Ortho-K and Invisalens
Ortho-K Safety and Hygiene
Orthokeratology has been used since 1962 and current designs are approved for overnight wear. The principal risk is microbial keratitis, and it is controlled by correct cleaning, never letting lenses touch water, and keeping every follow up appointment.
In short
The risk is infection. Handling discipline and kept appointments are how it is managed.
Any contact lens worn while asleep carries a higher infection risk than one worn during the day, because the closed eye is warmer, produces fewer tears and clears debris less effectively. Pretending otherwise would not serve anybody.
What matters is that the risk is well understood and almost entirely controllable. The overwhelming majority of serious lens related infections trace back to a small number of avoidable behaviours: water contact, topping up old solution instead of replacing it, sleeping in a lens that felt uncomfortable, and skipping follow up appointments.
The rules below are not optional extras. They are the reason overnight wear has the safety record it has when done properly.
What to expect
- Never let a lens touch water
- Not tap water, not bottled water, not the shower, not the pool. Acanthamoeba lives in water supplies and causes an infection that is extremely difficult to treat. This is the single most important rule.
- Fresh solution every time
- Empty the case, rinse it with solution, air dry it face down, and fill it with fresh solution for each use. Never top up what is already there.
- Replace the case regularly
- Cases build biofilm. Replace yours every three months at the latest.
- Never sleep in a lens that feels wrong
- Pain, redness, unusual light sensitivity or blurred vision means take the lens out and call the office. Do not wait to see whether it settles.
What is included
- In person handling and cleaning training rather than a leaflet
- Corneal health assessment at every follow up
- Direct line to the office if something feels wrong
- Replacement scheduling before lenses degrade
What this does not do
- No lens care routine eliminates infection risk entirely.
- Follow up appointments are part of the safety system, not an optional add on.
Questions and answers
What are the warning signs of a problem?
Pain, persistent redness, unusual sensitivity to light, discharge, or blurred vision that does not clear after removing the lens. Any of those means take the lenses out and contact the office promptly. Eye infections are treatable when caught early and damaging when they are not.
Can I shower with them in?
No. Water and contact lenses should never meet. Remove lenses before showering, swimming or using a hot tub.
How often do the lenses need replacing?
Rigid lenses last considerably longer than soft ones, typically a year or more with good care, but they do degrade. Condition is assessed at every review and replacement is scheduled before performance drops.
What if I get an eye infection?
Stop wearing the lenses and contact the office. Optometrists here diagnose and treat ocular infections, and prompt treatment is what determines the outcome.
Talk to someone about ortho-k safety and hygiene
Appointments are scheduled two per hour, so there is time to answer questions properly. Call (480) 706-3937 or request a time online.