Orthokeratology Ortho K lenses are specially designed contact lenses worn overnight to temporarily reshape the cornea and provide clearer vision during the day. They may also help manage myopia progression in children and teenagers when prescribed and monitored by an optometrist.
Proper cleaning and storage are essential for maintaining lens hygiene, comfort, and eye health. Incorrect lens care can increase the risk of eye infections, corneal inflammation, and other complications. Following a consistent cleaning routine and your optometrist’s instructions can help keep your Ortho-K lenses in good condition.
Preparing to Handle Your Ortho-K Lenses
Before inserting or removing your lenses, always wash your hands thoroughly with soap that is free from moisturisers and perfumes. Dry your hands using a clean, lint-free towel, paying attention to the areas between your fingers and underneath your nails.
Choose a clean, well-lit area for handling your lenses. Avoid bathroom surfaces where germs and moisture may increase the risk of contamination. Working over a clean, lint-free cloth can help prevent your lenses from getting lost if accidentally dropped.
Inspect each lens before insertion. If you notice cracks, chips, scratches, or other visible damage, do not wear the lens. Contact your optometrist for advice before using it again.
Understanding Ortho-K Lens Cleaning Solutions
Different solutions perform different functions in an Ortho-K lens care routine. Using the correct products is important for effective cleaning and disinfection.
Saline Solution
Sterile saline is commonly used to rinse lenses after cleaning and before insertion when recommended by your optometrist. Saline does not disinfect contact lenses and should not be used as a substitute for an approved disinfecting solution.
Daily Lens Cleaner
Daily cleaner helps remove dirt, debris, and surface deposits from lenses. Depending on the product, you may need to gently rub both sides of each lens before rinsing. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Conditioning and Disinfecting Solution
These solutions help disinfect lenses while they soak in a suitable contact lens case. Only use a product specifically approved for your Ortho-K lenses and follow the recommended soaking time.
Hydrogen Peroxide Cleaning Systems
Hydrogen peroxide systems are designed to clean and disinfect contact lenses. They must be used with the compatible case and neutralisation system supplied with the product. Neutralisation commonly takes at least six hours, but the exact time depends on the system.
Important: Never put unneutralised hydrogen peroxide directly into your eyes or insert lenses before the required neutralisation period has been completed. Follow the product instructions and your optometrist’s advice.
Protein Removers
Your optometrist may recommend a protein remover to help manage deposits that accumulate on lenses over time. These products are not required for every wearer, so use them only when advised and according to the product instructions.
Daily Ortho-K Lens Cleaning Routine
Ortho-K lenses are typically worn overnight and removed in the morning. After removal, clean and disinfect them according to your prescribed lens care system before their next use.
Step 1: Clean the Lenses
Place one lens in the palm of your clean hand and apply the recommended daily cleaner. Gently rub both sides for the duration specified by the product instructions. This helps remove surface debris and deposits.
Step 2: Rinse Thoroughly
Rinse the lens with the recommended sterile rinsing solution to remove loosened debris and any remaining cleaner. Never use tap water to rinse your Ortho-K lenses.
Step 3: Disinfect the Lenses
The disinfection process depends on the system prescribed for your lenses.
- Conditioning solution system: Place the cleaned lenses in a clean, compatible contact lens case filled with the recommended disinfecting solution. Leave them to soak for the full period specified by the manufacturer.
- Hydrogen peroxide system: Place the lenses in the supplied case, add the specified peroxide solution, and allow the complete neutralisation cycle to finish before insertion. Many systems require at least six hours.
Do not shorten the recommended soaking or neutralisation time.
Step 4: Clean and Dry the Lens Case
After removing your lenses, discard the used solution. Clean the case according to the manufacturer’s instructions, using the recommended solution rather than tap water, and allow it to air-dry as directed.
Replace the lens case at the interval recommended by the manufacturer or your optometrist. Some care routines recommend replacement approximately every three months.
Weekly Ortho-K Lens Care and Deposit Removal
Daily cleaning may not remove every deposit that builds up on contact lenses. Depending on your lens material and wearing schedule, your optometrist may recommend an additional cleaning treatment.
Follow these precautions:
- Use a compatible protein remover only when recommended by your optometrist.
- Follow the product instructions for application and soaking time.
- Rinse the lenses as directed before insertion.
- Never combine different cleaning products unless the manufacturer specifically permits it.
Regular professional reviews can help identify lens deposits, surface damage, or changes in lens fit before they cause further problems.
Ortho-K Lens Care: Essential Do’s and Don’ts
Do’s
- Wash and dry your hands before handling lenses.
- Use only solutions approved for your specific Ortho-K lenses.
- Inspect each lens for damage before insertion.
- Follow the full cleaning, disinfection, and soaking instructions.
- Keep your lens case clean and replace it as recommended.
- Use lubricating eye drops only if recommended by your optometrist.
- Attend scheduled Ortho-K follow-up appointments.
- Follow your prescribed wearing schedule and lens care routine.
Don’ts
- Never rinse or store Ortho-K lenses in tap water.
- Never use saliva to wet or clean a lens.
- Do not reuse or top up old disinfecting solution.
- Never put unneutralised hydrogen peroxide into your eyes.
- Do not touch the tip of a solution bottle or eye drop container.
- Avoid inserting lenses immediately after applying makeup.
- Do not wear damaged lenses or continue wearing lenses that cause unusual discomfort.
- Never extend your wearing time beyond your optometrist’s instructions.
When Should You Stop Wearing Ortho-K Lenses?
Redness, eye pain, unusual light sensitivity, excessive tearing, discharge, or sudden blurred vision may indicate an eye problem. If any of these symptoms occur, remove your lenses and seek prompt professional eye care. Pain, significant redness, light sensitivity, or sudden vision changes require urgent assessment, even if symptoms improve after removing the lenses.
Do not reinsert your lenses until your optometrist advises that it is safe to do so.
Keep Your Ortho-K Lenses Clean and Your Eyes Healthy
Correct cleaning and storage are important parts of successful Ortho-K treatment. A consistent care routine helps reduce contamination risks, maintain lens condition, and support comfortable wear. Parents should also help children and teenagers understand and follow their prescribed lens care instructions.
For personalised guidance on Ortho-K lens hygiene, wearing schedules, and ongoing eye health, book an appointment with Optometrist Parramatta. Our team can help you understand the appropriate care routine for your lenses and answer questions about safe Ortho-K wear.
