Orthokeratology - Ortho-K lenses for short, is a safe, reversible, and non-surgical vision correction method that is available for both adults and children. 

Ortho-K lenses, are specialized contact lenses designed to be worn at night during sleep, effectively restoring clear vision without the need for glasses or daytime contacts

What is Ortho-K?

Ortho-K, or Orthokeratology, is an advanced corneal reshaping technique. An effective way to understand Ortho-K is by comparing it to "eye braces": custom-made rigid contact lenses gently and gradually reshape the front surface of the eye, much like Invisalign and braces adjust teeth alignment.

Due to the specialized nature of Ortho-K, not all optometrists are equipped to prescribe or fit these lenses. 

The Benefits of Ortho-K

Ortho-K lenses are capable of correcting mild to moderate levels of short-sightedness, long-sightedness, and astigmatism. This allows for the achievement of functional vision throughout the day without the need for glasses or daytime contact lenses. Our clinic typically fits Ortho-K lenses for prescriptions up to -6.00, and in some cases, we can accommodate higher prescriptions, depending on patient suitability. 

For adults, Ortho-K offers the convenience of clear vision without the hassle of wearing glasses or daytime contacts. Many of our clients have been long-time soft contact lens wearers who are seeking an alternative due to dry eyes from regular contacts. Others have considered laser surgery but prefer to try a non-invasive option, or their prescription hasn't stabilized enough yet for permanent surgical correction.

For children and teenagers, Ortho-K lenses offer two significant advantages:

1. Restoring their vision without glasses for school, sports, and other activities.
2. Slowing down the progression of their short-sightedness (myopia) and helping to prevent their prescription from getting stronger by reducing abnormal elongation of the eye. This results in better vision and improved eye health.

Ortho-K is currently considered the most effective optical treatment for myopia control and is often regarded as the 'gold standard'. Numerous clinical studies have shown that Ortho-K can reduce the rate of myopia progression by around 50% in suitable children, and in our clinical experience, some children have achieved even better results. 

How it works

Ortho-K lenses are a distinct variety of rigid gas-permeable contact lenses. They are meticulously designed and shaped to apply gentle pressure on the cornea, molding its shape when worn during sleep. Each lens is custom-made to address an individual's prescription, eye shape, and vision requirements, ensuring a comfortable fit.

When properly fitted, Ortho-K lenses provide clear vision upon removal in the morning, with the effects lasting throughout the day. For optimal results, the lenses are worn nightly during regular sleep. Most patients experience immediate vision improvement after just one night of wear, with some achieving 20/20 vision on the first day. Full stabilization typically occurs within 1-2 weeks.

Ortho-K is a safe and fully reversible process. If the lenses are not worn for 48-72 hours, the cornea gradually returns to its natural shape, and the effects wear off. Many individuals find Ortho-K to be a safe, non-surgical, and non-permanent alternative to laser corrective surgery. For children, it also offers the added benefit of significantly slowing down myopia progression, a feat not achievable with regular glasses or contact lenses.