What is Orthokeratology (Ortho-K)?

Orthokeratology (Ortho-K) is a non-surgical treatment that involves wearing specially designed gas-permeable contact lenses overnight to temporarily reshape the cornea, the clear front surface of the eye. By doing so, it corrects refractive errors like myopia, allowing clear vision during the day without the need for glasses or contact lenses.

How Does Ortho-K Work?

Ortho-K lenses are worn at night to sleep and they gently reshape the cornea by exerting a controlled amount of pressure so that light can focus on the retina. You can enjoy perfect or near-perfect vision when you wake up the next day.

Who Is Suitable For Ortho-K?

Ortho-K can be suitable for most individuals who are looking to improve their daytime vision without the need for glasses or contact lenses.

1. Children and Adolescents

- Myopia Control
Ortho-K is highly recommended for children and teens with progressive myopia. Studies have shown that Ortho-K can slow the progression of myopia, making it a popular choice for younger patients whose vision is worsening.

- Active Lifestyles
Children involved in sports or outdoor activities benefit from Ortho-K because it allows clear vision during the day without the need for glasses or daytime contact lenses.

2. Adults

- Non-surgical alternative
Adults who want freedom from glasses or contact lenses during the day but are not ready for or are not suitable for LASIK or other refractive surgeries often turn to Ortho-K.

- Dry eye or contact lens discomfort
 Adults who experience discomfort with daytime contact lenses or have dry eyes may prefer Ortho-K since the lenses are worn only at night, reducing irritation during the day.

- Sports Enthusiasts
Athletes and people with active lifestyles—particularly swimmers, cyclists, or those in outdoor professions—find Ortho-K beneficial, as it eliminates the need for glasses or contacts during activities.

- Occupational Needs
People working in environments where wearing glasses or contact lenses can be uncomfortable or impractical (e.g. dusty, dirty, or air-conditioned workplaces) also benefit from Ortho-K.

- People Who Are Not Ideal Candidates For Refractive Surgery
Individuals with thin corneas, dry eyes, or those with conditions that make them ineligible for refractive surgeries like LASIK may choose Ortho-K as a safe and reversible alternative.

What Are The Benefits of Ortho-K?

- Freedom of Vision
Ortho-K lenses can potentially be a great way to correct your vision and potentially gives you freedom from glasses and contact lenses in the day.

- Reversible
Corneal reshaping is not a permanent process and is fully reversible. You may stop wearing the lenses at any time if you wish to go back to putting on your spectacles or contact lenses. 

- Non-Surgical Option
Ortho-K lenses is a non-surgical procedure to help reshape your cornea, whereas refractive surgery like LASIK involves the removal of corneal tissue. For people who are concerned with surgical risks, ortho-K presents a low-risk option with our professional guidance as long as proper eyecare and hygiene is observed.

- Control Myopia Progression 
Ortho-K lenses may help manage myopia progression. As the eye ball elongates with myopia progression, this may lead to other eye conditions in the future. Therefore, you should seek professional guidance about using OK lenses for myopia.

What Does The Ortho-K Treatment Process Involve?

The process of fitting Ortho K lenses begins with a consultation to understand about your prescription profile and your lifestyle requirements. During the pre-fitting assessment, we will use the corneal topographer to take scans and measurements of the cornea to design the most suitable ortho-K lenses for you.

On the day of lens collection, we will be guide you on the proper lens insertion, removal and handling techniques. We will also be sharing the lens wear instructions as well as the lens care procedures which will help ensure a safe and comfortable experience.

You will be required to attend 4-6 regular follow-ups within the next 6 months depending on the complexity of the case. In some cases, it may require more than one set of lenses to achieve optimal vision correction.The first follow-up is typically after your first overnight use, which will then be followed by reviews at these intervals: 1 week, 1 month, 3 month and 6 month.

FAQs About Ortho-K

How safe is Ortho-K?

The risk of eye infections and ortho-k is extremely low with proper handling and care of the lenses, good overall hygiene. It is important to also follow the optometrist’s instructions closely. Should there any concerns at any point in time, we can stop the treatment process.

The risk factors for eye infection are simliar to regular contact lenses, which include not washing hands prior to handling the lenses, not using the appropriate lens cleaning solutions, using tap water, as well as not returning for regular follow-ups at the recommended intervals.

Are Ortho-K lenses comfortable to wear?

Every individual may experience different levels of comfort initially. For some, they may feel a slight discomfort in the beginning, but the comfort level generally improves along the way. The adaptation process is typically short due to huge advancements in lens technologies in recent years.

Is Ortho-K permanent?

Ortho-K only temporarily reshapes the cornea to achieve vision correction. Once you stop wearing the lenses, the cornea reverses to its original shape and prescription.

How long does it take to achieve ‘perfect vision’?

Most people will be able to go off their glasses within the first couple of weeks. The actual time needed depends on various factors such as the myopia prescription and astigmatism. As every eye reacts differently, there may be cases that require a longer duration beyond the first two weeks to achieve optimal results.

Why do I need to return for follow-ups regularly?

Unlike regular contact lenses that are worn in the day, we will need to assess the condition of your eye to ensure that you are not at any risk of any contact-lens related complications. For children under our myopia control programme, we will also be monitor the child’s myopia progression over time. If required, we can make timely adjustments to maintain an optimal level of myopia control. 

My eyes feel dry. Does this make me an unsuitable candidate for ortho-K?

The dry eye feeling does not mean that you are unsuitable for ortho-K. Whether you are an existing contact lens wearer who feels dry at the end of the day or if your eyes just feel constantly dry, ortho-K can potentially work for you. As ortho-K is worn during overnight sleep, the eyes are closed and tear evaporation will be less significant. We will have to assess on a case-by-case basis to determine your suitability.

How long can I be on ortho-K treatment?

There is no generally no limit as to how long one can be on ortho-K lenses. For myopia control, we typically see our patients wearing them from primary school all the way till they enter tertiary education, when most of the myopia progression has stopped. There are even some who continue wearing them well into their adulthood.