How We Assess Your Child's Suitability for Ortho-K

Orthokeratology, or Ortho-K, is a treatment option for myopia (short-sightedness) that uses specially designed rigid contact lenses worn overnight.

While you sleep, the lenses gently reshape the surface of the cornea so that vision is clear during the day without glasses or daytime contact lenses.

In addition to this temporary correction, research has shown that Ortho-K can help slow the progression of childhood myopia, which is important for long-term eye health.

Because Ortho-K is a customised treatment, not every child will be suited to it. The process of determining suitability involves a detailed eye examination and a discussion of vision, health, and lifestyle needs.

What We Look At When Assessing Ortho-K Candidacy

Age and Stage of Myopia Progression

There is no strict age limit for starting Ortho-K, though children as young as six or seven can often adapt well. Early intervention can be valuable because myopia tends to progress more quickly in younger children. Suitability depends more on the child’s prescription, maturity, and ability to handle lens care safely.

Prescription Range

Ortho-K is most effective for myopia up to about -6.00 dioptres and for moderate levels of astigmatism (up to roughly -1.75 dioptres). Beyond this range, lenses may still provide some benefit, but the degree of correction and myopia control effect can vary. An optometrist will measure the prescription carefully to set realistic expectations.

Corneal Shape and Health

A key part of the assessment involves corneal topography, which maps the shape and surface of the cornea in detail. Ortho-K lenses must be designed around these measurements to reshape the cornea safely and effectively. Conditions that affect corneal health or shape, such as keratoconus, significant scarring, or corneal dystrophies, may make Ortho-K unsuitable.

Tear Film and Ocular Surface

Ortho-K lenses rely on healthy tear production to remain comfortable and safe. Children with severe dry eye, recurrent eye infections, or significant allergic eye disease may not be good candidates, as these conditions can make lens wear uncomfortable or riskier.

Lifestyle and Hygiene

Success with Ortho-K depends on consistent, careful lens handling and cleaning. Children and their parents need to be comfortable with daily routines for insertion, removal, and care. If hygiene is poor, the risk of infection increases. During an assessment, the optometrist will discuss whether the child is ready to manage this responsibility, often with parental support.

What to Expect in the Ortho-K Assessment Process

• An Ortho-K suitability consultation typically involves:
• Comprehensive eye examination – including refraction to measure the degree of myopia, and checking eye health.
• Corneal topography – mapping the cornea’s shape to guide lens design.
• Discussion of medical and ocular history – including any allergies, dry eye, or other conditions that may affect lens wear.
• Lifestyle and motivation – assessing whether the child and family are ready to commit to daily lens routines.

If your child is suitable for Ortho-K and you decide to start the treatment, we will order trial lenses, customised to their eyes, which they will wear during sleep for seven nights.

You’ll then return for a follow-up appointment to monitor progress, make any lens adjustments as needed, and order the final Ortho-K lenses.

If Ortho-K is not the best option, other evidence-based myopia control treatments may be recommended, including myopia control prescription spectacles and contact lenses.

Supporting Your Child’s Eye Health

Determining whether Ortho-K is suitable is about balancing safety, effectiveness, and lifestyle. When prescribed and monitored carefully, Ortho-K can provide freedom from glasses during the day and contribute to slowing the progression of myopia in children.

If you’re interested in learning whether Ortho-K may be suitable for your child, book an eye test with our team at Optometrist Parramatta. We’ll conduct a thorough assessment, answer your questions, and guide you through the next steps in protecting your child’s vision.