What is OrthoKeratology (OrthoK)? 

Ortho K is a type of hard contact lens worn while you sleep to gently reshape the cornea that eliminates the need to wear spectacles or contact lenses during the day. It also slows myopia progression by approximately 50%.  It is a fantastic alternative to laser eye surgery and is completely reversible.

Is it safe?

Ortho K is very safe, as the highest quality oxygen permeable contact lens materials are used. It is also completely reversible. Once you stop using them, the cornea will bounce back to its baseline shape over a few weeks.

How long does it last? 

Visual improvement from the lenses will last approximately 1-2 days. The vision will then slowly regress to baseline if the lens is not worn again. Depending on prescription changes and lens care, each set of lenses can last up to 2 years.

What about infection / cleaning?

As with all contact lens wear, there is a small risk of infection. However, Ortho K lenses are not statistically more risky to wear than regular, monthly disposable contact lenses. As they’re worn in a controlled environment at night, the lenses are not exposed to outdoor environments or water and therefore the risk of microbial keratitis is significantly reduced.

What’s involved?

Initially we will need to take detailed maps of the front of the eyes with a topographer. It can take several visits to get the perfect topography map. We then get the lens custom manufactured to your corneal shape.

Once the lens arrives, we see you for an appointment to teach insertion / removal and cleaning of the lens. We then see you the following day to ensure the lens wear was successful overnight.

The following appointment is 1 week later, where we should start to see significant improvement in your vision. We then see you at 1 month – by this time we expect your vision to be fully corrected.