Ortho-K lenses are worn overnight to gently reshape the cornea, giving children clear daytime vision without glasses — while also slowing myopia progression. Learn how Ortho-K works and whether it's right for your child.
What Is Orthokeratology?
Orthokeratology — commonly called Ortho-K or CRT (Corneal Refractive Therapy) — uses specially designed rigid gas-permeable contact lenses worn only during sleep. While your child sleeps, the lenses gently reshape the corneal surface. When they wake up and remove the lenses, they can see clearly throughout the day without glasses or daytime contacts.
At ProVision Eye Associates in Blue Bell, PA, we fit Ortho-K lenses for children and adults using advanced corneal topography mapping to design a lens that's precisely matched to each patient's eye.
How Does Ortho-K Slow Myopia Progression?
Ortho-K doesn't just correct vision — it actively slows the progression of myopia. Here's how:
When the cornea is reshaped by the lens, it creates a specific pattern of peripheral defocus on the retina. This peripheral defocus signals the eye to stop elongating — the primary mechanism behind myopia progression. Multiple peer-reviewed studies show Ortho-K reduces myopia progression by 30–60% compared to standard glasses or soft contact lenses.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Ortho-K?
- •Children ages 6–18 with progressing myopia (nearsightedness)
- •Patients with prescriptions between -0.75 and -6.00 diopters
- •Active kids who play sports and don't want to wear glasses
- •Children who struggle with daytime contact lenses
- •Patients with mild to moderate astigmatism
What to Expect at Your Ortho-K Consultation
Step 1: Corneal Topography
We map the surface of your child's cornea in detail using a topographer — a non-contact instrument that creates a precise 3D map of the corneal curvature.
Step 2: Custom Lens Design
Using the topography data, we design a custom Ortho-K lens specifically for your child's eye. No two lenses are identical.
Step 3: Trial Fitting
Your child tries the lenses in-office to confirm comfort and fit. We teach proper insertion and removal techniques.
Step 4: First Night & Follow-Up
After the first night of wear, we check vision and corneal response. Most patients achieve functional daytime vision within 1–2 weeks of consistent nightly wear.
Ortho-K vs. Other Myopia Control Options
| Treatment | Myopia Reduction | Daytime Freedom | Age Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ortho-K | 30–60% | Yes — no daytime lenses | 6+ |
| MiSight Soft Lenses | 59% | No — worn daily | 8+ |
| Atropine Drops | 50–77% | No — glasses still needed | 5+ |
| Stellest HALT Lenses | 67% | No — glasses required | 6+ |
Is Ortho-K Safe?
Yes — Ortho-K has an excellent safety record when patients follow proper hygiene protocols. The corneal reshaping is temporary and fully reversible. If your child stops wearing the lenses, the cornea gradually returns to its original shape within a few days.
The most important safety factor is proper lens care and hygiene. We provide thorough training and follow-up care to ensure safe, successful wear.
Schedule an Ortho-K Consultation in Blue Bell, PA
ProVision Eye Associates serves families from Blue Bell, Ambler, North Wales, Lansdale, Montgomeryville, Plymouth Meeting, and throughout Montgomery County. Call us at (215) 628-2020 or schedule your myopia control consultation online today.
