Ortho-K

What Is Ortho-K?

Orthokeratology (ortho-k) is the fitting of specially designed gas permeable contact lenses that you wear overnight. While you are asleep, the lenses gently reshape the front surface of your eye (cornea) so you can see clearly the following day after you remove the lenses when you wake up.
Diagram of how myopia gets treated

Ortho-k Lenses Are Prescribed For Two Purposes:

Ortho-k lenses are also called “corneal reshaping contact lenses” or “overnight contact lenses to correct or control myopia.”

How Long Does The Ortho-K Effect Last?

Which Vision Problems Can Ortho-K Correct?

Ortho-k also can correct lesser degrees of astigmatism, hyperopia and presbyopia.
Positive eye doctor with a background of eye glasses
Woman having her eyes examined through a machine

Who Is A Good Candidate for Orthokeratology?

Most people with mild to moderate myopia (with or without mild astigmatism) are good candidates for ortho-k.

Because the corneal reshaping effect is temporary, little risk is involved, and you can discontinue wearing the lenses at any time — provided you are willing to start wearing glasses or contacts again when your myopia returns!

Children and young adults who want to be glasses-free but are too young for LASIK or are not good candidates for refractive surgery for other reasons (dry eyes, for example) often are good candidates for ortho-k. People who participate in contact sports or work in dusty environments that can pose problems for contact lens wear also can be good candidates.

What To Expect When You Begin Ortho-K

How Long Does It Take For Maximum Ortho-K Effect?

smiling eye doctor