Orthokeratology

Orthokeratology uses specially designed contact lenses for temporarily correcting nearsightedness.

Orthokeratology, or Ortho-K, is for people of any age who:

• Want to go without glasses or contact lenses during the day
• Want a safe, nonsurgical alternative to LASIK vision correction procedures

Aurora BayCare offers orthokeratology in partnership with BayCare Clinic Eye Specialists.

Orthokeratology uses FDA-approved rigid gas-permeable contact lenses to temporarily change the curvature of the cornea. The lenses reduce nearsightedness by improving the eye’s ability to focus on objects.

Studies indicate that orthokeratology can slow – but not stop – the progression of nearsightedness.

Wearing Ortho-k lenses

Ortho-K lenses are usually worn at night while you sleep. They must be worn every night, or as prescribed, for the vision correction to continue.

Nearsighted children – especially younger children – are ideal candidates for orthokeratology. As nearsighted children grow, their vision often gets progressively worse. As adults, they’re more likely to be extremely nearsighted, which could create vision problems later in life.

Most people see clearly after the overnight treatment. Successful treatment requires proper lens fitting, daily care of the lenses, following treatment plans and getting routine follow-up care.

If orthokeratology treatment is stopped, the cornea will return to its original curvature and the person will have the same level of nearsightedness as before the treatment.