Who Is (and Isn’t) a Good Candidate for Ortho-K?

Orthokeratology (Ortho-K) uses specially designed, gas-permeable lenses worn overnight to gently reshape the cornea. In the morning, you remove the lenses and typically see clearly during the day without glasses or daytime contacts. Success depends on your prescription, corneal shape, eye health, lifestyle, and how precisely the lenses are designed and monitored.

At Factoria Eye Clinic, we create fully customized Ortho-K lenses using detailed corneal tomography. Using advanced technology helps us in customizing the treatment zone size to support stable vision and a more precise fit.
 

Good Candidates for Ortho-K

You may be a strong candidate if:

• Your prescription is in a treatable range, most commonly mild to moderate nearsightedness (myopia). Although at our office we do treat some higher amounts of myopia than practitioner elsewhere are able to treat.
• You want daytime freedom from glasses or contacts without surgery. It is great for active lifestyles and people who dislike daytime lenses.
• You can commit to lens hygiene and follow-ups. Ortho-K success depends on consistent cleaning, proper handling, and routine monitoring.
• Children or teen with progressing myopia. Ortho-K is commonly used as part of a myopia-control strategy, with ongoing monitoring over time.
• Your eyes support overnight lens wear, meaning your ocular surface and tear film are healthy enough for comfortable, safe use.
   

Who May Not Be a Good Candidate

Ortho-K may not be appropriate if:

• You have certain corneal conditions or significant irregularity, such as keratoconus/suspected ectasia or corneal scarring (tomography is important for identifying risk).
• You have uncontrolled inflammation, frequent infections, or significant eyelid disease that increases complication risk.
• You have severe, untreated dry eye, which can affect comfort and corneal health.
• You can’t maintain consistent hygiene or attend follow-ups. Overnight lens wear requires careful compliance.
   

Why Our Custom Approach Matters

At Factoria Eye Clinic, we use Pentacam corneal tomography imaging to capture a detailed 3D model of the cornea (not just a surface map). This helps us evaluate factors that directly impact Ortho-K success, including:

• Corneal shape and symmetry: Identifies subtle irregularities that can affect lens alignment and stability.
• Elevation data (front and back cornea): Adds depth to the evaluation so we’re not relying on curvature alone.
• Centration prediction: Better data helps us design for improved lens centration, which supports more consistent daytime vision.
• Personalized lens parameters: We can fine-tune key design elements - such as sagittal depth, landing zone behavior, and overall geometry - and customize the treatment zone size based on your unique anatomy for better comfort, vision quality and myopia management.
   

What to Expect During an Ortho-K Evaluation

A thorough Ortho-K exam typically includes:

• Detailed corneal measurements using tomography (including Pentacam imaging)
• Tear film and ocular surface assessment
• Discussion of lifestyle, goals, and expectations
• Axial length measurement (eyeball length)
• A customized lens design plan, including treatment zone sizing
• A structured follow-up schedule to monitor corneal health and treatment accuracy
   

Ready to Find Out if Ortho-K is Right for You or Your Child?

Ortho-K can be an excellent option for people who want clear daytime vision without surgery and for families exploring myopia management for children. The best way to determine candidacy is a detailed evaluation that includes corneal imaging and an ocular health assessment. A highly customized fit can make a meaningful difference in both comfort and outcomes.

Schedule an Ortho-K consultation at Factoria Eye Clinic to get a candidacy evaluation using advanced corneal tomography and a fully customized lens design plan. Visit our office in Bellevue, Washington, or call (425) 641-2020 to book an appointment today.