Parent and optometrist discussing OrthoK questions at Eyecare Concepts Melbourne
Straight Answers

OrthoK FAQ

40 of the questions we hear most often about orthokeratology, answered clearly, from how it works through to cost, daily life and safety.

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Questions We Hear Every Week

OrthoK is still a less familiar option than glasses or daytime contact lenses for a lot of families, even though it's been used safely for decades. Below are 40 of the questions we're asked most often, grouped by topic.

For more depth, see our What Is OrthoK page, our Fitting Program page, or ask us directly at your next visit.

orthok-faq-02.jpg — Family Consultation About OrthoK
General

Understanding OrthoK

What is OrthoK, in simple terms?
OrthoK uses a custom rigid lens worn overnight to gently reshape the cornea, so you see clearly all day with nothing worn, no glasses, no daytime contact lenses. The effect is temporary and fully reversible.
How is OrthoK different from LASIK?
LASIK permanently reshapes the cornea using surgery. OrthoK achieves a similar day-to-day result non-surgically, using a lens worn overnight, and the effect reverses if you stop wearing the lenses, unlike LASIK's permanent change.
Who is OrthoK suitable for?
A wide range of people: progressing children and teenagers wanting myopia control, and adults who prefer glasses-free days without daytime lenses or surgery. It suits low to moderate myopia best, though higher prescriptions can work in the right candidate.
Does OrthoK work for astigmatism?
Yes, using toric lens designs built specifically for irregular corneal curvature, though these require more experience to fit well than standard designs.
How long has OrthoK been used?
Modern OrthoK, using today's rigid gas-permeable lens materials and precise corneal mapping, has been used safely for several decades, with a substantial published evidence base behind both its vision correction and myopia control effects.
Does OrthoK correct astigmatism as well as myopia at the same time?
Yes, a well-designed toric OrthoK lens addresses both simultaneously, correcting the myopic component and the astigmatic component of a prescription in a single lens.
Can OrthoK be used for long-sightedness (hyperopia) instead of myopia?
OrthoK lens designs for hyperopia exist but are far less common and less studied than myopia-correcting designs. Our focus, and the strongest evidence base, is in correcting and controlling myopia.
Safety & Comfort

Is It Safe, And Does It Hurt?

Is OrthoK safe?
Yes, when properly fitted, worn and cared for. Its overall risk profile is comparable to daytime soft contact lens wear. Following hygiene guidance and attending scheduled reviews are what keep that risk low.
Does OrthoK hurt?
It shouldn't be painful. Most people feel mild lens awareness for the first few nights, similar to any new contact lens, which typically settles within the first week.
Can OrthoK damage my eyes?
When properly fitted and cared for, OrthoK does not cause lasting damage; the corneal reshaping is temporary and reverses if wear stops. Like any contact lens, poor hygiene or wearing lenses against advice can increase infection risk, which is why care and reviews matter.
What if I get something in my eye or discomfort during the night?
Remove the lenses and contact us. Genuine pain, redness or persistent discomfort should never simply be tolerated until morning; we're always available to advise if something feels wrong.
Can I sleep in my OrthoK lenses for more than one night in a row without removing them?
No. OrthoK lenses are designed for nightly removal, cleaning and reinsertion. Overnight wear followed by daytime removal is the entire basis of how the treatment works safely.
What's the risk of eye infection with OrthoK?
The risk is low but not zero, broadly comparable to daytime soft contact lens wear, and is minimised significantly by good hygiene, never using tap water on lenses, and attending scheduled reviews so any early issues are caught quickly.
Can I rub my eyes while wearing OrthoK lenses at night?
We advise against firm eye rubbing during lens wear, since it can shift or dislodge a lens. Gentle blinking is normal and expected; if a lens feels displaced, we'll show you how to check and reposition it safely.
Is OrthoK reversible if I decide to stop?
Yes, this is one of its defining features. Stop wearing the lenses and the cornea gradually returns to its original shape over roughly one to two weeks, after which vision reverts to your underlying prescription.
Fitting

The Fitting Process

How long until I see clearly?
Vision typically improves progressively over the first week of consistent overnight wear, with many people noticing a meaningful improvement after just the first night.
How many visits does fitting take?
More than standard glasses or contacts: an initial consultation and corneal mapping, a collection and training visit, several early follow-ups, then a settled routine review schedule. Our OrthoK Fitting Program page covers this step by step.
What happens if the first lenses don't fit well?
This is a normal, expected part of the process for some people. We adjust the lens design based on how your cornea responds, and remakes are a routine part of achieving the best fit.
How often do I need reviews once settled?
Generally every six to twelve months for adults, more frequently for progressing children, including axial length monitoring for anyone using OrthoK for myopia control.
What equipment is used to fit OrthoK lenses?
Corneal topography is the key technology, mapping your cornea's shape in fine detail across thousands of points, which forms the basis of your custom lens design.
Can I be fitted for OrthoK if I've never worn contact lenses before?
Yes, most people starting OrthoK have no prior contact lens experience. We take the time needed for insertion and removal training regardless of your starting point.
What if my prescription changes after I start OrthoK?
We review prescription and corneal shape at scheduled visits and adjust the lens design if needed. This is especially relevant for children, whose eyes are still growing.
Is a trial or temporary lens used before the final custom lenses?
In some cases, a diagnostic lens may be used at the initial visit to assess corneal response before finalising your custom design, though many fittings proceed directly to custom-designed lenses based on topography data.
Can I be fitted for OrthoK on the same day as my consultation?
Lenses are custom-made after your consultation and corneal mapping, so same-day fitting isn't possible, but we aim to have your lenses ready and your first wear scheduled as promptly as possible.
Cost & Logistics

Cost, Replacement & Insurance

How much does OrthoK cost?
Cost depends on prescription complexity, lens design required, and the fitting program involved. We provide a clear, individual quote after your consultation and corneal mapping, rather than a generic price, since every fitting is genuinely custom.
How often do lenses need replacing?
Typically every one to two years, depending on lens material, care, and how a prescription changes over time, particularly relevant for children whose eyes are still growing. Our Buy OrthoK Lenses page covers replacements.
Is OrthoK covered by private health insurance?
Coverage varies by fund and policy level, particularly for contact lens fitting and optical extras. We recommend checking directly with your health fund, and we can help clarify what's involved on our end.
Can I trial OrthoK before committing fully?
We assess candidacy thoroughly at your consultation, including corneal topography, so you have a realistic picture of expected outcomes before proceeding, and we discuss the process and any uncertainties openly rather than guaranteeing a result upfront.
Is OrthoK more expensive than daily myopia control contact lenses over time?
Costs differ by structure rather than one being clearly cheaper: OrthoK involves a lens replaced every year or two, while daily disposables are an ongoing per-lens cost. We can compare total costs for your specific situation.
What happens if a lens needs remaking during the fitting process, does that cost extra?
This depends on the circumstances and is something we discuss upfront as part of your fitting program pricing, so there are no surprises if an adjustment is needed to get the fit right.
Daily Life

Living With OrthoK Day To Day

Can I swim or shower while wearing OrthoK lenses?
OrthoK lenses are worn overnight and removed in the morning, so daytime swimming and showering happen lens-free, one of the appeals for swimmers and water sports enthusiasts.
Can I wear OrthoK lenses if I have a cold or am unwell?
If you're unwell, particularly with any eye-related symptoms, sinus congestion or a cold with watery eyes, it's worth checking with us before continuing wear, since illness can occasionally affect comfort or fit temporarily.
Do I need to carry anything with me during the day since I'm not wearing lenses?
No, this is one of the appeals of OrthoK: once lenses are removed in the morning, your day is genuinely glasses and lens-free, with nothing to carry, clean or manage until that evening.
Can my child do sleepovers or camps while on OrthoK?
Yes, with proper training beforehand on insertion, removal and hygiene, most children manage this confidently. We make sure both you and your child feel prepared before any overnight trips away from home.
What if I need glasses as a backup for OrthoK?
We recommend keeping an up-to-date pair of backup glasses for occasions when lenses aren't worn, such as illness or a lost lens, so clear vision is never fully interrupted.
Does OrthoK cause dry eyes during the day?
Many people find OrthoK more comfortable than daytime contact lens wear for dry eyes, since nothing sits on the eye during waking hours. Some people do notice dryness related to the overnight lens itself, which we can usually manage with adjustments.
Comparisons

OrthoK vs Other Options

Is OrthoK better than myopia control glasses?
Neither is universally better; both sit in the same top evidence tier for slowing myopia progression. OrthoK suits those who want glasses-free days, while glasses suit those who prefer the simplicity of no lens handling at all.
Is OrthoK better than daily contact lenses for myopia control?
Effectiveness is broadly comparable between OrthoK and MiSight daily contact lenses in the published evidence. The choice usually comes down to lifestyle: no daytime lens handling with OrthoK, versus no overnight routine with daily contacts.
Can OrthoK be combined with atropine for extra myopia control?
Yes, this is a genuine option for children who need more slowing than OrthoK alone provides, and it's an area of growing evidence, discussed individually based on progression.
Why would someone choose OrthoK over laser eye surgery?
OrthoK is non-surgical and fully reversible, suits younger patients not yet eligible for laser surgery, and provides ongoing myopia control benefit in children, none of which laser surgery offers.
If my child starts with glasses, can we switch to OrthoK later?
Yes, switching between myopia control treatments is common as circumstances change, whether that's a change in lifestyle, sport commitments, or simply wanting a different day-to-day experience.

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Every eye is different, and the best way to get answers specific to yours is a consultation with our team.

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