Ortho K in Canterbury - Overnight Contact Lenses for Clear Daytime Vision and Slowing Myopia Progression
Contact lenses you wear while you sleep for clear vision during the day.
Orthokeratology, also known as OrthoK, is custom designed contact lenses worn overnight to temporarily reshape the cornea. The lenses are removed when you wake, allowing suitable patients to see clearly during the day without glasses or contact lenses.
Ortho K has the benefit of vision correction, as well as being an established treatment to slow progressive myopia in children and teenagers.
Ortho K for Myopia Management
Ortho K is one option that may be considered when managing progressive myopia in children and teenagers.
Research has shown that Ortho K can slow the progression of myopia in children and teenagers with progressive myopia. Your optometrist will assess your child’s prescription, eye length and growth, corneal shape, lifestyle and other factors before discussing whether Ortho K is appropriate.
Considering Ortho K for your child? Learn more about our approach to Myopia Management.
How does Ortho K work?
The lenses work by gently reshaping the front structure of the eye, the cornea. This is temporary and reversible upon discontinuation of use, however worn consistently these lenses can be an effective treatment for many years.
1. Wear your lenses overnight for them to gently reshape your cornea
Custom-designed Ortho K lenses are worn while you sleep. The lenses temporarily alter the shape of the front surface of the eye.
2. Remove them in the morning and enjoy clear vision during the day
The lenses are removed after waking and the temporary corneal reshaping provides clear daytime vision without glasses or contact lenses.
3. Continue wearing the lenses regularly
The effect is temporary, so consistent overnight wear is needed to maintain daytime vision.
Why Choose Ortho K?
- Clear daytime vision without glasses or daytime contact lenses
- Particularly convenient for sport and active lifestyles
- Useful for water sports where glasses or contact lenses can be inconvenient or unsafe
- No daytime contact lens wear
- Customised to your individual prescription and corneal shape
- Can be considered as part of a myopia management plan for suitable children and teenagers
Custom Designed for Your Eyes
Every Ortho K lens we prescribe is custom designed to your individual eyes. We use detailed measurements of your corneal shape, prescription and other factors to determine the appropriate lens design. Ortho K fitting is a process rather than a one-off appointment. We monitor your vision and eye health throughout the treatment and fine-tune the lens fit where needed.
Click here for more information about OrthoK lenses from our suppliers Eyespace, Menicon and Euclid.
Who Can Wear Ortho K?
Ortho K may be suitable for children, teenagers and adults who want clear daytime vision without glasses or daytime contact lenses.
It can be particularly useful for people with active lifestyles or those who participate in water sports.
Ortho K isn’t suitable for everyone. We’ll assess your prescription, corneal shape, eye health, lifestyle and other factors to determine whether it’s an appropriate option for you.
Your Ortho K Journey
1. Initial assessment, Corneal mapping and measurements
We’ll assess your vision, eye health, prescription and corneal shape to determine whether Ortho K may be suitable. Detailed measurements are taken which are used to design your customised Ortho K lenses.
2. Lens fitting and instruction for insertion, removal, lens care and cleaning
Your lenses are fitted and you’ll be taught how to insert, remove, clean and care for them. You’ll take your lenses home to wear for your first night.
3. 1 day review
Scheduled for the morning after the first night wearing Ortho K lenses. Some vision improvement is expected.
4. 1 week review
Scheduled for in the morning. Almost full vision correction expected.
5. 1 month review
Afternoon appointment preferred. Full vision correction expected. At this appointment any further prescription or fit adjustments can be made within the lens adjustment warranty period.
6. Follow-up and fine-tuning
Regular reviews (every 3-6 months) allow us to monitor your vision, eye health and lens fit and make adjustments where necessary.
What is the adjustment period like?
It can take some time to become accustomed to the feeling of wearing Ortho K lenses while you sleep. This is due to the sensation of a rigid lens in your eye whilst your eye and eyelids are adjusting to a new sensation. Some patients notice an improvement in vision from the first morning, while others require several nights of wear before achieving their best vision. Adapting to the sensation of wearing Ortho K lenses usually takes 1-2 weeks.
Your vision and lens fit will be monitored closely during the early stages of treatment.
Ortho K and Eye Health
As with all contact lens wear, Ortho K carries a risk of eye complications, including infection. Good hygiene, correct lens cleaning and disinfection, appropriate wearing habits and regular professional reviews are important for reducing these risks.
If your eyes become painful, unusually red, light sensitive or uncomfortable, or if you experience a sudden change in vision, remove your lenses and contact your optometrist promptly.
Successful Ortho K Treatment Requires a Team Approach
Ortho K works best when patients follow their prescribed wearing and lens-care routine and attend scheduled reviews.
Before treatment, we’ll explain:
- how to prepare for your initial measurements
- how to insert and remove your lenses
- how to clean and disinfect your lenses
- how often to wear them
- when to attend follow-up appointments
- what to do if you experience discomfort or have concerns
Ortho K Fees
Ortho K involves an initial fitting process and ongoing professional care. We’ll explain the fees, lens costs and what’s included before you begin treatment.
Interested in Ortho K?
Laura has a particular interest in Ortho K and myopia management and can discuss whether this approach may be suitable for you or your child.
Ortho K FAQs
What is Ortho K?
Ortho K uses custom designed rigid contact lenses that are worn overnight to temporarily reshape the front surface of the eye. The lenses are removed in the morning, allowing you to see clearly during the day without glasses or daytime contact lenses.
Ortho K can be used solely for vision correction but is also an excellent option for myopia management in children and teenagers.
Can Ortho K slow my child’s myopia?
Yes. Research has shown that Ortho K can slow the progression of myopia in many children and teenagers by reducing the rate at which the eye grows longer, and hence more myopic. Recent systematic reviews and meta-analyses support effective slowing of myopia, although the amount varies between individuals.
Ortho K is one of several options for myopia management. Your optometrist will consider your child’s age, prescription, eye growth, lifestyle and other factors when discussing which approach may be appropriate.
Can adults use Ortho K?
Yes. Ortho K can be used by adults as well as children and teenagers. Adults may choose Ortho K to enjoy clear daytime vision without glasses or daytime contact lenses, particularly for work, sport or other activities where glasses or contact lenses may be inconvenient.
Your optometrist will assess your eyes and discuss whether Ortho K is suitable for your prescription, corneal shape, lifestyle and visual needs.
How long does it take to adjust to Ortho K?
Adjustment times vary between individuals. It can take some time to become accustomed to the feeling of wearing Ortho K lenses while you sleep.
Some people notice clearer vision after the first night, while others take several nights or longer to achieve their best vision. It can also take around one to two weeks to become fully accustomed to the lenses themselves.
Regular follow-up appointments during the early stages allow your optometrist to monitor your progress and make any necessary adjustments.
Is Ortho K safe?
Ortho K can be a safe and effective treatment when patients are appropriately selected, lenses are fitted correctly, and good hygiene and follow-up routines are followed. However, like all contact lens wear, overnight Ortho K carries a risk of complications, including eye infection.
Good hand hygiene, careful lens cleaning and disinfection, correct lens handling and attending scheduled follow-up appointments are important parts of safe Ortho K wear.
If you experience significant pain, redness, light sensitivity, discharge or a sudden change in vision, remove your lenses and contact your optometrist promptly.
How does Ortho K work?
Ortho K lenses are custom designed to gently reshape the cornea while you sleep. This temporarily changes the way light is focused by the eye, providing clearer vision during the day.
The effect is temporary, so the lenses need to be worn regularly to maintain the desired vision. Your optometrist will monitor your vision, eye health and corneal shape throughout treatment and adjust the lens fit if needed.
Who is Ortho K suitable for?
Ortho K may be suitable for children, teenagers and adults who want clear daytime vision without glasses or daytime contact lenses.
It can be particularly appealing for people with active lifestyles, including those who play sport or participate in water-based activities.
Ortho K isn’t suitable for everyone. A detailed assessment of your prescription, eye health, corneal shape, lifestyle and other factors is needed to determine whether it is an appropriate option for you.
Can I wear Ortho K if I play sport or swim?
Ortho K can be is ideal for people who play sport or participate in water activities because the lenses are removed in the morning, meaning you don’t need to wear contact lenses, glasses or goggles for vision correction during sport or water activities.
Ortho K lenses are worn overnight and removed before daytime activities. Your optometrist will provide specific advice about swimming, water exposure and lens care as part of your treatment.
Do I need to wear Ortho K every night?
Ortho K generally needs to be worn regularly, usually overnight, to maintain the effect on your vision. If you stop wearing the lenses, the cornea gradually returns towards its original shape and your daytime vision will become less clear.
Your optometrist will recommend a wearing schedule based on your individual treatment and monitor how your eyes respond.
What happens if I stop wearing my Ortho K lenses?
The vision-correction effect of Ortho K is temporary. If you stop wearing your lenses, your cornea gradually returns to its original shape and your myopia correction will wear off, meaning you will generally need glasses or another form of vision correction again.
For children using Ortho K as part of myopia management, ongoing treatment and monitoring are important. Some research suggests that myopia progression or axial eye growth can increase after treatment is discontinued, although the extent of this effect varies and the optimal duration of treatment is still being investigated. Research shows children and teenagers should remain in Ortho K for myopia management until at least age 14, however it can safely be used into adulthood.
Your optometrist will discuss when and how Ortho K treatment should be changed or discontinued based on your individual circumstances.
