Orthokeratology assessment
Orthokeratology, often shortened to Ortho-K, uses specially designed rigid lenses during sleep to create a temporary change in corneal shape. Suitable wearers remove the lenses in the morning and may have useful unaided vision during the day. The effect is reversible and depends on continued prescribed wear. Because the lenses are worn overnight, hygiene, early review and a clear response to warning symptoms are essential.
On this page
A careful starting assessment.
- Selected adults seeking less dependence on daytime correction
- Selected children whose myopia-management plan may include Ortho-K
- People whose prescription, corneal shape and eye health suit the available design
- Families able to commit to careful hygiene, handling and follow-up
- Existing Ortho-K wearers needing ongoing fit or vision review
- Interest in temporary daytime freedom from spectacles or lenses
- A child's short-sightedness is progressing
- An active daytime routine makes spectacles or daytime lenses inconvenient
- Current Ortho-K vision changes through the day or the lens feels different
- Questions about safety, handling or realistic outcomes
Assessment before recommendation.
How the temporary effect works
A reverse-geometry rigid lens is worn as prescribed during sleep. The lens and tear forces create a controlled, temporary change in the front corneal surface. After removal, the refractive effect gradually reduces unless prescribed wear continues.
Detailed suitability assessment
Prescription, corneal shape, eye health, tear film, pupil-related visual needs, expectations, hygiene and ability to attend aftercare all matter. No published prescription limit should replace individual assessment.
Safety is part of the service
Sleeping in a contact lens increases the risk of complications, including infectious keratitis. The wearer and, for a child, the parent need clear warning signs, strict care steps and a confirmed route for urgent advice.
What to expect.
Not every patient follows every stage, and the order may change. The practitioner will explain what is relevant for you.
- 01
Initial consultation
Discuss goals, myopia history, health, current correction and the commitment involved.
- 02
Comprehensive assessment
Measure prescription, eye health and corneal shape and consider relevant visual factors.
- 03
Discuss benefits and risks
Compare temporary correction, possible myopia-management role, alternatives and overnight-wear risk.
- 04
Design or diagnostic fitting
Select or order a lens if the findings and available design support proceeding.
- 05
Collection and teaching
Confirm fit and practise application, removal, cleaning and warning-sign response.
- 06
Early review
Check eye health, corneal response, lens position and changing daytime vision.
- 07
Refinement and ongoing care
Adjust the design or plan where needed and continue scheduled monitoring.
Options depend on findings, goals and practical needs.
Ortho-K for refractive correction
Temporary corneal reshaping may reduce daytime dependence on correction for a suitable adult or child.Read how orthokeratology worksOrtho-K within myopia management
For selected children, it may be one evidence-informed option intended to slow axial elongation.Learn about myopia managementAn alternative correctionSpectacles or daytime contact-lens options may better fit the prescription, eye health, risk tolerance or family routine.Read the explanation
Spectacles or daytime contact lenses may be a better fit when overnight lens wear does not suit the prescription, eye health, risk tolerance or daily routine.
Choosing another option is not a failed outcome. The assessment should compare likely vision, handling, maintenance, limitations and follow-up before a decision is made.
Potential benefits
- Potential useful daytime vision without spectacles or daytime lenses
- A non-surgical and reversible refractive effect
- A possible myopia-management option for selected children
- A custom lens with structured early and ongoing review
Limitations and context
- Not every prescription, cornea, eye or routine is suitable.
- Daytime clarity, stability and adaptation vary and are not guaranteed.
- The effect is temporary and depends on continued prescribed wear.
- Glare, halos or fluctuating vision may occur, particularly during adaptation.
- Benefits must be balanced with the increased risk of overnight contact-lens wear.
Care continues after the first visit.
- Infectious keratitis is a sight-threatening potential complication of overnight wear.
- Remove contact lenses and seek prompt professional advice for pain, marked redness, unusual light sensitivity, discharge or a sudden change in vision.
- Wash and dry hands carefully and use only the prescribed cleaning, disinfection and storage products.
- Keep the lenses and case away from all water.
- Attend the early and ongoing reviews set for your individual plan.
This page provides general information and does not replace an individual eye examination or advice. Suitability, current service availability and the exact care pathway must be confirmed with Eksteen Optometrists.
Frequently asked questions
These answers are general. An individual assessment is needed for advice about your own eyes, prescription or lenses.
Is Ortho-K permanent?
No. The cornea tends to return towards its original shape after prescribed wear stops.
Is it safe for children?
Suitable children may use Ortho-K with close professional supervision and family support, but overnight contact-lens wear is not risk-free. Benefits, alternatives and infection risk need informed discussion.
Will it stop my child's myopia?
No option can promise that progression will stop. Ortho-K may slow axial elongation for some children and response varies.
Can I swim after removing the lenses?
The Ortho-K lenses are not worn during daytime swimming, which avoids exposing them to water. Eye protection and clear vision needs should still be discussed; prescription goggles may be appropriate.
Contact the practice for orthokeratology
Share the main concern and any relevant diagnosis. The practice will contact you to discuss the appropriate appointment type.