Principle and Process of Orthokeratology (Ortho-K / Dream Lenses)

 

1. Restoring Vision While You Sleep

Recently, there has been growing interest in “Dream Lenses” among people who want to maintain clear vision without wearing glasses or contact lenses. This is because Dream Lenses allow you to see clearly throughout the day without surgery, offering a way to correct vision to a certain degree while enjoying everyday activities with the naked eye.

In particular, the use of Dream Lenses is increasing among children and adolescents in their growth stages as a method to help slow the progression of myopia (nearsightedness). As a result, inquiries from parents are also steadily rising.

Dream Lenses, also known as overnight orthokeratology lenses, work by gently reshaping the cornea while you sleep. When you remove the lenses in the morning, your naked-eye vision is temporarily improved. These lenses help provide clear daytime vision by correcting corneal refractive errors, which are one of the main causes of deteriorating eyesight.

▲ Research Data on the Effects of Corneal Refractive Therapy Contact Lenses on Astigmatism and Its Progression

2. Is Vision Correction Surgery Too Burdensome? Dream Lenses as a Non-Surgical Alternative

Surgical methods like LASIK or LASEK can be difficult decisions for many due to concerns about recovery time, permanent changes, and the risk of infection. For these reasons, an increasing number of people are seeking non-surgical alternatives, and among them, Dream Lenses have emerged as a leading option.

The core principle of Dream Lenses is that they gently reshape the cornea during sleep. These specially designed lenses apply slight pressure to the center of the cornea while allowing the surrounding areas to shift naturally, thereby altering the cornea’s refractive power.

The reshaped cornea temporarily corrects vision throughout the day while awake. However, if the lenses are not worn again, the cornea gradually returns to its original shape over time.

▲ Structure of Dream Lenses

3. Who Are Dream Lenses Effective For?

Dream Lenses are mainly suitable for people with mild to moderate myopia and mild astigmatism. Especially for children in their growth phase whose vision is rapidly deteriorating, many studies have shown positive effects in slowing down the progression of myopia when Dream Lenses are used.

Generally, Dream Lenses can be worn from around 5 to 6 years of age, depending on eye growth and health, with the decision made by medical professionals. For active children who find glasses or regular contact lenses uncomfortable, Dream Lenses offer a practical and safe alternative. They are also useful for teenagers who need vision correction during the day while engaging in sports or outdoor activities.

One of the biggest advantages of Dream Lenses is not only vision improvement but also the ability to slow the progression of myopia. Clinical data shows that children who consistently wear Dream Lenses experience a reduction in myopia progression speed to less than half compared to those who only wear regular glasses.

▲ Research Data on Myopia Progression in Children and Adolescents

4. Proper Wearing, Care, and Precautions

To experience the full benefits of Dream Lenses, consistent wearing time and proper hygiene management are essential. Generally, at least 7 hours of sufficient sleep is required, and habits such as rubbing your eyes while lying down or sleeping face down should be avoided. This is because eye movements or pressure during sleep can cause the lenses to shift out of place.

Since Dream Lenses come into direct contact with the cornea, it is crucial to wash your hands thoroughly before and after handling the lenses, and to carefully clean and store them. Neglecting these hygiene practices may lead to infections such as keratitis or conjunctivitis, so maintaining personal hygiene is very important.

Additionally, Dream Lenses must be custom-made based on various individual factors such as vision condition, corneal curvature, and tear volume. Therefore, it is essential to undergo a thorough examination to ensure the lenses fit properly. Regular follow-up visits to the ophthalmologist are necessary — typically recommended at 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, and then every 6 months thereafter.

▲ Global Increase in the Prevalence of High Myopia

5. How to Choose a Medical Institution

Dream Lenses are medical devices that require precise diagnosis and highly customized design, unlike regular contact lenses. Therefore, it is recommended to choose a medical institution based on the following criteria:

First, check if the clinic offers a variety of Dream Lens brands and designs. Since different brands vary in lens materials, curvature, and central pressure zones, having a wide selection makes it easier to find the product best suited to the individual.

Second, consider the clinical experience of the medical staff and the precision of their diagnostic equipment. The more advanced the corneal mapping devices, the more accurate the lens design, which reduces discomfort and the risk of vision correction failure after wearing the lenses.

Third, review the post-wear care program. The lifespan of Dream Lenses is generally about 1.5 to 2 years, and periodic lens replacement and follow-up examinations are essential depending on the user’s condition. Choosing a clinic with thorough aftercare ensures better long-term results.

Dream Lenses offer a suitable alternative for those who want freedom from glasses during the day but feel burdened by vision correction surgery. They are also very useful for parents who want to effectively manage myopia progression in their growing children. However, because Dream Lenses are classified as medical devices, improper use can adversely affect eye health, so it is crucial to proceed only under professional medical supervision.

Vision is not merely a tool for seeing objects; it is directly connected to the quality of life. If you are considering a non-surgical vision correction method, exploring the possibilities of Dream Lenses might be a great option. With accurate diagnosis and proper management, you can safely experience a clearer world.