Orthokeratology (Ortho-K)

Orthokeratology (Ortho-K or OK lens) is a corneal refractive therapy that can effectively slow down the progression of myopia in children or teenagers. It utilizes a highly gas permeable hard contact lens to flatten the front surface of the cornea (the clear part of the eye), which is reversible. It is worn at night when sleeping, and during the day, the individual will be able to see clearly without glasses or contact lenses.

Myopia, more commonly known as nearsightedness, is due to the eyeball being physically too long, or the cornea being too steep. Glasses and typical contact lenses correct the vision by bending light to properly focus on the macula (the central vision area of the eye). The image that is produced by glasses or typical contact lenses, however, is defocused on the peripheral retina, which can signal the eye to grow longer. As a result, the eye becomes more nearsighted.

Ortho-K uses the tear film force to reshape the front surface of the cornea to imitate laser surgery. The image that is produced by the flat cornea is in focus with the peripheral retina, thus discouraging elongation of the eye.

If you are not satisfied with the results, you simply discontinue sleeping with the lenses and your original prescription will gradually return. Ortho-K is most effective for patients with mild to moderate myopia and low levels of astigmatism.

Ask our optometrists for more information if you’re interested in this extremely low risk treatment!