Myopia in children is a growing problem worldwide. Orthokeratology offers an innovative solution: special contact lenses worn only at night, which allow clear daytime vision without glasses and slow myopia progression.
What is orthokeratology?
Orthokeratology (ortho-K) uses specially designed contact lenses, worn during sleep, to gently reshape the cornea. This "reversible corneal molding" corrects myopia and astigmatism, allowing clear vision during the day without glasses or contact lenses.
Important to know:
The effect of orthokeratology is completely reversible. If you stop wearing the lenses, the cornea returns to its original shape, and myopia reappears. There are no permanent changes to the eye.
How do night lenses work?
Orthokeratology lenses are worn during sleep, minimum 6 hours per night. During this time, they temporarily flatten the cornea in a controlled and precise manner. In the morning, after removing the lenses, the patient enjoys clear vision throughout the day, without any optical correction.
The lens material is an FDA-approved copolymer that allows continuous wear for 30 days and ensures:
- Maximum oxygen permeability for corneal health
- High comfort during sleep
- Long-term durability and safety
Who can wear orthokeratology lenses?
Children from age 7 are suitable candidates for orthokeratology. This method is ideal for those who want to slow myopia progression while avoiding optical correction during the day.
The lenses completely correct:
- Myopia up to -4.00 diopters – complete correction
- Myopia over -4.00 diopters – partial correction + benefits of progression control
- Moderate astigmatism – can be corrected together with myopia
Advantages of orthokeratology
Daytime freedom
Clear vision without glasses or contact lenses. Ideal for sports, swimming, outdoor activities.
Myopia control
Slows myopia progression by 40-60%, reducing the risk of long-term eye complications.
Safe and reversible
No permanent changes to the eye. Alternative to laser surgery for children.
Comfort and practicality
No eye dryness from daytime lenses. Suitable for allergy sufferers and dusty environments.
Control program
For optimal results and safety, medical checkups are performed according to the following schedule:
- First morning – evaluation after the first night of wear
- One week – checking adaptation and results
- 3 weeks – follow-up check
- 2 months – complete evaluation
- 6 months – periodic check
- Annually – lens replacement and complete check
What you need to know:
Most wearers achieve good vision within the first 3 nights of wear. Optimal results appear after approximately one week. Vision may fluctuate slightly from day to day or between eyes in the first weeks.
Consistent nighttime wear (minimum 6 hours) is essential to maintain the effect throughout the day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Children can start wearing orthokeratology lenses from age 7. It is important that the child is mature enough to follow hygiene and lens handling rules, under parental supervision.
No, orthokeratology lenses are comfortable and are worn during sleep. In the first nights there may be a slight foreign body sensation, but this quickly disappears as the eye gets used to them.
Most wearers achieve good vision within the first 3 nights of wearing. Optimal results appear after approximately one week of consistent wear.
The effect of orthokeratology is completely reversible. If you stop wearing the lenses, the cornea gradually returns to its original shape within a few days, and myopia reappears. You can return to glasses at any time or opt for laser surgery later.
Yes, studies show that orthokeratology significantly slows myopia progression in children, by 40-60% compared to wearing regular glasses. It is one of the most effective methods of myopia control.
