Orthokeratology (ortho-k)
Orthokeratology (Ortho-K) at Urban Optometry
At Urban Optometry in Thornhill, we understand how important clear vision is — especially for those who want freedom from glasses or daytime contact lenses. Orthokeratology (Ortho-K), sometimes called “corneal reshaping therapy,” is a safe, non-surgical vision correction method that uses specially designed gas-permeable contact lenses worn overnight to gently reshape the cornea.
When you remove the lenses in the morning, you can enjoy clear vision throughout the day without needing glasses or contacts. It’s like getting the benefits of laser vision correction — but without surgery or permanent changes to your eyes. Ortho-K is FDA-approved and suitable for both children and adults who want an alternative to traditional eyewear or are not good candidates for LASIK.
The Benefits of Orthokeratology (Ortho-K)
Choosing Ortho-K at Urban Optometry offers several long-term advantages for comfort, convenience, and eye health. Here are some key benefits:
Clear Vision Without Glasses or Daytime Contacts
Ortho-K lenses reshape your cornea while you sleep, allowing you to see clearly all day without relying on glasses or contacts.
Completely Non-Surgical and Reversible
Unlike LASIK or other laser surgeries, Ortho-K doesn’t involve cutting or permanent alteration of your eyes. If you stop wearing the lenses, your eyes naturally return to their original shape.
Slows Down Myopia (Nearsightedness) Progression in Children
Studies have shown that Ortho-K can significantly slow the progression of myopia in children, helping protect their long-term vision.
Ideal for Active Lifestyles
Perfect for athletes, swimmers, and those who find glasses or contacts inconvenient during daily activities. You’ll have clear, natural vision all day without discomfort.
Comfortable and Easy to Maintain
Ortho-K lenses are made from breathable materials, allowing oxygen to reach your eyes while you sleep. Cleaning and handling them is simple with guidance from our optometrists.
Eye Care Services
Treatment Areas for Orthokeratology (Ortho-K)
Orthokeratology (Ortho-K) is designed to correct several common vision issues by gently reshaping the cornea — the clear, front surface of the eye. At Urban Optometry, this advanced treatment can effectively address conditions such as myopia (nearsightedness), where distant objects appear blurry; hyperopia (farsightedness), which makes it difficult to focus on nearby objects in select cases; astigmatism, which causes distorted or uneven vision due to irregular corneal curvature; and presbyopia (age-related near vision loss), where Ortho-K can help reduce dependence on reading glasses. By improving how light focuses on the retina, Ortho-K delivers clear, comfortable vision naturally — without the need for glasses or daytime contact lenses.
Who Are Good Candidates for Orthokeratology (Ortho-K)
You may be an excellent candidate for Orthokeratology (Ortho-K) if you’re someone who wants clear vision without relying on glasses or daytime contact lenses. Ortho-K is a great choice for children and teens with progressive nearsightedness, adults who can’t have laser eye surgery, or anyone with an active lifestyle who wants more visual freedom. It’s also ideal for people who experience dryness or irritation from soft contacts or find glasses inconvenient for sports or outdoor activities. At Urban Optometry, our experienced optometrists will perform a thorough eye health and corneal topography evaluation to determine whether Ortho-K is right for you.
How Orthokeratology (Ortho-K) Is Provided
Your Ortho-K journey at Urban Optometry begins with a detailed consultation and corneal mapping using advanced imaging technology to measure the exact curvature of your eyes. This allows our optometrists to design customized Ortho-K lenses tailored to your unique eye shape and prescription.
You’ll wear these specialized lenses overnight while you sleep. As you rest, the gentle pressure from the lenses reshapes your cornea, allowing light to focus correctly on your retina. When you wake up and remove the lenses, you’ll enjoy clear, crisp vision all day long without any corrective eyewear.
Most patients start noticing improvements after the first few nights, with full results typically achieved within one to two weeks. Your optometrist will schedule regular follow-ups to monitor progress, fine-tune lens design if needed, and ensure your eyes remain healthy and comfortable.
Wake Up and See the Difference with Ortho-K
If you’ve ever wished for clear vision without the hassle of glasses, contact lenses, or surgery, Orthokeratology (Ortho-K) may be the perfect solution. At Urban Optometry in Thornhill, our expert optometrists specialize in fitting custom Ortho-K lenses that deliver lasting comfort, control myopia progression, and improve visual freedom. Book your Ortho-K consultation at Urban Optometry today and experience the freedom of waking up every morning to naturally clear vision — no glasses, no daytime lenses, just confidence in every view.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How long does it take for Ortho-K to work?
Most patients notice clearer vision within a few days, with maximum results achieved after one to two weeks of consistent nighttime wear.
Is Ortho-K safe?
Yes. Ortho-K is FDA-approved and completely non-surgical. When fitted and monitored by an experienced optometrist at Urban Optometry, it’s a safe and effective alternative to daytime corrective lenses.
Can children wear Ortho-K lenses?
Absolutely. Ortho-K is one of the best treatments available to slow myopia progression in children and teens, making it a smart investment in their long-term eye health.
What happens if I stop wearing Ortho-K lenses?
If you discontinue wearing the lenses, your corneas will gradually return to their original shape, and your vision will revert to its previous prescription. There are no permanent effects.