Orthokeratology (Ortho-K/OK lens) is the fitting of special customized gas permeable contact lenses that you wear overnight. While you are asleep, the lenses gently reshape the front surface of your eye (cornea) so you can see clearly the following day after you remove the lenses when you wake up.
This method can be used as an alternative to eyeglasses, refractive surgery, or for those who prefer not to wear contact lenses during the day.
More commonly, OK contact lenses are widely used for myopia control in children who have progressive myopia. Many studies have also shown the effectiveness of these lenses in controlling and stabilizing myopia in children.
It also allows the children who do not tolerate glasses well or have an active lifestyle, to be glasses free throughout the day, and have myopia control present at the same time.
- Mild and Rapid progressive myopia* (with or without mild astigmatism), up to -8.00Ds of myopia & -2.00Ds of astigmatism. The golden age to best control myopia is between age 6 to 12 years old where progression of myopia is most significant.
- Children and adults who want to be spectacles-free but are too young, unsuitable for LASIK or other reasons often are good candidates for OK.
- Sporty individuals or people working in dusty environments that can pose problems for contact lens wear are also good candidates.
*Please note: A pre-OK assessment is required before we determine the suitability of OK lenses on patient.
Corneal reshaping with OK lens is totally reversible, and risks are very minimal with the right care and professional reviews. Plus, you can discontinue wearing the lenses at any time, provided you are ready to put on your spectacles or contact lenses again!