Published: 7 May 2020 | Last updated: 15 September 2026 | Publisher: Smart Vision Optometry
At a glance
- Ortho-K lenses temporarily reshape the cornea during sleep and require a prescribed wear, cleaning and follow-up plan.
- Wash and completely dry your hands, keep lenses and cases away from water and use only the care products recommended for your lenses.
- Do not wear a lens in a painful, red or irritated eye; remove it and seek prompt advice if symptoms or blurred vision occur.
Why regular Ortho-K follow-up matters
Orthokeratology uses specially fitted rigid gas-permeable lenses worn during sleep. Their effect is temporary, so the prescribed wearing pattern and follow-up schedule matter. Reviews allow the optometrist to check vision, corneal health, lens fit, lens condition and whether the care routine remains appropriate.
Replacement timing is individual. It can depend on lens condition, fit, prescription, deposits, damage and the manufacturer or clinician’s instructions. Do not extend wear or replace lenses on a fixed internet timetable without advice from the provider managing your care.
Daily hygiene and water safety
The CDC’s current contact-lens guidance recommends washing hands with soap and water and drying them completely before handling lenses. Keep lenses and their case away from tap, bottled, distilled, lake, pool and shower water. Use fresh recommended disinfecting solution and never top up old solution.
Follow the specific instructions supplied for your lens material and care system. SVO patients can review the practice’s Ortho-K lens-care information, but their individual written instructions take priority.
Symptoms that need prompt advice
Remove the lens and contact your eye-care provider if an eye becomes painful, red or unusually irritated, or if you develop discharge, light sensitivity or blurred vision. Do not resume wear until advised. Urgent or worsening symptoms may need same-day assessment.
Where Ortho-K fits in myopia care
Ortho-K may provide daytime vision without glasses or contact lenses and may be considered as part of myopia management for suitable patients. It is not permanent correction and is not suitable for everyone. Read how overnight Ortho-K works and who may be suitable, then review SVO’s Ortho-K service information. An examination is required before any recommendation.
Ortho-K care questions
How often should Ortho-K lenses be replaced?
There is no single timetable for every wearer. Follow the schedule set by your clinician, who will consider lens condition, fit, deposits, damage, prescription and the manufacturer’s guidance.
Can I wear an Ortho-K lens if my eye is red?
No. Remove the lens and seek advice if you have redness, pain, irritation, discharge, light sensitivity or blurred vision. Do not resume wear until your eye-care provider advises it is safe.
Can tap water touch Ortho-K lenses or their case?
No. Keep contact lenses and cases away from water. Use only the cleaning and disinfecting products recommended for your prescribed lenses.
