Orthokeratology

Orthokeratology

At OK Love Myopia Control Experts, we put you before your eyes. We understand that your vision is important and affects your quality of life and as such your treatment should be tailored to your lifestyle and needs. We will tirelessly work with you to find the solution that best suits you so that you can get back to seeing the world clearly.

What is orthokeratology?

Orthokeratology, also known as Corneal Refractive Therapy (CRT) or Ortho-K, is a non-surgical treatment option for patients who struggle with nearsightedness and other refractive errors. It is also a great alternative for those who do not wish to or cannot undergo vision correction surgery.

​​​​​​​Orthokeratology involves the use of specially designed gas-permeable rigid contact lenses that reshape the cornea to improve the patient’s vision. These lenses are worn at night so that while you sleep your cornea can be safely and temporarily reshaped. This allows you to awaken to sharper and clearer vision and can significantly reduce your dependency on prescription glasses and contact lenses.

How does treatment work?

These lenses are uniquely designed to the shape of the patient’s cornea and the desired change in prescription to allow for reshaping. The back surface of the lens is designed to create a certain shape and level of thickness of the tear layer between the lens and cornea.

The cornea is a clear, dome-shaped window in front of your eye that focuses light onto the retina and is responsible for most of the eye’s ability to focus.

Overnight, the lenses mold the eye by flattening the cornea into the desired shape, refocusing light on your retina for visual correction.

​​​​​​​It is important to note that the corneal reshaping effect from orthokeratology lenses is temporary, meaning that should you discontinue using your lenses, your vision will gradually revert to how it was before treatment began. However, if worn consistently, patients can maintain improvements in their vision.

Who can undergo orthokeratology treatment?

Orthokeratology is a great option for anyone who wishes to be glasses or contact-free, though it should be noted that a child’s vision will continue to change into their 20s. Even still, Ortho-K lenses can help to manage and correct a wide range of vision problems, including:

  • Astigmatism

  • Farsightedness

  • Nearsightedness

  • Presbyopia


It can also be ideal for people seeking an effective vision correction treatment option that does not involve surgery.

Your Appointment

During your consultation, we will conduct a thorough eye and vision examination to determine if ortho-k lenses are an ideal treatment option. We may ask you to try trial lenses for you to try to determine if you are comfortable with the treatment. If you are a good candidate for Ortho-K lenses, your cornea’s surface will be mapped and measured so that your lenses can be specifically designed for you and your visual goals.

On the day you get your lenses, you will be instructed on how to insert, remove, and care for your lenses. Follow-up appointments will be scheduled, including one for the following day so that your doctor can evaluate your fit and vision after the first night of use.

​​​​​​​Until your eyes are fully corrected, you may notice blurred vision, glares, or halos around lights. You may need to wear glasses with a lesser prescription than what you had before treatment. At first, the lenses may feel uncomfortable, but you should not feel them once you fall asleep, as you get further along in your treatment you will notice your lenses less and less.

Benefits of Orthokeratology

One of the benefits that make orthokeratology so appealing to patients is that it is a minimally invasive treatment that has proven effective for years. There is no surgical procedure necessary, instead, patients wear their specialized lenses at night and in the morning, experience improved vision.

For more information on orthokeratology and our services or to schedule an appointment, contact our office at (954) 544-7790.