The "Oxygen War" of the Past
In the world of eye care, we have spent years talking about Dk/t (Oxygen Transmissibility). The goal was to prove that more oxygen equals a healthier eye. Today, modern silicone hydrogel (SiHy) daily contact lenses have won the "oxygen war" as they provide all the oxygen your cornea needs. Adding more Dk/t beyond the plateau is a moot point. While oxygen transmissibility was seen as the defining factor, adults who tried Ortho-K begin to realise that breathability is not the same as freedom.
People who use modern contact lenses daily, even the most breathable ones, often struggle with contact lens discomfort such as dry eyes or itching eyes. The answer is due to secondary side effects of having a lens on the eye all day (friction, tear film disruption, and environmental evaporation). These side effects, caused by the lens' interaction with the eye, can impact a person's on-eye experience.
The Science Behind our "Breathing" Eyes
Our cornea (the clear front part of your eye) is unique: it has no blood vessels and receives oxygen mostly from the atmospheric air.
During the day, our eyes are "working" at their peak. Daytime contacts, even the best ones, act like a thin "barrier" on top of our eyes. Therefore, people still experience dryness related to environmental factors (air conditioning/wind/dust) because a physical object is present on the eye.
Conversely, Ortho-K works alongside our eyes' demands. Our eyes enter a natural "power saving" mode (with the lowest metabolic demand) when we sleep. By wearing these specialised contact lenses only while we sleep for 6-8 hours, our eyes can be completely free the moment we take out the lenses, when our eyes are most active (highest metabolic demand) for 16-18 hours daily.
Beyond the Numbers: The "Barrier-free" Experience
While premium daily lenses provide enough oxygen, they still interact with your eye as long as you wear them. Compared to modern contact lenses, Ortho-K offers different physiological and environmental paths:
Physiological Difference
- Tear Film Stability: Even the best daily contact lens can disrupt the delicate tear film, leading to that "end-of-day" dry eye or "itching" feeling. With Ortho-K, your natural tears work exactly as intended all day long. Studies comparing Ortho-K to silicone hydrogel (SiHy) lenses consistently show that end-of-day dryness and discomfort scores are significantly lower with Ortho-K.
- Environmental Freedom: Daily lenses are vulnerable to drying from air conditioning, dust, and wind. Ortho-K wearers are relieved from these factors because there is no contact lens on the eye to dry out or attract deposits.
- Frictionless Advantage: By reshaping the cornea slightly while you sleep, Ortho-K provides clear vision without the friction of a lens moving against your eyelid thousands of times a day.
Environmental Difference
- 99% Plastic Reduction: A single pair of Ortho-K lenses replaces nearly 1,500 individual pieces of plastic (lenses and blisters) in a year.
- Reduced Carbon Footprint: Because Ortho-K lenses are typically replaced once every 1-2 years, the carbon emissions related to manufacturing, shipping, and last-mile delivery are a fraction of those required for monthly "subscription" shipments of daily contact lenses.
- Microplastic Prevention: Daily lenses are a significant source of microplastic pollution when improperly disposed of in wastewater systems. Ortho-K’s rigid, durable material is kept for years and disposed of safely as solid waste.
The 3-Year Financial Breakdown: Ortho-K vs. Premium Daily Contact Lenses
While the optometric benefits are clear, many adults hesitate at the higher upfront cost of Ortho-K in the first year. However, many will continue with Ortho-K as they realise the financial value and lifestyle gains Ortho-K provides over time.
| Period | Ortho-K | Premium Daily Disposables |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | ~$2,200 | ~$1,560 |
| Year 2 | ~$1,000 | ~$1,560 |
| Year 3 | ~$1,000 | ~$1,560 |
| Total | $4,200 | $4,680 |
By Year 3, Ortho-K actually saves nearly $500 while reducing 99% of the associated plastic waste. Aside from being cost-effective eventually, Ortho-K's superior value stems from the freedom of a lens-free lifestyle (e.g., no more lenses drying out during long working days, no more blurry vision when waking up or at the swimming pool).
Most adults who tried Ortho-K do not wish to return to regular contact lenses. Some would even describe Ortho-K as buying back their comfort and convenience without the risk of surgery.
Consider this analogy of "skincare":
Imagine your eyes are like very sensitive skin. Wearing regular soft contact lenses (even high-quality silicone hydrogel ones) all day is like wearing makeup from 7:00 AM to 8:30 PM. No matter how "breathable" that makeup claims to be, by the end of the day, your skin can feel suffocated, dry, and ready for a break.
Ortho-K is like using a specialised overnight hydrating mask. You put it on only while you sleep. When you wake up, you wash the mask off (remove the lenses) and go about your day naturally, without fighting the friction or the drying effects of a lens sitting on your eyes.
FAQs
| Questions | Premium Daily Disposables | Ortho-K (Overnight Lenses) |
|---|---|---|
| Is it just about oxygen? | A breathable barrier for 16 hours | Zero barrier for 16 hours |
| What about dry eye? | Lens can dry out in air-con/wind/screen time | Natural tear film works unobstructed |
| Is it permanent? | No, must wear daily to see | No, fully reversible to your baseline |
| Is it safe? | Safe with fresh daily lenses | FDA approved since 2002; Regular clinical monitoring |
| Environmental impact | ~1,500 pieces of plastic | ~2 pieces of plastic |
Keen yet unsure?
We know that switching from a daily lens to an overnight treatment is a big decision. You should not make it based on a blog post alone, but through a clinical assessment with us.
Our Ortho-K Assessment includes:
- Suitability Assessment: Our experienced optometrists with precision equipment will make an assessment of your eye health and cornea shape.
- Lifestyle Review: A 1-on-1 discussion on how a 'bare eye' day compares to your contact lens current routine.
Book an appointment with us today via Kacee.sg/book or WhatsApp us!