Orthokeratology (Ortho-K)
Clearer vision during the day—without daytime contact lenses or glasses.
Orthokeratology, commonly called Ortho-K, uses specially designed contact lenses that are worn while you sleep. The lenses gently reshape the front surface of the eye overnight. When the lenses are removed in the morning, many patients can see clearly throughout the day without glasses or contact lenses.
Ortho-K is non-surgical and reversible. It can be an option for both children and adults with nearsightedness (myopia) and certain amounts of astigmatism.
Why Choose Ortho-K?
Ortho-K may be a good option if you:
- Want freedom from glasses or contact lenses during the day
- Participate in sports or activities where glasses or contacts can be inconvenient
- Prefer a non-surgical approach to vision correction
- Have difficulty wearing traditional contact lenses during the day
- Have a child with progressing nearsightedness
Ortho-K and Myopia Management
For children with myopia, Ortho-K can provide another important benefit: helping slow the progression of nearsightedness.
Myopia often increases as a child grows because the eye becomes longer. Higher levels of myopia are associated with an increased lifetime risk of certain eye conditions. Ortho-K is one of the treatment options eye doctors may use to help slow myopia progression.
Our doctors can evaluate your child’s eyes, vision, and individual risk factors to determine whether Ortho-K is an appropriate myopia management option.
How Does Ortho-K Work?
Ortho-K lenses are custom designed for the unique shape of your eyes.
You wear lenses overnight while sleeping. The lenses gently change the shape of the cornea, so that light focuses more accurately inside the eye. In the morning, you remove the lenses, and the temporary corneal shape change allows you to see more clearly during the day.
Think of Ortho-K a little like retainers for your eyes: regular nighttime lens wear is usually needed to maintain the effect.
Ortho-K may be appropriate for many children, teenagers, and adults with myopia, with or without astigmatism.
The best way to know if Ortho-K will work for you is through an evaluation with one of our eye doctors. Your prescription, corneal shape, eye health, lifestyle, and treatment goals all help determine whether you are a good candidate.
Interested in Ortho-K?
Our UMSL Eye Care team can determine whether Orthokeratology is right for you or your child.
Call UMSL Eye Care at (314) 516-5131 to schedule an evaluation.