Everything you're
wondering about OrthoK.

Orthokeratology, or OrthoK, is a non-surgical vision correction treatment using specially designed rigid contact lenses worn overnight. While you sleep, the lenses gently and temporarily reshape the front surface of your eye (the cornea), so you can see clearly during the day without glasses or daytime contact lenses.

Each lens is custom designed from detailed corneal scans to apply gentle, precise pressure as you sleep. Your eyelid and the lens work together to reshape your cornea by a pre-determined amount, calculated using 3D modelling software. When you remove the lenses in the morning, your cornea holds this new shape throughout the day.

When fitted correctly by an experienced practitioner and worn with good hygiene, OrthoK has a safety profile comparable to wearing regular contact lenses, and has been used safely for over 30 years. As with any contact lens wear, there's a small risk of corneal infection (estimated at 1–5 cases per 10,000 wearers), which is why regular reviews and good lens care matter.

Yes. OrthoK is a completely reversible process. If you stop wearing your lenses, your cornea will gradually return to its original shape over roughly 4–6 weeks, and conventional vision correction — glasses or regular contacts — can be resumed at any time.

Current OrthoK technology can treat most prescriptions — generally up to around −8.00D of short-sightedness, +5.00D of long-sightedness, and 4.00D of astigmatism. Your practitioner will confirm your suitability, and which lens system is the best fit, at your initial assessment.

There's no strict minimum age — what matters more is whether your child can confidently and hygienically handle their lenses each night, with guidance from a parent where needed. Many of our patients start in primary or early high school, when myopia often begins to progress most quickly.

Yes — OrthoK is one of the most effective myopia control treatments currently available. Peer-reviewed research over the past 10–15 years shows it can slow myopia progression by more than 50% on average. Our clinic fully customises every OrthoK lens we fit, to achieve higher efficacies for myopia control than conventional OrthoK lenses.

OrthoK slows progression by shaping a peripheral zone of defocus on the cornea, modifying how peripheral light focuses in the eye and creating signals for the eye to slow down its elongation. Studies have shown that when a smaller central treatment zone is customised for an OrthoK lens, greater slowing of axial elongation can be achieved.

Many patients notice improved vision within the first few nights, though full correction typically takes around 1–2 weeks of consistent overnight wear. Vision may fluctuate a little during this settling-in period, and glasses or disposable contacts can be used as a backup if needed.

There's usually a brief adjustment period in the first few nights, but most wearers — children included — settle in quickly and sleep through the night comfortably. Because the lenses are only worn overnight, there's no daytime awareness of them at all.

The main risk, as with any contact lens wear, is corneal infection — though this is uncommon when lenses are cared for properly and reviews are attended as recommended. Some patients notice mild halos or glare around lights at night, particularly early on; for children using OrthoK for myopia control, this is actually a normal part of how the treatment works.

Treatment packages for both eyes start from $1,900, depending on the complexity of your prescription and eye shape. This includes your custom lenses, fitting appointments, and reviews for the first 12 months. Replacement lenses and ongoing care beyond the initial 12 months are priced separately — our team can walk you through the full fee structure at your assessment.

Expect around 3–4 visits during the initial fitting process, then reviews roughly every 3 months during the first year to monitor treatment effect and eye health. After the first year, once things are stable, reviews are typically every 6 months.

For many adults, yes. OrthoK offers a safe, reversible, non-surgical alternative to LASIK — with no incisions, no downtime, and nothing permanent. It's a great option for anyone not ready to commit to surgery, or who isn't a suitable LASIK candidate.

Your cornea will gradually return to its original shape over about 4–6 weeks, and your vision will return to how it was before treatment. There are no lasting changes — this is exactly why OrthoK is considered a reversible treatment, unlike surgical options.

The best way to find out is a comprehensive assessment with one of our optometrists — including detailed corneal mapping — to check your suitability and talk through whether OrthoK fits your (or your child's) prescription, lifestyle and goals. We'll always give you an honest recommendation, even if that means suggesting a different treatment altogether.