Vision Correction Without Surgery
Orthokeratology (Ortho-K / CRT)
See clearly all day — without glasses or contacts — using overnight corneal reshaping lenses.
What Is Ortho-K?
Orthokeratology, commonly called Ortho-K or CRT (Corneal Refractive Therapy), uses specially designed rigid gas-permeable contact lenses worn only while you sleep. These lenses gently and temporarily reshape the front surface of your eye (the cornea) so that light focuses correctly on the retina.
When you wake up and remove the lenses, you enjoy clear, crisp vision throughout the day — no glasses, no daytime contacts needed. The effect is temporary and reversible, making Ortho-K a safe, non-surgical option for vision correction.
How Does It Work?
Custom Fitting
Your doctor maps the precise curvature of your cornea using corneal topography and designs lenses tailored to your eyes.
Overnight Wear
You insert the lenses before bed. While you sleep, the lenses gently flatten the central cornea to correct your prescription.
Clear Daytime Vision
Remove the lenses in the morning and enjoy clear vision all day — for sports, work, swimming, or any activity.
Ongoing Monitoring
Regular follow-up visits ensure your eyes respond well and your prescription stays on track.
Myopia Control: Protecting Your Child's Vision
Myopia (nearsightedness) in children doesn't just mean blurry distance vision — it means the eye is physically growing too long, and that growth increases the risk of serious conditions like retinal detachment, glaucoma, and macular degeneration later in life. The goal of myopia control is to slow that axial elongation before it progresses further.
Our Three Myopia Control Options
Custom CRT Lenses (Ortho-K)
Our most popular myopia control option. Custom-designed rigid gas-permeable lenses are worn only while the patient sleeps. Overnight, the lenses gently reshape the cornea so the child sees clearly all day without glasses or contacts. Beyond vision correction, CRT lenses are clinically proven to slow the axial elongation of the eye — directly addressing the root cause of myopia progression. Ideal for active children and teens who want freedom from daytime eyewear.
MiSight® 1 Day Lenses
MiSight® 1 Day by CooperVision is the first FDA-approved soft contact lens specifically designed to slow myopia progression in children. Worn during the day as a daily disposable, MiSight uses ActivControl® Technology — a dual-focus optical design that simultaneously corrects vision and creates a myopic defocus signal to slow eye growth. A great option for children who prefer soft lenses or are not yet ready for overnight wear.
MiyoSmart® Spectacle Lenses
MiyoSmart by Hoya is an award-winning spectacle lens that controls myopia progression using D.I.M.S. (Defocus Incorporated Multiple Segments) technology. The lens has a central zone for clear vision surrounded by multiple defocus segments that signal the eye to slow its growth — all within a standard-looking pair of glasses. A non-contact-lens option that is easy for younger children or those who are not comfortable with contact lenses.
What the Research Shows
Retardation of Myopia in Orthokeratology (ROMIO) Study
Cho P, Cheung SW.
Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science, 2012; 53(11): 7077–7085.
Key Finding
Children wearing Ortho-K lenses showed approximately 43% less axial elongation over 2 years compared to children wearing single-vision spectacles — a statistically significant reduction in myopia progression.
The ROMIO study is one of the most widely cited randomized controlled trials on Ortho-K for myopia control. Published in IOVS — the flagship journal of the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO) — it established a strong evidence base that continues to inform clinical practice worldwide.
View study: DOI 10.1167/iovs.12-10565Additional Evidence
CRAYON Study (Corneal Reshaping and Yearly Observation of Nearsightedness)
Demonstrated that Ortho-K slows myopia progression by reducing peripheral hyperopic defocus, a key mechanism in axial eye growth.
Santodomingo-Rubido J, et al. Myopia Control with Orthokeratology Contact Lenses in Spain (MCOS). Cont Lens Anterior Eye. 2012;35(2):57–62.
Benefits at a Glance
Freedom from Daytime Eyewear
No glasses or contacts during waking hours.
Non-Surgical & Reversible
Stop wearing the lenses and your cornea returns to its original shape.
Slows Myopia Progression
Clinically proven to reduce axial elongation in children.
Great for Dry Eye Patients
No daytime lens wear means fewer dry eye symptoms.
Ideal for Active Lifestyles
Perfect for sports, swimming, and outdoor activities.
FDA-Cleared Technology
CRT lenses are FDA-cleared for overnight corneal reshaping.
Who Is a Good Candidate?
Ortho-K is an excellent option for many patients, especially:
- Children and teens with progressing myopia (nearsightedness)
- Adults with mild to moderate myopia (up to about -6.00 D) and low astigmatism
- Athletes or active individuals who find glasses or contacts inconvenient
- Patients who are not yet ready for LASIK or prefer a reversible option
- People with dry eyes that make daytime contact lens wear uncomfortable
Frequently Asked Questions
Find Out If Ortho-K Is Right for You
Schedule a consultation with our team. We'll evaluate your prescription, corneal shape, and lifestyle to determine if Ortho-K is the right fit.
Online booking is available for self-pay patients. Insurance patients please call our office.