Yes it can. Orthokeratology (or ortho-k) involves the use of contact lenses to slow or halt myopia (shortsightedness) in its tracks. This is most often achieved through special contact lenses that are worn during sleep.

If you are worried about your prescription changing and in particular about your child’s eyesight getting progressively worse, orthokeratology might be just what you’ve been looking for.

Does ortho-k really work?

Previous generation ortho-k contact lens designs were hit and miss and failure rates were high (with myopia continuing to progress) but the modern designs have a far higher success rate in the hands of an experienced practitioner. Myopia control involves more than just ortho-k.

Contact lenses for myopia control

Specially designed contact lenses are used in orthokeratology to reshape the cornea to temporarily correct or reduce myopia (short-sightedness). They are made from rigid gas permeable (RGP) material and usually only worn at night during sleep to flatten your child’s cornea and reduce or eliminate their myopia. The common misconception is that the lenses press on the cornea, but that’s not how it works. In fact, the central part of the cornea shouldn’t have any pressure on it if the lens is fitting correctly. It is the negative pressure (which acts a bit like suction) in the outer zones of the cornea that alters the shape.

Who can fit ortho-k contact lenses?

It is essential that you choose a practitioner who is an expert in advanced contact lens fitting. These lenses are expensive and require a number of appointments to achieve the right fit. You and your child shouldn’t have to undergo that unless you have a pretty good chance of success.

At The Eye Practice, we dedicate our practice to advanced contact lens fitting, including orthokeratology.