Myopia control • Daytime freedom

Orthokeratology (Ortho-K) at My Optometrist

Sleep in specially-designed custom contact lenses and enjoy clear vision all day without glasses or daytime contacts. Ortho-K is also a proven option to help slow myopia (short-sightedness) progression in many children.

Book an Ortho-K assessment

Suitable for children and adults. Non-surgical, reversible, and individually fitted by our optometrists.

What is Ortho-K?

Orthokeratology uses overnight rigid gas permeable (RGP) lenses to gently reshape the front surface of the eye (cornea) while you sleep. In the morning you remove the lenses and can typically see clearly all day. The effect is non-surgical and reversible—stop wearing the lenses and the eye slowly returns to its original shape.

Clear daytime vision without glasses or daytime contacts
Great for active kids, swimming, sport, dusty workplaces
Can correct myopia and low amounts of astigmatism
Part of a comprehensive myopia control plan for suitable children

Who is a good candidate?

Children or teens with progressing myopia (typically −0.75 to ~−5.00D)
Adults wanting freedom from daytime correction
Healthy eyes with realistic expectations and good hygiene

Final suitability is determined after a comprehensive assessment and corneal topography (3D corneal mapping).

How the process works

Assessment

We measure your prescription, eye health, tear film and take corneal topography to model a safe lens design.

Design

Your lenses are designed specifically for your cornea and visual goals. Most lenses are ready within 1–2 weeks.

First night

You’ll be taught application/removal and lens care. Wear lenses overnight and return the next morning for checks.

Fine-tuning

We review at 1 day, 1 week and 1 month to refine fit and vision. Ongoing care visits are scheduled every 6–12 months.

Benefits

Daytime freedom from glasses and soft lenses
Rapid results—many notice significant improvement after the first few nights
Evidence-based option to help slow myopia progression in many children
Reversible: stop wear and the effect fades

Risks & safety

Small risk of infection (as with any contact lens)—reduced by hygiene and regular check-ups.
Temporary glare or halos early on, typically settling with adaptation.
Not all prescriptions are suitable; assessment will confirm options.

We use high oxygen-permeable materials and modern lens designs, with simple, safe care routines.

What to expect in the first week

Vision improves quickly; stability builds over 7–14 nights.
Mild lens awareness on first nights is normal; lenses should not be painful.
Some people need temporary daytime soft lenses during the transition—if so, we’ll supply guidance.

Simple nightly lens care

Before bed

Wash and dry hands thoroughly
Rinse lenses with approved solution and insert
Use lubricating drops if advised

Morning

Remove lenses using the taught method
Clean with solution, rinse, and store
Follow your check-up schedule

How Ortho-K compares

Option	Daytime freedom	Myopia control evidence	Reversible	Ideal for
Ortho-K	Yes	Strong (multiple RCTs)	Yes	Active kids, sport, dusty environments
Soft myopia-control lenses (e.g., dual-focus)	No	Strong	Yes	Daily wearers comfortable with contacts
Low-dose atropine drops	N/A	Strong	Yes (stop to reverse)	Non-contact-lens users or combination therapy
Standard glasses/contacts	No	Not myopia-control specific	Yes	General vision correction only

We’ll recommend the best option—or a combination—based on your child’s history, prescription and lifestyle.

Frequently asked questions

Is Ortho-K safe for children?

Yes, for suitable candidates under proper supervision and hygiene. We follow evidence-based protocols and schedule regular reviews to keep eyes healthy.

What prescriptions can Ortho-K correct?

Commonly up to about −5.00D of myopia and up to ~−1.50D astigmatism, depending on corneal shape. Your assessment determines exact suitability.

How long do lenses last?

Most patients replace lenses every 12–18 months due to normal wear and to maintain optimal performance and hygiene.

Can I still have laser surgery later?

Yes. Ortho-K is non-surgical and reversible. You would need a wash-out period before surgical evaluation.

Costs and rebates?

Costs vary with prescription and design. Private health insurance in Australia may provide rebates on contact lenses and consultations—our team can give an itemised quote at your assessment.

Ready to explore Ortho-K?

Book an assessment so we can check eye health, measure the cornea precisely and discuss whether Ortho-K, soft myopia-control lenses, atropine—or a combination—best suits you or your child.

Book your Ortho-K assessment

This page provides general information only and does not replace personalised clinical advice.