Ortho-K Lenses

Ortho-K lenses in Carlingford, Sydney

Ortho-K lenses are specially designed contact lenses worn overnight to temporarily reshape the cornea, the clear front surface of the eye. They can reduce the need for glasses or contact lenses during the day. For children with myopia, they can also help slow its progression.

At Sparks & Feros Optometrists in Carlingford, Sydney, we assess whether orthokeratology is suitable for your eyes, prescription and daily routine. Treatment involves individually fitted lenses, instruction in lens care and ongoing appointments to check your vision and eye health.

Book an Ortho-K assessment or call (02) 9872 1555.

 

What are Ortho-K lenses?

Orthokeratology, usually shortened to Ortho-K, uses rigid gas-permeable contact lenses that allow oxygen to pass through the lens material. Unlike ordinary daytime contact lenses, these lenses are specifically designed and prescribed for overnight corneal reshaping.

While you sleep, the lenses temporarily change the shape of the cornea so that light focuses more accurately on the retina. The lenses are removed in the morning, but the vision-correcting effect remains for a period afterwards. Regular overnight wear is usually needed to maintain the effect.

For suitable wearers, this can make school, work and sport more convenient. The amount and duration of vision correction vary, and some people still need glasses for particular tasks or during the initial treatment period. Ortho-K does not permanently cure short-sightedness.

Ortho-K for myopia control in children

Myopia, or short-sightedness, makes distant objects appear blurred. In children, it commonly progresses as the eye grows longer. Myopia control aims to slow that progression.

Clinical trials show that Ortho-K can slow the increase in eye length in children with myopia. The International Myopia Institute's 2025 evidence review supports its use as a myopia control option. Results vary between children, and treatment cannot guarantee that myopia will stop progressing. ^[1]

Standard single-vision glasses and ordinary contact lenses correct blurred vision but are not designed to slow myopia progression. Specially designed myopia control glasses and soft contact lenses are different and may be alternatives to Ortho-K. Your optometrist can explain the options appropriate for your child.

Clear daytime vision alone does not establish that myopia progression is controlled. Ongoing monitoring is essential. Read more about childhood myopia and its management.

Who can wear Ortho-K lenses?

Ortho-K may suit children and adults with short-sightedness, including some people with astigmatism. Suitability depends on your prescription, corneal shape, eye health and the lens design. A prescription number alone cannot determine whether treatment is appropriate.

Children and teenagers

For children, the potential benefits include myopia control and less reliance on daytime glasses or contact lenses. Readiness also matters: the child and their parent or carer must be able to manage insertion, removal, hygiene and follow-up appointments. Age alone is not enough to decide suitability.

Adults

Adults may consider Ortho-K for daytime vision correction, particularly when glasses or daytime lenses are inconvenient for work or sport. The evidence for slowing myopia progression is strongest in children; the same benefit should not be assumed for adults.

When another option may be more appropriate

Active eye infection or inflammation, significant dry eye, certain corneal conditions and sensitivity to lens-care products may make treatment unsuitable or require attention first. Difficulty following the care routine is also an important consideration. Your optometrist will assess these factors before recommending lenses.

 

Ortho-K fitting and follow-up appointments

Ortho-K requires an individual assessment and fitting. At Sparks & Feros, corneal mapping helps us assess the shape of your eyes and plan your lens fit.

1. Assessment: your prescription, eye health, corneal shape and visual needs are considered, together with the benefits, risks and alternatives.
2. Lens fitting: lenses are selected or designed for your eyes, with adjustments where needed.
3. Handling and care: you learn how to insert, remove, clean and disinfect your lenses using the recommended products.
4. Follow-up: early appointments check your response and lens fit. Regular reviews continue throughout treatment.

Reviews are commonly scheduled every six months once treatment is established, with more frequent checks during the initial fitting period or when needed. Your optometrist will set your schedule. ^[2]

Are Ortho-K lenses safe?

Ortho-K is an established treatment, but all contact lens wear carries risks. Possible problems include irritation, corneal surface damage, fluctuating vision and glare or haloes. A serious risk is microbial keratitis, an infection of the cornea that can threaten sight. Overnight contact lens wear is a risk factor for infection. ^[3]

Careful fitting, correct cleaning and disinfection, avoiding water exposure and attending reviews help reduce risk. They do not eliminate it.

If you develop eye pain, redness, light sensitivity, discharge or an unexpected change in vision, remove your lenses and seek prompt advice from an eye-care professional. Do not resume wear until advised. Severe pain or sudden loss of vision requires urgent assessment.

Cleaning and caring for your Ortho-K lenses

A consistent care routine is essential. Follow the instructions supplied with your lenses and prescribed care products, together with your optometrist's guidance. Different systems have different cleaning steps, soaking times and case requirements.

1. Wash and dry your hands

Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water, then dry them completely with a clean, lint-free towel before handling your lenses. Keep fingernails and other sharp objects away from the lens surface.

2. Clean each lens as instructed

Use the cleaner recommended for your particular Ortho-K lenses. If rubbing is part of the prescribed routine, use the technique and duration demonstrated by your optometrist. Handle the lenses gently to avoid scratches or breakage.

Cleaning removes deposits; it does not necessarily disinfect the lens. Additional protein-removal products should only be used when recommended, at the specified frequency.

3. Disinfect and store in fresh solution

Use the recommended disinfecting system and complete the full soaking time on its label before wearing your lenses again. Use fresh solution each time. Discard used solution and never top it up with new solution. Saline alone does not disinfect lenses. ^[4]

Hydrogen peroxide systems require complete neutralisation before lens insertion. Use the system's specified case and neutralisation method, and follow the full timing instructions. Never put unneutralised peroxide solution in your eyes or use it to rinse lenses immediately before insertion. ^[5]

4. Keep lenses and cases away from water

Never rinse or store your lenses or lens case in tap, bottled or distilled water. Do not use saliva or homemade saline. Remove lenses before showering, swimming or using a spa.

5. Care for your case and accessories

Clean your case using the method and solution specified for your care system, then empty and dry it as directed. Standard cases are generally rubbed and rinsed with fresh recommended solution and left open to dry. Peroxide systems require their own case instructions. Replace cases and lens-handling accessories as recommended. ^[6]

Check solution expiry dates and the stated discard period after opening. Avoid touching bottle tips, and check with your optometrist before changing products.

6. Attend reviews and replace lenses when advised

Your reviews check eye health, lens condition and treatment performance. Do not wear a chipped, cracked or damaged lens. Contact the practice if a lens develops deposits, feels different or no longer provides your usual vision.

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Frequently asked questions about Ortho-K lenses

Are Ortho K lenses the same as sleep lenses?

Ortho K is another spelling of Ortho-K, short for orthokeratology. These lenses are sometimes called sleep lenses or overnight reshaping lenses. Ordinary daytime contact lenses must not be used for this purpose.

How long does Ortho-K take to work?

Vision may begin improving after the first few nights, but a stable result can take days to several weeks. Your prescription, corneal shape and lens fit affect the timing. Your optometrist will advise on temporary vision correction while treatment settles. ^[2]

Do I need to wear the lenses every night?

Usually, yes. Regular overnight wear maintains the temporary reshaping effect. Follow your prescribed schedule and ask your optometrist before changing it. Vision can become blurred if you miss wear.

What happens if I stop wearing Ortho-K lenses?

The corneal reshaping effect gradually wears off, and you will need another form of vision correction. For children using Ortho-K for myopia control, discuss an alternative management plan and monitoring with the optometrist before stopping.

Will I still need glasses?

Possibly. Some people need glasses while treatment settles, for certain tasks or if a lens cannot be worn. Adults may still need reading glasses. Ask your optometrist about suitable backup vision correction, and do not drive if your vision is unclear.

How is Ortho-K different from laser eye surgery?

Ortho-K changes corneal shape temporarily through lens wear. Laser vision correction surgically changes corneal tissue. Ortho-K avoids surgery, but it has its own risks and ongoing care requirements. The options have different suitability criteria.

How long do Ortho-K lenses last?

Replacement depends on the lens design, condition, fit and your treatment needs. Follow the replacement interval set by your optometrist and lens manufacturer. A lens that looks intact may still need replacing, so do not extend its use without advice.

How much do Ortho-K lenses cost?

Contact our practice for a personalised quote. Ask which assessment, fitting and follow-up appointments are included, along with the costs of lenses, care products and future replacements.

Can I claim through private health insurance?

Ask your health fund whether your policy provides benefits for the prescribed lenses and which fees are eligible. Benefits and limits vary, so confirm your cover before starting treatment.

Ortho-K and myopia videos

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Book an Ortho-K assessment in Carlingford

If you are considering Ortho-K lenses for yourself or your child, an assessment can help you understand the potential benefits, risks and ongoing care involved.

Visit Sparks & Feros Optometrists at Shop 113, Ground Floor, Carlingford Court Shopping Centre, Carlingford, Sydney.

Book an appointment online or call (02) 9872 1555.

Sources and further reading

1. International Myopia Institute: Interventions for Controlling Myopia Onset and Progression, 2025.
2. Optometry Australia: Myopia Management Resource Guide, May 2025, orthokeratology section.
3. CDC: Bacterial keratitis and contact lens risks.
4. CDC: Cleaning, disinfecting and storing contact lenses.
5. FDA: Safe use of hydrogen peroxide contact lens solutions.
6. CDC: Preventing eye infections when wearing contact lenses.

This information supports, and does not replace, the individual advice and care instructions provided by your optometrist.