Wake Up to Clear Vision

Imagine waking up every morning with clear vision—without needing glasses or contact lenses during the day.

Orthokeratology, commonly known as Ortho-K is a non-surgical vision correction treatment that uses specially designed contact lenses worn overnight to gently reshape the front surface of the eye while you sleep.

The result is:

• Clear vision through the day

• No need for glasses or daytime contact lenses

• A significant myopia control effect in many children

The effect is temporary. To keep vision clear and maintain myopia control, lenses need to be worn every night.

Every evening, the lens is put back in the eye after being cleaned during the day. Ortho-K can give freedom from glasses or contact lenses during the day. 

Is Orthokeratology Safe?

Yes. When prescribed by an experienced eye care professional and used as directed, Orthokeratology is considered a safe and effective treatment. The risk for serious complications is very low and it is similar to wearing soft contact lenses on a daily basis.

Maintaining excellent lens hygiene and attending regular follow-up appointments are important to minimise the risk of complications and ensure the best possible results.

The biggest safety risks

Most complications in Ortho-K are linked to:

• Poor cleaning routines

• Sleeping in lenses that are not fitting correctly

• Allowing lenses or cases to come into contact with water

With good hygiene, no water contact and regular check ups, Ortho-K has a strong safety record .

Who Can Benefit from Ortho-K?

Orthokeratology is suitable for many patients, including:

• Children with progressing myopia

• People who want clear vision throughout the day without glasses or contact lenses

• Those who dislike wearing glasses or struggle with daytime soft contact lens wear

• People who cannot have laser vision correction

• People who play sports or lead active lifestyles

• Professionals who work in dusty, smoky, or dry environments where glasses or daytime contact lenses may be inconvenient

• Families who are highly motivated to slow myopia progression and are willing to invest time and money into a structured treatment

Following a comprehensive eye examination, we will determine whether Ortho-K is the right option for your eyes and lifestyle.

Long term safety

An 18 year follow up study of people using Ortho-K found that it is a safe and predictable long term procedure in both children and adults, with a very low incidence of serious adverse effects.

Reviews and real world studies up to 2025 also conclude that:

• Ortho-K is a safe option for myopia control in children, provided lenses are fitted by suitably trained practitioners and hygiene instructions are followed.

• Serious infections such as microbial keratitis are rare in children, and overall risk is similar to, or lower than, some extended wear soft contact lens when care is good.

How do Ortho K lenses work?

A simple way to picture it:​

• The cornea (the front part of the eye) is like a clear window with gentle curves that help focus light.

• In axial myopia, the eye’s focusing system and length are not in balance, so light focuses in front of the retina instead of directly on it.

• Ortho K lenses are designed to flatten the central cornea very slightly and alter the shape in the mid-peripheral area. This reduces the focusing power so light lands where it should.

Can Ortho-K really slow myopia in children?

Yes. Ortho-K is not just a clever way to avoid glasses. It has been one of the best studied myopia control treatments for children.

A 2023 meta analysis of Ortho-K in children concluded that Ortho-K delays the progression of myopia, significantly reducing eye length growth compared with standard corrections.

Newer researches place Ortho-K among the most effective options in head to head comparisons of myopia control treatments.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I really just sleep and see?

Yes, once the effect is complete you simply remove the lenses each morning and you can see normally throughout that day. 

How quickly does it work?

After the first night most of the necessary correction has been achieved. Normally, within a week, your vision during the day will be ‘treated’ and you will no longer be reliant on glasses or contact lenses.

How long does the effect last?

Most patients experience clear vision throughout the day after wearing the lenses overnight. The treatment effect is temporary, so the lenses need to be worn regularly to maintain the results.

Is Orthokeratology safe to sleep in?

Yes, OrthoK is specifically designed for overnight wear, which is different from most soft lenses where sleeping in them is discouraged. The overall infection risk is very low when:

• Lenses are correctly fitted and regularly checked

• Cleaning routines are followed

• No water is used with lenses or cases

Research and experience show that the whole process is 100% reversible. So if you decide to stop wearing orthok the eye will return to its original shape. This makes orthokeratology an excellent alternative to laser eye surgery.

Can children wear Orthokeratology lenses?

Yes. Ortho-K is commonly prescribed for children and is one of the most effective methods available for slowing myopia progression when appropriately managed.

What age can my child start Ortho-k?

There is no fixed “minimum age”. Studies and clinical practice include children as young as 6 to 7 years, but in reality it comes down to:

• Maturity and hygiene

• Your ability to supervise

• The practitioner’s judgement

Younger children can be very successful, especially when parents are closely involved.

Am I suitable for Ortho-K?

Suitability depends on your prescription, eye health, corneal shape, and lifestyle. A comprehensive assessment will determine whether Orthokeratology is the best option for you.

Myopia Management for Children

One of the greatest benefits of Orthokeratology is its ability to help slow the progression of myopia in children.

As myopia increases, so does the lifetime risk of developing serious eye conditions, including retinal detachment, glaucoma, myopic macular degeneration, and cataracts.

Research has shown that Orthokeratology can significantly reduce the rate of myopia progression in many children, making it one of the leading options for myopia management.

Early intervention can make a meaningful difference in your child's long-term eye health.

Why Orthokeratology for kids?

1. If you are myopic, you are at greater risk of developing a number of eye diseases in later life. Higher levels of myopia are linked with a greater risk of eye problems such as retinal detachment and myopic maculopathy. However, if we can reduce the end amount of myopia you have, the risk will be lower (see table 1 below).

   Because higher levels of myopia are linked with a greater risk of eye problems such as retinal detachment and myopic maculopathy later in life, keeping the diagnosis as low as possible is an important long term health goal.

2. Safe and effective for children, starting from age 6.

3. Proven to slow myopia progression, reducing the risk of future eye problems like glaucoma or retinal detachment.

4. Improves quality of life—your child can enjoy clearer vision throughout the day!

5. Non-surgical solution that works while they sleep.

If you're concerned about your child's vision, schedule a consultation today to learn more about Ortho-K and how it could help manage their myopia!

Why Choose Our Practice?

At our practice, we provide personalised Orthokeratology care using advanced diagnostic technology and evidence-based myopia management strategies. Our optometrist is certified in Orthokeratology and Myopia Management by the International Academy of Orthokeratology & Myopia Control.

Every treatment plan is tailored to the individual, with ongoing support to ensure optimal vision, comfort, and long-term eye health.

Whether you're looking for freedom from daytime glasses or want to help slow your child's myopia progression, we're here to guide you every step of the way.

Book an Orthokeratology Assessment

Discover whether Orthokeratology is right for you or your child.

Contact our practice today to schedule a comprehensive consultation and learn how overnight vision correction can help you enjoy clear daytime vision while supporting long-term eye health.