily activities, such as driving, watching TV, or cooking.

Cataract surgery is a common procedure that involves removing the cloudy natural lens and replacing it with an artificial intraocular lens. Laser cataract surgery offers several advantages over traditional surgery, and Asian Eye is proud to offer patients with cutting-edge solutions for their eye care needs.

Asian Eye utilizes VICTUS Femtolaser technology from the renowned German brand Bausch + Lomb. This advanced technology is able to break up and remove the cloudy lens using significantly less energy, minimizing the risk of damage to surrounding tissues and promoting quicker healing.

Regular visits to your eye doctor are paramount, as they can advise you on the timing of the surgery and explain the benefits and risks involved. If you have an elderly loved one who complains of cloudy or blurry vision, consider giving them the gift of sight with the following Cataract Screening and Surgery deals:

40% off for one (1) cataract screening

50% off for two (2) or more cataract screenings

20% off on cataract surgery

*if scheduled within one (1) week after the screening or deposit is given within (2) weeks

It’s important to make informed decisions with a trusted eye care specialist and to book an appointment with Asian Eye to take proactive steps towards better vision and eye health.

Asian Eye Institute is located at Phinma Plaza, Rockwell Center, Makati with satellite offices located in TriNoma, Quezon City, and Mall of Asia, Pasay City. For inquiries and appointments, you may call 8898- 2020 or send an email to [email protected].

Dr. Robert Ang Recognized as one of the Top 100 in “The Power List 2024” by The Ophthalmologist

Dr. Robert Edward Ang, a distinguished specialist in Cataract, Glaucoma, and Cornea and Refractive Surgery (LASIK) at the Asian Eye Institute, has been honored once again by The Ophthalmologist Magazine in its prestigious 2024 Power List as one of the top 100 most influential eye care professionals in the world. Dr. Ang, notably the only Filipino listed, reaffirms his status with this second recognition. The first time he was listed in the top 100 was in 2018, highlighting his sustained contributions and leadership in the global ophthalmology community.

About Dr. Robert Edward Ang

As the Director of the Cornea and Refractive Surgery Service at the Asian Eye Institute, Dr. Ang is celebrated for his expertise in LASIK surgery and his pioneering research on technologies that enhance the diagnosis and treatment of various eye conditions. As the Director for Research and Training, his collaborative work with leading pharmaceutical and medical device companies has led to innovations in cataract intraocular lenses, presbyopic laser treatments, and minimally invasive glaucoma devices.

His accolades include multiple Best Paper of Session Awards from the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery (ASCRS), the Certified Educator Award from the Asia Pacific Association of Cataract and Refractive Surgery (APACRS), the Presidential Recognition Award from the International Society of Refractive Surgery (ISRS), the Geminiano de Ocampo Outstanding Researcher in Ophthalmology Award from the Philippine Academy of Ophthalmology (PAO) and the Senior Achievement Award from the Asia Pacific Academy of Ophthalmology (APAO).

Dr. Ang’s consistent recognition on such a significant global platform not only underscores his dedication and skill but also serves as an inspiration to current and aspiring ophthalmologists worldwide. His achievements continue to showcase the excellence and innovation present in Philippine medical practices.

Explore and Connect

Dr. Robert Ang has ongoing research projects on cataract, glaucoma, refractive lenses and laser eye surgery. To learn more about Dr. Ang’s impactful work and explore if, as a patient, you would like to be part of the pioneering research and eye care services at the Asian Eye Institute, please visit our website at asianeyeinstitute.com. For appointments, please refer to the contact details below:

ROCKWELL (Main Clinic)

8th, 9th, and 10th Floors, PHINMA Plaza

Rockwell Center, Makati City

LANDLINE (02) 8-898-2020

MOBILE 0918-898-2020

EMAIL [email protected]

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