What Is Orthokeratology (Ortho-K) and Is It Right for You?

Ortho-k lenses reshape your cornea overnight, allowing clear, glasses-free vision during the day. A popular option in Singapore, especially for children with myopia, ortho-k is a safe and non-surgical alternative to LASIK.

Blurry vision might be common, but relying on glasses or daytime contacts isn’t your only option. Ortho-k offers a way to manage your eyesight that doesn’t involve daytime eyewear or surgery. At Eyesight.sg, we provide Ortho-k fittings right here in Singapore, helping both adults and children enjoy clearer vision and a lower risk of progressive myopia.

How Ortho-K Lenses Work

Orthokeratology treatment works through a method known as corneal reshaping. The idea is simple: by wearing specially designed lenses while you sleep, your vision is corrected temporarily without the need for daytime eyewear. But how does that play out?

1. Custom Fitting Based on Your Eye Map

Ortho-k begins with a detailed corneal topography scan. This non-invasive test maps the surface of your eye, highlighting every subtle curve and irregularity. This scan ensures that your lenses are made precisely for your eyes, not just your prescription.

2. Nighttime Wear for Daytime Vision

Each night, you’ll insert your Ortho-k lenses before bed. These rigid gas-permeable lenses are breathable and designed for overnight use. As you sleep, the lenses gently press on the outer layer of your cornea, subtly changing its shape to better focus light onto your retina.

3. Corneal Reshaping That Sticks (Temporarily)

The reshaping that takes place while you sleep is safe and non-permanent. The outermost layer of your eye — called the epithelium — is flexible and adjusts to the shape of the lens. In the morning, when you remove the lenses, your cornea retains its new shape long enough to provide you with crisp, clear vision throughout the day.

4. Vision Without Glasses or Daytime Contacts

Most patients begin to see results within a few days, although some may take up to two weeks to achieve full visual clarity. Once stabilized, you’ll enjoy sharp vision all day long, without the need for additional correction.

5. Reversible and Non-Surgical

Ortho-k is a non-surgical vision correction alternative, and unlike LASIK or other surgical methods, the effects of ortho-k are reversible. If you stop wearing the lenses, your cornea gradually returns to its original shape, and your vision reverts to its pre-treatment state.

Ongoing Care And Monitoring

Ortho-k isn’t a one-and-done treatment — it requires regular check-ups. At Eyesight.sg, we monitor your corneal health, track your progress, and ensure your lenses continue to provide safe, effective results. Adjustments can be made as needed, particularly for growing children or patients with changing medication needs.

Who Is Ortho-K For?

Ortho-k is well-suited for a wide range of individuals, but certain groups tend to benefit more than others. Ortho-k is often recommended for:

• Children with progressive myopia can benefit from this treatment, as it helps slow down the rate at which their myopia worsens.
• Adults with mild to moderate myopia or astigmatism, especially those who are not ideal candidates for LASIK.
• Active individuals, especially those who play sports or work in dusty environments, where glasses or regular contact lenses aren’t practical.
• People with dry eye issues. Since ortho-k lenses are worn overnight, they may be more comfortable than daytime contacts.

It's essential to undergo a comprehensive eye exam to determine if your eyes are suitable for ortho-k.

Benefits Of Ortho-K For Myopia Control

One of the most compelling uses for ortho-k is its ability to slow down the progression of myopia in children. Here’s what makes ortho-k ideal for childhood myopia:

• Daytime freedom: No need to wear contact lenses or glasses at school or during sports.
• Sleep-time treatment: Vision correction happens overnight, without disrupting daily routines.
• Research-backed: Studies have shown that ortho-k can slow myopia progression by up to 50%, reducing the risk of future eye health complications.

It’s also reassuring for parents — ortho-k doesn’t carry the same permanence or risk as surgical correction, making it a practical long-term option during a child’s developmental years.

Ortho-K In Singapore: Clearer Vision Starts Here

Ortho-k offers a safer, non-surgical path to sharper vision — and for many, it’s the most practical choice. Whether you’re an adult hoping to ditch daytime correction or a parent managing your child’s myopia, our team at Eyesight.sg is here to guide you through the process with care, precision, and experience. Book your eye care appointment to find out if ortho-k is right for you.