Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 9, 2026
05:14
Comparison of Agreement and Accuracy using Binocular Wavefront Optometer with Autorefractor and Phoropter
Published on: September 16, 2025
Orthokeratology review and update
1School of Optometry and Vision Science, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia. h.swarbrick@unsw.edu.au
Clinical & Experimental Optometry
|April 28, 2006
Summary
Orthokeratology (OK) reshapes the cornea using special lenses for temporary vision correction. Overnight OK offers rapid, reversible refractive error reduction, with high patient satisfaction and ongoing research into myopia control.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Optometry
- Corneal Reshaping Technology
Background:
- Orthokeratology (OK) involves using rigid contact lenses to reshape the cornea, correcting refractive errors.
- Traditional daily-wear OK existed from the 1960s-1980s.
- Overnight OK, utilizing reverse-geometry lenses, has seen a resurgence since the 1990s.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the history and resurgence of Orthokeratology.
- To examine the clinical efficacy and outcomes of overnight OK.
- To critically assess the safety and emerging issues in Orthokeratology.
Main Methods:
- Review of historical data on traditional OK.
- Analysis of clinical studies on overnight OK efficacy and outcomes.
- Examination of recent research on corneal changes, safety, and emerging applications.
Main Results:
- Overnight OK provides rapid refractive error reduction, with stability achieved in 7-10 days.
- Mean myopic correction ranges from 1.75-3.33 D, with up to 5.00 D individual reduction.
- High patient satisfaction is reported, similar to or better than other contact lens modalities. Corneal changes are reversible.
- Potential induction of higher-order aberrations and concerns regarding microbial keratitis exist.
Conclusions:
- Overnight Orthokeratology is an effective and reversible method for refractive error correction.
- While generally safe, potential risks like microbial keratitis require careful consideration.
- Ongoing research explores myopia control, broader refractive error correction, and long-term effects.
