Orthokeratology, often shortened to ortho-k, is a non-surgical treatment that uses specially designed gas-permeable contact lenses to temporarily reshape the front surface of the eye. Unlike daytime contacts, ortho-k lenses are worn overnight while your child sleeps.
How the Lenses Work
While your child sleeps, the ortho-k lens gently flattens the center of the cornea. When the lens is removed in the morning, light entering the eye focuses correctly on the retina, giving your child clear vision throughout the day without glasses or daytime contacts.
Why Families Choose Ortho-K
Beyond daytime vision correction, ortho-k is associated with slower progression of myopia in many children, making it a popular choice for parents concerned about a rapidly worsening prescription. Because the effect is temporary and fully reversible, families can stop treatment at any time and the cornea will gradually return to its original shape.
Is Ortho-K Right for Your Child?
Not every child is automatically a candidate. Corneal shape, prescription, and a child’s ability to handle nightly lens care all factor into whether ortho-k is the right fit. A consultation with Dr. Cho includes detailed corneal measurements to determine candidacy. Learn more about the treatment on our Corneal Refractive Therapy page.
