Orthokeratology in Singapore

Ortho-K for Myopia Control — Personally Supervised by Dr Cheryl Lee

Could your child see clearly without glasses during the day — while also slowing the progression of myopia?

This is why many parents ask me about Orthokeratology, or Ortho-K.

Ortho-K uses specially designed contact lenses worn overnight. While your child sleeps, the lenses gently reshape the front surface of the cornea. In the morning, the lenses are removed and your child can see clearly during the day without glasses or daytime contact lenses.

But for me, Ortho-K is about much more than simply not wearing glasses.

My priority is controlling myopia and monitoring how your child's eyes are growing.

What is Ortho-K?

Ortho-K lenses are specially designed rigid gas-permeable contact lenses that are worn while sleeping.

They temporarily reshape the cornea so that light focuses correctly on the retina during the day.

The effect is reversible. If your child stops wearing the lenses, the cornea gradually returns towards its original shape and the myopia correction is lost.

This means Ortho-K is not a cure for myopia.

Its value is that it can provide clear daytime vision while also helping to slow myopia progression in many children.

Why I use Ortho-K for Myopia Control

Myopia is not simply a problem of needing stronger glasses.

As myopia progresses, the eye can become longer. Higher levels of myopia are associated with an increased lifetime risk of retinal and other eye problems.

That is why I am interested in the growth of the eye, not just the spectacle prescription.

Research has shown that Ortho-K can slow axial eye growth in many children compared with conventional spectacle correction.

But every child responds differently.

That is why I monitor the child's prescription, axial length, eye health and overall progression rather than assuming that the lenses are working simply because the child can see well.

Ortho-K is a treatment, not just a contact lens

This is one of the most important things I want parents to understand.

A child can have excellent vision every morning and still have progressing myopia.

So at The Eye Clinic, I don't simply fit an OK lens and send you home.

I want to know:

Is the myopia actually being controlled?

Is the eye growing too quickly?

Are the lenses fitting safely?

Is your child comfortable and managing the hygiene routine properly?

These are all part of myopia management.

Who might benefit from Ortho-K?

Ortho-K may be considered for children who:

• Have progressive myopia

• Are becoming increasingly short-sighted

• Want clear daytime vision without glasses

• Play sports or are very active

• Swim regularly

• Find glasses inconvenient

• Have parents who are concerned about increasing myopia

An assessment is needed to determine whether Ortho-K is suitable for your child's eyes and prescription.

When should my child start?

One of the misconceptions I often hear from parents is:

“Perhaps we should wait until my child is older and can manage contact lenses better.”

But if the purpose is myopia control, waiting for the child to become older may mean losing valuable time.

The right question is not simply:

“Is my child old enough for Ortho-K?”

It is:

“Is my child ready to participate safely in the routine, and is Ortho-K appropriate for their eyes?”

Younger children may need more help from their parents with inserting, removing and cleaning the lenses. With the right supervision and routine, many children learn remarkably well.

What does an Ortho-K routine look like?

🌙 Before bed

Your child puts in the Ortho-K lenses after washing and drying their hands.

😴 During sleep

The lenses are worn overnight while the child sleeps.

☀️ In the morning

The lenses are removed and cleaned according to the prescribed care routine.

🏃 During the day

Your child can enjoy clear vision without glasses or daytime contact lenses.

👁 At follow-up

I check the eye health, lens fit and, importantly, whether the myopia is actually being controlled.

Is Ortho-K safe?

Ortho-K can be used safely in children when the lenses are properly fitted, correctly cared for and regularly monitored.

The most important part of successful Ortho-K is not simply the lens.

It is the hygiene and follow-up.

Children need to learn good hand washing, lens cleaning and storage habits, and parents may need to supervise these routines, particularly when treatment begins.

If a child develops significant redness, pain, discharge or a sudden change in vision, the lenses should not simply be put back in. The eye should be assessed promptly.

Ortho-K and other myopia-control options

Ortho-K is only one part of modern myopia management.

Depending on the child, I may also discuss:

• Myopia-control spectacle lenses

• Specialised contact lenses

• Atropine eye drops

• Combination treatment

• Lifestyle measures including outdoor time and healthier near-work habits

There isn't one treatment that is automatically best for every child.

My job is to understand your child's eyes and recommend the approach that makes the most sense for them.

Compare Myopia-Control Options →

What I Monitor

A child's spectacle prescription is important, but it is only part of the story.

I am particularly interested in axial length — the length of the eyeball.

Tracking axial length gives us another way of understanding whether the eye is continuing to grow and whether our myopia-control strategy is working.

This is why regular monitoring matters even when your child says:

“I can see perfectly.”

Perfect vision today does not necessarily mean the myopia has stopped progressing.

Ortho-K and Everyday Life

One of the reasons children and parents love Ortho-K is the freedom it can provide.

No glasses slipping down during football.

No glasses getting wet in the pool.

No worrying about spectacles during outdoor activities.

And for some children, there is a lovely psychological benefit too — they simply feel more comfortable seeing themselves without glasses.

But I always remind families:

The reason we are using Ortho-K is not just to get rid of glasses. It is to manage myopia.

Myopia Control Beyond the Lens

The lens is only one part of the picture.

I encourage families to think about the child's entire visual environment:

More outdoor time.

Healthy screen habits.

Regular breaks from prolonged near work.

Good working distance.

Regular eye examinations.

And, when necessary, evidence-based myopia-control treatment.

I have spent many years working with children with myopia, and I have learned that the medical treatment is only one part of the challenge.

The other part is helping a child actually want to follow the routine.

That means finding ways to make healthy habits realistic for everyday family life.

Myopia Control Tips for Parents →

Dr Lee's Perspective

I don't see Ortho-K as simply a way for a child to stop wearing glasses.

I see it as one tool in a larger myopia-control strategy.

Every child is different. Some children respond beautifully to Ortho-K; others may benefit from a different treatment or a combination of approaches.

What matters to me is not just whether your child can see clearly tomorrow morning.

I want to know what is happening to their eyes over the next few years.

That is why I monitor both vision and eye growth and adjust the treatment when necessary.

My goal is not simply clearer vision today. It is healthier eyes for your child's future.

Considering Ortho-K?

If your child's myopia is increasing, an assessment can help determine whether Ortho-K is appropriate and which myopia-control strategy would be most suitable.

At The Eye Clinic, Ortho-K is part of a doctor-led myopia management programme, with attention to eye health, lens fit, hygiene, prescription and axial length.

Book an Ortho-K Assessment →

Try an Ortho-K Lens Trial →

Compare Myopia-Control Treatments →

Myopia Control Resource Centre →

Orthokeratology Singapore: Complete Parent's Guide to OK Lenses and Myopia Control in Children (2026)

Introduction

If your child is becoming increasingly short-sighted, you may have heard about Orthokeratology, commonly known as Ortho-K or OK Lenses.

Parents are often surprised to learn that myopia (short-sightedness) is not simply about wearing stronger glasses every year. Progressive myopia can increase the lifetime risk of retinal detachment, glaucoma, myopic macular degeneration and other sight-threatening eye diseases.

The good news is that modern myopia control treatments can significantly slow down the progression of myopia.

Among the most effective options available today is Orthokeratology.

At The Eye Clinic by Dr Cheryl Lee, Orthokeratology is not simply about helping children see without glasses. It is part of a comprehensive doctor-led myopia control programme designed to slow eye growth, reduce future eye health risks and preserve long-term vision.

What Is Orthokeratology?

Orthokeratology (Ortho-K) uses specially designed rigid gas permeable contact lenses that are worn while sleeping.

These custom-made lenses gently reshape the front surface of the eye overnight.

When your child removes the lenses in the morning, they can enjoy clear vision throughout the day without glasses or daytime contact lenses.

The effect is temporary and reversible, which means the lenses need to be worn regularly at night to maintain clear daytime vision.

How Do OK Lenses Work?

In a short-sighted eye, light focuses in front of the retina instead of directly on it.

Ortho-K lenses temporarily reshape the cornea so that light focuses correctly on the retina during the day.

More importantly, Orthokeratology changes how light falls on the peripheral retina. This altered focus pattern appears to slow down the elongation of the eyeball, which is the main reason myopia worsens in children.

This is why Orthokeratology is considered both a vision correction treatment and a myopia control treatment.

Does Orthokeratology Really Slow Myopia?

Yes.

Multiple clinical studies have shown that Orthokeratology can slow myopia progression by approximately 40% to 60% compared with ordinary glasses.

At The Eye Clinic, we frequently use combination therapy where appropriate, combining Orthokeratology with other evidence-based treatments to achieve even stronger myopia control.

The goal is not simply to reduce dependence on glasses but to minimise the rate at which the eye continues to grow longer.

Why Is Myopia Control So Important?

Many parents think:

"My child only needs a stronger pair of glasses."

Unfortunately, every increase in myopia means the eye becomes longer.

The longer the eye becomes, the higher the lifetime risk of:

• Retinal detachment

• Myopic macular degeneration

• Glaucoma

• Early cataracts

• Irreversible vision loss later in life

Modern myopia control focuses on reducing these future risks by slowing the progression of myopia during childhood.

The earlier treatment begins, the better the long-term outcome.

Who Is Suitable For Orthokeratology?

Orthokeratology may be suitable for:

• Children whose myopia increases every year

• Children aged approximately 6 years and above

• Children involved in sports

• Swimmers

• Active children who dislike glasses

• Children with a strong family history of high myopia

• Teenagers seeking freedom from daytime glasses

A detailed examination is necessary to determine whether your child is a suitable candidate.

Why Parents Choose OK Lenses

1. No Glasses During The Day

Children enjoy clear vision throughout the day without spectacles.

Many children find this particularly useful for sports and outdoor activities.

2. Proven Myopia Control

Orthokeratology is one of the most researched and effective methods of slowing myopia progression.

3. Non-Surgical

Unlike LASIK or other refractive procedures, Orthokeratology is completely reversible.

4. Improved Confidence

Many children enjoy the freedom of not having to wear glasses every day.

Why Choose A Doctor-Led Orthokeratology Clinic?

This is one of the most important questions parents should ask.

In many clinics, Orthokeratology is managed primarily by an optometrist.

At The Eye Clinic, Dr Cheryl Lee personally supervises the myopia management programme as a specialist eye doctor.

This means your child receives:

• Medical oversight from an ophthalmologist

• Monitoring of eye growth and myopia progression

• Management of dry eye disease

• Assessment for inflammation and infection

• Long-term eye health surveillance

• Access to the full range of myopia control options

Our philosophy is simple.

The objective is not merely to fit a lens.

The objective is to control myopia as effectively as possible.

The Eye Clinic's Approach To Myopia Control

Dr Cheryl Lee is internationally recognised for her work in myopia management and vision correction.

Every child receives an individualised plan which may include:

• Orthokeratology

• Low-dose atropine therapy

• Myopia control spectacles

• Lifestyle modification

• Outdoor activity recommendations

• Regular monitoring of eye growth

We believe there is no one-size-fits-all solution.

Each child requires a personalised strategy.

Is Orthokeratology Safe?

When properly fitted and monitored, Orthokeratology is considered safe.

Like all contact lens treatments, success depends on good hygiene.

At The Eye Clinic, we place particular emphasis on:

• Eyelid hygiene

• Clean eyelashes

• Proper lens care

• Safe insertion and removal techniques

• Regular follow-up visits

Many contact lens complications can be prevented through proper hygiene and education.

What Happens During An Orthokeratology Consultation?

Step 1: Comprehensive Eye Examination

We assess your child's prescription, eye health and suitability for treatment.

Step 2: Corneal Mapping

Advanced measurements of the eye are performed.

Step 3: Trial And Fitting

Your child can experience handling and wearing the lenses before proceeding.

Step 4: Lens Ordering

Custom-designed lenses are manufactured for your child's eyes.

Step 5: Follow-Up Monitoring

Regular reviews ensure:

• Good lens fit

• Healthy eyes

• Effective myopia control

• Stable vision

Lifestyle Habits That Help Myopia Control

Orthokeratology works best when combined with healthy visual habits.

We encourage:

• One hour outdoor time minimum

• 20 minute near activities 

• 20 minutes break for far activities  

• Good reading posture

• 3 monthly eye check 

These habits support overall eye health and may reduce the risk of myopia progression.

Frequently Asked Questions

What age can a child start Ortho-K?

Many children can begin from approximately 6 years old if they are mature enough to manage lens wear with parental support. I find that motivation is the most important. I will discuss with your child and you and an OK Lens trial should be done before making the final decision.

Does Ortho-K permanently cure myopia?

No. Orthokeratology temporarily reshapes the cornea. The effect reverses if the lenses are discontinued.

Is Ortho-K painful?

Most children adapt quickly and become comfortable within a short period.

Can my child play sports?

Yes. This is one of the biggest advantages of Orthokeratology. Children enjoy clear vision without daytime glasses.

How long do OK lenses last?

Most lenses are replaced approximately once a year, depending on wear and condition.

When Should Parents Consider Orthokeratology?

If your child's prescription is increasing every year, it is worth discussing myopia control options early.

Waiting until myopia becomes severe may mean missing the opportunity to slow progression during the years when eye growth is most rapid.

Early intervention often produces the best long-term results.

Orthokeratology Singapore: Book A Consultation

At The Eye Clinic by Dr Cheryl Lee, Orthokeratology is part of a comprehensive doctor-led myopia control programme.

Our focus is not simply on reducing dependence on glasses.

Our goal is to help children achieve healthier long-term vision through evidence-based myopia management.

If your child's myopia is progressing, schedule a consultation to find out whether Orthokeratology is the right option.