Is Ortho-K Right for You or Your Child? The Nighttime Lens Solution Explained

If you’re looking for a way to correct vision without daytime glasses or contact lenses, Orthokeratology (Ortho-K) may be the solution. This non-surgical treatment uses custom-fitted lenses worn overnight to gently reshape the cornea, providing clear vision throughout the day. Ortho-K is especially appealing for children with progressive nearsightedness and for adults with active lifestyles who want more freedom from eyewear.
 

What Is Ortho-K?

Orthokeratology involves wearing custom-fitted contact lenses overnight to temporarily reshape the front surface of the eye (the cornea). These lenses flatten the cornea in a controlled manner, which helps light focus properly on the retina. The result is clear vision during the day after you remove the lenses in the morning. The effects of Ortho-K are reversible and non-invasive, making it a preferred option for many patients who want freedom from glasses or daytime contacts.
 

How Does Ortho-K Work?

The Ortho-K process begins with a comprehensive eye exam and corneal mapping using topography technology to measure the exact shape of your cornea. Your eye doctor then designs customized lenses that apply gentle pressure to reshape the corneal surface while you sleep. Most users begin to see improvement in their vision within the first few days, with optimal results often achieved within one to two weeks.
 

Is Ortho-K Safe?

Yes, Ortho-K is FDA-approved and considered safe when properly fitted and monitored by an experienced eye care professional. Like any contact lens, it’s important to follow proper hygiene and lens care routines to minimize the risk of eye infections. Our optometrists at Silver Lake Eye Care Center ensure that every Ortho-K patient is thoroughly educated on lens use, care, and follow-up appointments to maintain eye health.
 

Who Is a Good Candidate for Ortho-K?

Ortho-K is particularly beneficial for children and teens with progressive myopia. Studies have shown that Ortho-K can slow the progression of nearsightedness, potentially reducing the risk of future eye diseases like retinal detachment, glaucoma, and macular degeneration.

Adults who are not good candidates for LASIK surgery, or those with active lifestyles that make glasses or contacts inconvenient, may also benefit from Ortho-K. It’s an excellent option for athletes, outdoor enthusiasts, or anyone working in environments where glasses can be cumbersome.
 

Benefits of Ortho-K

• Daytime freedom from glasses or contact lenses

• Slows myopia progression in children

• Non-surgical and reversible

• Safe and effective with proper monitoring

• Comfortable and easy to use with proper training
 

Schedule Your Ortho-K Consultation Today

Whether you're an adult seeking freedom from daytime lenses or a parent concerned about your child's worsening myopia, Ortho-K offers a safe, effective, and non-surgical alternative. With its proven ability to correct vision overnight and manage the progression of myopia in children, it’s worth considering as a long-term solution.

At Silver Lake Eye Care Center, we specialize in fitting Ortho-K lenses and guiding patients through every step of the process. Contact our office in Everett, Washington, by calling (425) 338-5400 to schedule an appointment and find out if Ortho-K is the right solution for you or your child.