Orthokeratology (Ortho-K) – Overnight Vision Correction
ORTHO-K • OVERNIGHT VISION CORRECTION • HEIDELBERG
Clear vision by day. Lenses while you sleep.
Imagine starting your day without reaching for glasses or putting in contact lenses. Orthokeratology (Ortho-K) uses specially designed overnight contact lenses to temporarily reshape the cornea, giving suitable patients clear daytime vision without glasses.
Leave your details and our team will contact you about an Ortho-K assessment.
Two reasons to consider Ortho-K
For children: Help slow the progression of short-sightedness (myopia), with the added convenience of clear daytime vision.
For adults: Enjoy daytime freedom from glasses and contact lenses for work, sport and everyday life.
Suitability and results vary. A comprehensive assessment is the first step.
WHAT IS ORTHO-K?
How can contact lenses worn at night improve daytime vision?
Ortho-K lenses are custom-designed, rigid gas-permeable contact lenses worn during sleep and removed on waking. They temporarily change the shape of the front surface of the eye (the cornea), correcting short-sightedness for a period of time after removal.
Unlike laser eye surgery, Ortho-K is non-surgical and its corneal reshaping effect is reversible when lens wear stops. Regular overnight wear is generally needed to maintain the result.
Insert lenses before bed
Wear your individually fitted Ortho-K lenses overnight, following your optometrist’s instructions.
Remove lenses in the morning
After the overnight reshaping effect, remove and care for your lenses as directed.
Enjoy daytime vision
Many suitable patients can see clearly without daytime glasses or contact lenses. The degree and duration of correction vary.
ONE TREATMENT, TWO DIFFERENT GOALS
Ortho-K for children and adults
Whether your priority is managing childhood myopia or reducing dependence on daytime eyewear, we’ll assess whether Ortho-K is an appropriate option.
Ortho-K for children & teenagers
Is your child’s prescription becoming stronger each year? Ortho-K is an evidence-based option that can slow myopia progression in appropriately selected children.
Slowing myopia progression may reduce the degree of short-sightedness reached later in life. Children also benefit from not needing glasses or contact lenses during school, sport and other daytime activities.
Parents or carers must be prepared to help with lens hygiene, safe handling and regular follow-up appointments.
Ortho-K for adults
Prefer not to wear glasses or daytime contact lenses? Ortho-K may be useful if you lead an active lifestyle, play sport or simply want more freedom during the day.
It can be an option for adults who are suitable for overnight lens wear and would prefer a non-surgical, reversible form of vision correction.
Your prescription, corneal shape, eye health and expectations all affect whether Ortho-K is right for you.
MYOPIA CONTROL
Why manage short-sightedness in children?
Myopia often develops during childhood and can progress as children grow. Higher levels of myopia are associated with increased lifetime risks of certain eye conditions, including retinal detachment and myopic maculopathy.
Ortho-K can slow average eye elongation and myopia progression in children, although the amount of benefit varies between individuals. It does not guarantee that progression will stop.
Want to understand more about childhood
short-sightedness and why managing its
progression matters?
Find out more about Myopia Control for Children →
Beyond clearer vision
Correcting today’s prescription is important, but myopia management also considers how your child’s eyes may change over time.
Individualised advice
We consider age, prescription changes, eye measurements, lifestyle and the family’s ability to manage overnight lenses safely.
Ongoing monitoring
Regular reviews help us check vision, corneal health, lens fit and myopia progression, and adjust the plan when needed.
YOUR ORTHO-K ASSESSMENT
Precision fitting starts with understanding your eyes
Ortho-K lenses are not one-size-fits-all. At Warringal Optometrists in Heidelberg, we use corneal topography to map the shape of your corneas and guide personalised lens fitting.
Assess suitability
We review your prescription, vision needs, eye health, tear film and whether overnight lens wear is appropriate.
Map & fit the cornea
Detailed corneal topography helps us select or design lenses and assess how they fit your eyes.
Teach & monitor
We explain insertion, removal, cleaning and safe handling, then arrange follow-up visits to assess vision, lens fit and corneal health.
IS ORTHO-K RIGHT FOR YOU?
Not everyone is suitable for overnight contact lenses
Ortho-K can work well for selected patients, but suitability depends on your prescription, corneal shape, eye health and ability to follow lens-care instructions.
Because Ortho-K lenses are worn overnight, careful cleaning, handling and follow-up are essential. Contact lens wear carries a risk of serious eye infection, including microbial keratitis, which can threaten sight.
Never expose lenses or their case to tap water, shower or swim in lenses, or sleep in them outside the prescribed wearing schedule. If you develop pain, redness, light sensitivity or reduced vision, remove the lenses and seek urgent eye care.
Ask about suitabilityWhat we check before recommending Ortho-K
✓ Prescription and visual requirements
✓ Corneal shape and eye health
✓ Tear film and contact lens tolerance
✓ Ability to manage lens hygiene
✓ Follow-up requirements and expectations
Your optometrist will explain the likely benefits, limitations, alternatives and costs before you decide whether to proceed.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Questions about Ortho-K
Is Ortho-K permanent?
No. The reshaping effect is temporary and generally wears off after lens use stops. Regular wear is needed to maintain clear daytime vision.
Does Ortho-K stop myopia from getting worse?
Ortho-K can slow myopia progression in many children, but it cannot guarantee that progression will stop. Your child’s response needs regular monitoring.
How quickly will I see clearly?
Some patients notice improvement after the first night, while others need more time and lens adjustments. The time to reach stable vision depends on the prescription and individual response.
Can adults use Ortho-K?
Yes. Adults may be suitable, particularly those seeking freedom from daytime glasses or contact lenses. An assessment is needed to determine whether it can meet your vision goals.
Is sleeping in Ortho-K lenses safe?
Ortho-K is prescribed specifically for overnight wear, but no contact lens wear is risk-free. Overnight lenses carry a risk of eye infection. Good hygiene, correct lens care and scheduled reviews are essential.
Does Ortho-K hurt?
There can be some initial awareness of the lenses during insertion and removal. Significant pain is not normal and should be assessed promptly.
How much does Ortho-K cost?
Costs depend on the assessment, lens design, fitting and follow-up requirements. Our team can explain the process and applicable fees before treatment begins.
WARRINGAL OPTOMETRISTS • HEIDELBERG
Explore Ortho-K with a personalised assessment
Interested in managing your child’s short-sightedness or enjoying clearer daytime vision without glasses? Our optometrists can assess your suitability and discuss the benefits, risks and alternatives.
There is no obligation to proceed with lens fitting following an initial enquiry.
REQUEST A CALL
Would you like to know if Ortho-K is suitable?
Leave your name and phone number using the enquiry form below. Our team will contact you to discuss the next step.