Clear daytime vision—no daytime lenses or surgery
Orthokeratology (Ortho-K) uses specially designed overnight contact lenses to gently reshape the front surface of the eye while you sleep. You remove the lenses in the morning and enjoy clear vision through the day—no glasses or daytime contacts required.
How Ortho-K works (step by step)
- Eligibility & baseline testing
Comprehensive eye exam, topography, and tear film assessment. We discuss goals and suitability. - Custom lens design
Using your corneal map, we order custom Ortho-K lenses tailored to each eye. - First fit & training
We teach insertion/removal, hygiene, and wearing schedule. You’ll sleep in the lenses. - First-morning review
We check the early reshaping effect, comfort, and corneal health; adjust if needed. - Stabilisation phase
Several reviews over the first 1–2 months to optimise vision and ensure healthy wear. - Ongoing care
Regular check-ups (typically every 6 months) with repeat topography to track fit, vision, and myopia progression.
Why choose Ortho-K at Happy Eyes?
Custom-designed with a corneal Topographer
We capture a high-resolution corneal topography map of each eye and use it to custom-design Ortho-K lenses for a precise, comfortable fit. This is especially important for children, where accuracy and safety are paramount.
Daytime freedom
Great for active kids and teens, sports, swimming, and anyone who prefers not to wear glasses or daytime contacts.
Evidence-based myopia management
Ortho-K is an established option to help slow the progression of myopia (short-sightedness) in children and teenagers when worn as prescribed and monitored regularly.
Benefits for Myopia Progression Management
- Helps slow eye growth associated with increasing myopia
- Reduces long-term risks linked to higher prescriptions (e.g., retinal and macular complications)
- Supports learning and lifestyle—clear vision for school, sport, and screens
- Non-surgical and adjustable—the effect is reversible if you stop lens wear
- Fits a broader plan—can be combined with healthy visual habits and regular reviews
Your optometrist will personalise a myopia management plan based on age, prescription, corneal shape, lifestyle, and family history.
Who is a good candidate?
- Children and teens with progressing myopia
- Active individuals who prefer no daytime lenses
- Mild to moderate myopia (and some astigmatism—assessed case-by-case)
- Healthy eyes with good hygiene and commitment to follow-ups
Not suitable for everyone. We’ll advise alternatives if Ortho-K isn’t the best option.
Safety & care
- Strict hygiene and nightly cleaning of lenses are essential
- Follow the recommended wear schedule and solution system
- Never sleep in lenses that feel painful or if you’re unwell with an eye infection
- Attend all scheduled aftercare appointments—especially important for children
FAQs
Is Ortho-K safe for children?
Yes—when properly fitted, cleaned, and monitored. We provide parent-and-child training and closely track progress.
How long until vision is clear all day?
Many see improvement after the first night; stabilisation usually takes 1–2 weeks.
What if I stop wearing Ortho-K?
The cornea returns to its original shape over days, and your prior prescription returns.
Can Ortho-K correct astigmatism?
Often, yes—with toric Ortho-K designs. Suitability is confirmed via topography.
Will I still need glasses?
Most daytime tasks won’t need them, but very fine/detail work or late evenings may require a light prescription in some cases.
Our Ortho-K package includes
- Comprehensive eligibility assessment & topography
- Custom lens design and initial pair of lenses
- Fitting, training, and early aftercare visits
- Scheduled reviews and topography monitoring
- Ongoing myopia management advice for home and school