Ortho-K Lenses Explained: A Parent’s Guide to Clear Vision Without Daytime Glasses

kids playing outdoors in HDB playground with no glasses on

Feeling Free and running faster without heavy glasses

What Exactly Are Ortho-K Lenses?

If your child dislikes wearing glasses or you’re searching for a non-surgical way to manage short-sightedness, Orthokeratology (Ortho-K) lenses may be the perfect solution.

Ortho-K lenses are custom-made, oxygen-permeable contact lenses worn only while sleeping. As your child sleeps, the lenses gently reshape the surface of the cornea — the clear front part of the eye — to correct mild to moderate myopia (short-sightedness).

When the lenses are removed in the morning, your child can see clearly all day without glasses or daytime contact lenses.

How Do Ortho-K Lenses Work?

Think of Ortho-K as gentle “braces” for the eyes — but completely reversible and painless. The specially designed lens applies a precise amount of pressure to flatten the cornea slightly, altering how light enters the eye.

This temporary reshaping provides crisp, natural vision during the day. Over time, research has shown that Ortho-K can also slow the progression of myopia, helping reduce the risk of serious long-term complications like retinal detachment and glaucoma.

Clinical studies, including those conducted in Singapore, have shown that children who use Ortho-K lenses can experience 30–50% slower myopia progression compared to those wearing regular glasses.

How Do Ortho-K Lenses Work?

Think of Ortho-K as gentle “braces” for the eyes — but completely reversible and painless. The specially designed lens applies a precise amount of pressure to flatten the cornea slightly, altering how light enters the eye.

This temporary reshaping provides crisp, natural vision during the day. Over time, research has shown that Ortho-K can also slow the progression of myopia, helping reduce the risk of serious long-term complications like retinal detachment and glaucoma.

Clinical studies, including those conducted in Singapore, have shown that children who use Ortho-K lenses can experience 30–50% slower myopia progression compared to those wearing regular glasses.

Benefits of Ortho-K Lenses

Here’s why more Singaporean parents are turning to Ortho-K as their preferred myopia control method:

✅ Clear, natural daytime vision — no need for glasses at school or during sports.
✅ Clinically proven myopia control — slows eye elongation and progression.
✅ Non-surgical and reversible — safe for growing children.
✅ Confidence boost — especially for active kids and teens who prefer glasses-free living.

Caring for Ortho-K Lenses at Home

Proper care is simple but essential:

  • Clean and disinfect lenses every morning after removal.

  • Store lenses in fresh disinfecting solution daily.

  • Wash and dry hands thoroughly before handling lenses.

  • Attend all follow-up visits to ensure ongoing eye health.

  • Lid and eye lashes hygiene

  • Prevention of dry eyes

All these specific steps ,we will teach you and its teh key to successful outcome with next to no risks with OK lens. With good hygiene habits and regular check-ups, Ortho-K lenses can last up to a year before replacement.

Your Partner in Myopia Control: The Eye Clinic by Dr. Cheryl Lee

Dr. Cheryl Lee has extensive experience in myopia management and Ortho-K fitting for children and adults in Singapore.
At The Eye Clinic at Mandarin Gallery, every treatment plan is personalised, focusing on your child’s comfort, safety, and long-term vision health.

If your child’s prescription seems to be increasing every few months or you’re exploring non-surgical vision correction options, Ortho-K may be a great fit.

👉 Find out more or contact The Eye Clinic by Dr. Cheryl Lee today to schedule a consultation and discover if Ortho-K lenses are suitable for your child.

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How Outdoor Time Protects Kids’ Eyes: The Science Behind Myopia Prevention