Surgery-free vision correction
Orthokeratology: see without glasses during the day
Special lenses you wear while you sleep that gently reshape the cornea. When you wake up, you take them out and see clearly all day, without surgery.
Book an assessmentIdeal if you
- Want to skip glasses during the day
- Play sports or swim
- Do not want surgery
- Have a child whose myopia is increasing
Orthokeratology
What is orthokeratology?
Orthokeratology (ortho-K) corrects vision with custom-designed rigid gas-permeable lenses that you wear only while you sleep.
Overnight, the lens applies gentle, even pressure that slightly flattens the centre of the cornea. In the morning you take it out and the cornea keeps that shape during the day, so you see clearly without glasses or contacts.
The effect is reversible: if you stop wearing the lenses, the cornea gradually returns to its original shape. That is why it is often called "surgery without a scalpel": it corrects vision without operating on the eye.
How it works
Reshape at night, see by day
Overnight corneal reshaping
The lens gently flattens the centre of the cornea while you sleep. When you remove it in the morning, light focuses on the retina and you see clearly without correction.
Benefits
Why choose orthokeratology
- Freedom during the dayNo glasses or contact lenses at school, at work or during sports.
- No surgeryNothing is done to the eye and the effect is reversible if you stop wearing the lenses.
- Myopia control in childrenBesides correcting vision, it helps slow the progression of myopia while the eye is growing.
- Great for athletesSwimming, contact sports or outdoor activities without worrying about your vision.
- Less daytime drynessA good option if your eyes feel dry or uncomfortable with daytime contact lenses.
- Custom designEach lens is designed from the topography of your cornea.
Candidates
Who is it for?
The assessment confirms whether you are a good candidate. In general it suits:
- Low to moderate myopiaThis is where it works best; it can also correct mild astigmatism.
- Children and teenagersWith myopia that increases every year and parents willing to supervise wear and hygiene.
- Active adultsWho do not want or cannot have surgery and want to go without correction during the day.
- ConsistencyYou need to wear the lenses every night and attend the scheduled check-ups.
- When it is not suitableWith active eye infections or inflammation, severe dry eye or prescriptions outside the range. We will tell you at the assessment.
Process
The process
- 01
Assessment and topography
We measure your prescription, check your eye health and make a detailed map of your corneal curvature.
- 02
Lens design
With that data a lens is custom-designed for your cornea and prescription.
- 03
First night
We teach you how to insert, remove and clean the lenses. You sleep in them and we check you the next morning.
- 04
Follow-up
Check-ups during the first weeks until your vision is stable, then regular reviews.
Care and safety
A safe treatment when properly cared for
As with any contact lens, hygiene is essential: wash your hands, clean and store the lenses with the recommended solutions and never use tap water.
Lenses should be replaced as we advise, usually every year, and it is important not to skip check-ups.
If you notice pain, strong redness or blurred vision that does not improve, remove the lenses and contact us.
Frequently asked questions
Does it hurt or feel uncomfortable?
You will notice the lens the first few nights, but once you close your eyes to sleep the sensation drops a lot. Most people adapt within a few days.
How long does it take to work?
Many people notice a significant improvement from the very first morning. Vision usually stabilises within one or two weeks, depending on the prescription.
Is the effect permanent?
No. The correction lasts one or two days, which is why the lenses are worn every night. If you stop, the cornea returns to its original shape.
What if I skip a night?
The next day your vision may be slightly less sharp, especially later in the day. Just wear them again the following night.
From what age can it be used?
There is no fixed age. It is commonly fitted in children from about 7–8 years old, as long as they can follow the hygiene routine with their parents’ help.
Is it safe?
Yes, when the lens is well fitted and you follow the hygiene rules and check-ups. The main risk, as with any contact lens, is infection due to poor hygiene.
Want to see without glasses during the day?
Book an orthokeratology assessment with Opt. Arnold Brito Crisóstomo.
Book appointment