Orthokeratology

Orthokeratology (Ortho-K)

Why choose Ortho-K

Orthokeratology or Ortho-K lenses are custom-designed overnight contact lenses that gently reshape the front surface of the eye while you sleep. In the morning, you remove the lenses and enjoy clear daytime vision without glasses or daytime contact lenses.

By reshaping your cornea, light can focus properly on the retina resulting in natural, clear vision. Orthok is non-surgical and completely reversible.

Ortho-K is particularly popular for:

  • Children with progressing short-sightedness (myopia)
  • Active adults and athletes
  • Patients unsuitable for laser eye surgery
  • People experiencing dryness from daytime contact lenses

James and Peter use advanced corneal topography and axial length measurement technology to carefully assess suitability and monitor long-term eye health. To discuss Ortho K correction please book an Appointment with our Optometrists James Devereaux or Peter Devereaux.

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Pros

·         Suitable for both children and adults

·         OrthoK has been shown to slow progression of myopia in children

·         Reduced dependency on glasses and daytime contacts

·         One pair of lenses can last 12-36 months, which may be more cost-effective over time compared to soft daily contact lenses or other myopia control options

·         Non surgical option for patients who are not suitable candidates for laser eye surgery

·        Ideal for active patients where glasses may be inconvenient or unsuitable, such as for sports or outdoor activities

Cons

·         Greater risk of infection compared to daytime soft or hard contact lenses. However, when proper cleaning and hygiene routines are followed, the risk remains low

·         Vision may slightly deteriorate if the lenses are not worn the previous night

·         Vision quality can fluctuate during the initial 7–10 days while the cornea is reshaping. This can sometimes be managed temporarily with lower-prescription glasses or soft contact lenses

Who benefits most from Ortho-K?

Children & Teenagers
  • Children with progressing short-sightedness (myopia)
  • Teenagers needing clear vision for school, sport, and everyday activities
  • Young patients who may benefit from myopia control treatment
Adults
  • Adults wanting freedom from glasses or daytime contact lenses
  • People experiencing dryness or discomfort with soft contact lenses
  • Active adults involved in sport, shift work, or outdoor occupations
Prescription & Eye Health Requirements
  • Short-sighted prescriptions between -0.25 and -5.00
  • Low levels of astigmatism (typically under -1.00)
  • Suitable corneal shape and healthy eyes (this will be assessed during your initial consultation)
Commitment to Treatment
  • Patients willing to attend the fitting and follow-up appointments required for successful Ortho-K treatment
book to find out if ortho-k is suitable

Appointment Schedule

Initial Consultation

Your journey begins with a comprehensive eye examination to assess your prescription, eye health, and suitability for Ortho-K lenses.

During this appointment we will:

  • Check your vision and prescription
  • Assess the overall health of your eyes
  • Discuss your lifestyle and visual goals
  • Answer any questions you may have about Ortho-K

To ensure a thorough assessment, we will place dilating drops in your eyes to allow detailed scans of the macula and optic nerve as part of your examination.

If you are suitable for Ortho-K, the fitting process begins here. This appointment can often be completed on the same day as your initial consultation if you wish to proceed.

Using advanced corneal topography technology, we will measure the shape and curvature of the front surface of your eyes. These measurements allow your optometrist to custom-design lenses tailored specifically to your eyes and prescription.

Once your lenses arrive, you will return for your collection/teach appointment.

During this 1-hour appointment, your optometrist will teach you how to:

  • Insert and remove your lenses safely
  • Clean and care for your lenses properly
  • Confidently manage your nightly routine at home

We will also check the initial fit and comfort of your lenses.

This follow-up appointment allows us to assess how the lenses are beginning to reshape your cornea and ensure everything is progressing well.

We will also review lens insertion, removal, and cleaning to help you feel comfortable and confident with your new routine.

At this appointment we will monitor your vision, assess the fit of your lenses, and ensure your eyes are responding well to treatment. 

This appointment is usually scheduled in the afternoon to ensure your vision remains stable throughout the day.

For myopia control patients, we will also measure axial length as a baseline reference to monitor long-term eye growth and myopia progression.

If your lenses are not performing as expected, we will modify and reorder your lenses at no additional charge. The review process will then continue to ensure the best possible outcome.

Regular 6-month reviews are important to monitor your eye health, prescription stability, lens condition, and long-term treatment success.

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