Orthokeratology

What Is Orthokeratology?

Orthokeratology lenses are custom-designed rigid lenses worn during sleep.

Overnight, the lenses temporarily reshape the front surface of the eye so that light focuses correctly on the retina.

In many cases this allows children to:

  • See clearly during the day without glasses
  • Participate in sports without spectacles
  • Reduce dependence on daytime contact lenses

The effect is reversible and maintained by wearing the lenses regularly overnight.

Why Families Choose Ortho-K

Many families consider Orthokeratology when:

  • A child's myopia is increasing each year
  • Glasses interfere with sports or activities
  • Daytime contact lenses are difficult for younger children
  • Parents want additional strategies to manage myopia progression

Ortho-K has been studied for its potential role in slowing myopia progression in children.

However, suitability varies and not every child is an ideal candidate.

Is Your Child Suitable for Ortho-K?

Ortho-K may be considered for children who:

  • Are developing myopia (short-sightedness)
  • Have healthy eyes
  • Are motivated to follow lens care routines
  • Have supportive parents who can assist with lens handling

During an assessment we evaluate several factors including:

  • Prescription
  • Corneal shape
  • Eye health
  • Lifestyle factors

This helps determine whether Ortho-K may be a suitable option.

What Happens During an Ortho-K Assessment?

Your visit typically includes:

  1. Comprehensive eye examination - Assessment of vision, prescription and eye health.
  2. Corneal topography - Advanced imaging to measure the shape of the cornea.
  3. Axial length measurement - Monitoring the length of the eye, which is an important indicator in myopia progression.
  4. Discussion of options - We explain the different myopia management approaches available.

If Ortho-K is suitable, custom lenses can be made based on the measurements obtained.

Can Orthokeratology Be Used by Adults?

Yes. Orthokeratology lenses can also be worn by adults.

Although Ortho-K is commonly discussed for children with progressing myopia, many adults choose overnight lenses for the convenience of clear daytime vision without glasses or daytime contact lenses.


Adults may consider Ortho-K when they:

  • Prefer not to wear glasses during the day
  • Participate in sports or outdoor activities
  • Find daytime contact lenses uncomfortable
  • Are not interested in refractive surgery

The suitability of Orthokeratology depends on factors such as prescription, corneal shape and overall eye health.

An assessment is required to determine whether Ortho-K is appropriate.

What Adults Should Know

For adults, Orthokeratology is primarily used for daytime vision correction rather than myopia progression management.

Regular follow-up and proper lens care remain important for safe wear.

If you are an adult interested in Orthokeratology, a consultation can help determine whether the lenses may work for your eyes.

Getting Orthokeratology

Please book an eye exam with Perth Myopia Clinic to find out if Ortho-K is right for you.
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