Orthokeratology
Orthokeratology (ortho-k) lenses are contact lenses that you wear while you sleep. They gently reshape the front part of your eye so you can see clearly without needing glasses or contacts during the day. It is also known as Corneal Refractive Therapy (CRT).
These lenses are great for correcting nearsightedness in both adults and children. They're perfect for people who love to stay active, especially in water sports like swimming and water polo where wearing contact lenses during the day is not possible.
Benefits for Children & Myopia Management
For children, ortho-k lenses offer an important additional benefit: they can slow down how fast their prescription gets worse. This treatment is called Myopia Management. Studies show that ortho-k lenses can reduce myopia progression by up to 50%, helping protect your child's vision for the future.
This makes ortho-k an excellent choice for parents who want to:
Give their child clear vision during the day without glasses
Help slow down their child's worsening prescription
Allow their child to participate freely in sports and activities, especially water sports
How Ortho-K Works
You or your child puts the lenses in before bedtime and removes them in the morning. The lenses work overnight to gently reshape the cornea. When you wake up and remove the lenses, you can see clearly all day without any vision correction.
The effect is temporary, so you need to wear the lenses every night to maintain clear daytime vision. Most people notice improved vision after the first night, with optimal results typically achieved within a few days to a week.
Who is a Good Candidate?
Ortho-k works best for people with:
Mild to moderate nearsightedness
Little to no astigmatism
Healthy eyes with no infections or injuries
Good hygiene habits for contact lens care
For children, we also consider their maturity level and ability to follow proper lens care instructions.