ORTHOKERATOLOGY (ALSO CALLED ORTHO-K) is the use of specially fitted, custom designed rigid gas permeable contact lenses that temporarily reshape the cornea — often while sleeping — to correct refractive errors like myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism. By wearing ortho-k lenses every night, many can enjoy clear, sharp vision during the day, without relying on glasses or CLs. “Night lenses are optometry’s answer to laser eye surgery,” says Tom Griffiths, managing director of Scotlens in the UK. “Since we launched our night lenses campaign in 2021 our UK sales have rocketed as the marketing is simple and viral in nature, and practitioners find it easy to communicate. We’ve certainly found the magic sauce to grow ortho-k and are pleased to see CooperVision, Menicon etc. adopting the term ‘night lenses’ in their marketing too.”
Alcon
Air Optix Night & Day is FDA-approved for daily wear and up to 30 nights of continuous wear.
(800) 862-5266 | myalcon.com
Scotlens
Nocturnal is an ortho-k night lens that corrects vision while you sleep and is suitable for all ages.
lab@scotlens.com | nocturnal-lens.com
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CooperVision Specialty EyeCare Product
Paragon CRT (ortho-k) comes in HDS 100 lens material and is FDA-approved for overnight wear.
(800) 528-8279 | coopervisionspecialtylenses.com
Bausch + Lomb Specialty Vision Products
Equalens II is an FDA-approved overnight ortho-k lens that is used exclusively in the Bausch + Lomb Vision Shaping Treatment VST procedure.
(800) 323-0000 | bausch.com
Johnson & Johnson Vision
ACUVUE Abiliti are ortho-k contact lenses worn overnight that help manage myopia.
seeyourabiliti.com
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Euclid
Ortho-k lens designs for proactive myopia management. A Euclid Ortho-K lens is safe, effective, and FDA-approved.
(800) 477-9396 | euclidsys.com
Menicon
Menicon Z is a gas permeable lens that is approved for 30-day continuous wear. Its material can also absorb harmful UV light.
(800) 636-4266 | meniconamerica.com
Smart Ways to Sell Overnight Contact Lenses
Kerry Giedd, ODEola Eyes, Orlando, FL
Ortho-k lenses reshape the cornea while you’re sleeping so you don’t have to wear contacts during the day. The market for ortho-k lenses has really exploded as it relates to myopia control benefits. There is a worldwide epidemic of myopia in the pediatric population and ortho-k lenses have been successful in slowing myopia progression in children. FDA-cleared lenses can be used as an alternative to atropine sulfate eye drops. They’re a good option for those who want non-surgical correction; e.g., a firefighter who needs good visual acuity but can’t wear glasses or CLs when dealing with smoke. Children are more tolerant using ortho-k lenses while adults can be harder to satisfy. Popular ortho-k lenses are Euclid and Paragon CRT.
Sheila Morrison, ODMission Eye Care Center for Dry Eye and Corneal Disease, Calgary, AB, Canada
I compare ortho-k lenses to wearing a retainer on your teeth at night. They have the same temporary effect and are very safe to use in both children and adults. We first evaluate the patient to see if they’re a candidate; for example, they may have a minus prescription, school age myopia, or dry eye. Once we establish they’re a good fit, we conduct a complete workup with corneal topography. Then we custom design a rigid lens for them to sleep in at night and order it at the lab. I like using CooperVision’s Paragon CRT. We’ll fit the patient when they come back to pick up their lens and our staff will train them. We’ll ask them to come in the next day for follow up, then one week later, and in one month we’ll finalize the fitting. About 95% of the time the lens is dispensable in its first design and has a great fit.
