Medically reviewed by Dr. Niranjana Bejan Singh. Written to established clinical-education standards (AAO/Mayo/NHS/NEI) and adapted for this hospital. Not a substitute for professional medical advice.
Orthokeratology, or Ortho-K, uses specially designed, rigid, gas-permeable contact lenses that are worn overnight to temporarily reshape the front surface of the cornea while sleeping. Vision is corrected during the day without needing glasses or contact lenses, though the effect is temporary and reverses gradually if lens wear is stopped. Ortho-K is mainly used to correct mild to moderate short-sightedness (myopia) and is also prescribed, including in children, as one option to help slow the progression of myopia.
Who typically needs this
- People with mild to moderate myopia, with or without a small amount of astigmatism, who prefer not to wear daytime glasses or contact lenses.
- Children and teenagers with progressive myopia, where Ortho-K may be considered as one option to help slow further worsening.
- People who are not suitable candidates for laser refractive surgery, such as due to young age, or who prefer a non-surgical, reversible option.
- Requires healthy corneas and good hygiene practices, since the lenses are worn overnight.
What to expect
- A detailed assessment, including corneal topography, is used to design a custom lens for each eye.
- The lenses are inserted before sleep and worn overnight, then removed in the morning.
- Vision is checked at follow-up visits in the early weeks, and lens design may be adjusted to achieve the target correction.
- Regular overnight wear is needed to maintain the corneal reshaping effect on an ongoing basis.
Recovery
- There is no surgical recovery, but it typically takes some days to weeks of consistent nightly wear to reach the full effect on vision.
- Vision can fluctuate during the initial adaptation period as the cornea gradually reshapes.
- Regular follow-up visits monitor corneal health and the accuracy of the fit.
- If lens wear is stopped, the cornea gradually returns to its original shape and the refractive error returns over days to weeks.
Risks to know about
- Wearing any contact lens overnight carries a higher risk of infectious keratitis (corneal infection) than daytime-only lens wear.
- Corneal abrasion or irritation can occur, particularly with lens insertion, removal, or a poor fit.
- The effect on vision is temporary, so lenses must be worn consistently to maintain clear vision without glasses.
- Regular professional monitoring and strict lens hygiene are essential to reduce these risks.
Frequently asked questions
Is Ortho-K permanent?
No. The corneal reshaping is temporary, and vision gradually returns to its original state within days to weeks if lens wear is stopped.
Is Ortho-K safe for children?
It can be a suitable option for some children under close professional supervision, and it is also used specifically to help slow myopia progression, though the same infection risks associated with overnight lens wear apply and hygiene must be strictly followed.
How long before I see clearly during the day?
Many people notice improved vision within the first few days, with the full effect typically developing over one to two weeks of consistent wear.
Can Ortho-K correct all levels of short-sightedness?
It is generally most effective for mild to moderate myopia; higher levels of short-sightedness or significant astigmatism may not be fully correctable with this method.
Ready to see us?
Call the appointment desk, or book online — we will confirm your time by phone.
Sources consulted: AAO — What Is Orthokeratology?, AAO — Is Ortho-K Safe? . General medical information — not a substitute for professional diagnosis. Medically reviewed by Dr. Niranjana Bejan Singh.
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