Tired of Glasses?
Sleep in Lenses. Wake Up Seeing Clearly.
Ortho-K reshapes your cornea overnight so you can go all day—sports, work, swimming—glasses-free and contacts-free.
Also the #1 proven method to slow myopia progression in children.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Alexander Bonakdar, O.D.
Last updated: November 21, 2025
Glasses Every Year Getting Stronger?
If your child's prescription keeps climbing, or you're tired of foggy lenses after every workout—there's a reason your current solution isn't working. Standard glasses and contacts correct vision; they do nothing to stop the underlying problem.
Myopia Gets Worse Every Year
Each diopter of myopia increases lifetime risk of retinal detachment, glaucoma, and macular degeneration. The earlier it's treated, the better.
Glasses & Contacts Don't Stop It
Standard corrections only mask the problem. Only proven interventions like Ortho-K can slow the axial elongation driving myopia progression.
LASIK Has an Age Minimum
Children can't have LASIK. Adults need a stable prescription first. Ortho-K works now—for kids 8+ and adults up to -6.00D—with no waiting.
How Ortho-K Works While You Sleep
Ortho-K lenses are worn only at night. While you sleep, they gently reshape your cornea using controlled hydraulic pressure. By morning, the reshape is complete.
Remove the lenses when you wake up. Your reshaped cornea acts as a natural correction—giving you crisp, clear vision all day without glasses or contacts.
For children, this corneal reshaping also applies a myopia-slowing signal to the peripheral retina—the same mechanism behind clinical studies showing up to 50% reduction in myopia progression.
What to Expect
Noticeable improvement in the morning
Full correction achieved for most prescriptions
Clear vision all day — every day
Cornea returns to original shape in days — fully reversible
"Eye Braces" — How Ortho-K Stops Myopia in Its Tracks
The science behind overnight corneal reshaping, the ROMIO trial data, and what to expect from treatment.
Who Gets the Most From Ortho-K?
Children with Progressive Myopia
- Prescription worsening each year
- Ages 8–18 (most effective early)
- Family history of high myopia
- Active in sports — no glasses to break
Studies show Ortho-K slows axial elongation by 36–56% vs single-vision glasses.
Active Adults & Athletes
- Hate wearing glasses at the gym
- Swimmers, cyclists, martial artists
- Dry eyes from daytime contact wear
- Not ready for (or can't have) LASIK
Works for myopia up to -6.00D. Low to moderate astigmatism included.
Benefits of Ortho-K
- Clear vision all day without glasses or contacts
- Non-surgical alternative to LASIK
- Slows myopia progression in children
- Reversible—stop wearing and eyes return to original state
- Great for athletes and active lifestyles
- No dry eye issues from daytime contact wear
Your Ortho-K Journey
Consultation & Evaluation
Comprehensive eye exam with corneal topography to determine if you are a good Ortho-K candidate. We discuss expectations and answer your questions.
Lens Design & Fitting
Custom lens design based on your corneal shape. Initial fitting to verify proper lens performance.
Overnight Trial
Wear your lenses overnight and return in the morning to check results. Most patients see significant improvement after first night.
Optimization & Training
Lens adjustments if needed and comprehensive care training. Regular monitoring to ensure optimal results.
Are You a Good Candidate?
Good Candidates
- ✓Nearsightedness (myopia) up to -6.00D
- ✓Low to moderate astigmatism
- ✓Children with progressive myopia
- ✓Adults seeking glasses-free daytime vision
- ✓Those not suitable for or wanting to avoid LASIK
- ✓Athletes, swimmers, or those in dusty environments
May Need Evaluation
- !Very high myopia (>-6.00D)
- !Certain corneal conditions
- !Chronic eye infections
What Orange County Families Say
"My son was getting new glasses every 6 months. After 2 years on Ortho-K his prescription has barely moved. Total game changer for his soccer career."
— Parent of 12-year-old patient, Irvine
"I swim competitively and couldn't wear contacts in the pool. With Ortho-K I see perfectly during training — no goggles over glasses, no lost contacts."
— Adult patient, Newport Beach
"Dr. Bonakdar fitted my daughter when she was 9. She's 14 now and her myopia has stayed almost the same. I only wish we'd found him sooner."
— Parent, Costa Mesa
Common Questions About Ortho-K
Check If You Qualify
Most patients know same-day. Call or book a candidacy evaluation.
(949) 323-3600Book Candidacy EvalSame-week appointments available
Cost & Insurance
Starting From
$4,600
Insurance Coverage
Some vision plans include Ortho-K benefits. Coverage varies by plan. We can verify your specific benefits before beginning treatment.
Financing Available
Starting from $4,600 for a 2-year program, then $1,100/year after the initial 2 years. Interest-free financing available for 12 or 24 months (1 year interest-free). CareCredit accepted.
*Costs vary based on individual needs. Contact us for a personalized quote.
Quick Facts
- Prescription range
- Up to -6.00D myopia
- Astigmatism
- Up to -1.75D included
- Minimum age
- 8 years old
- First results
- After 1 night
- Full correction
- 1–2 weeks
- Reversible?
- Yes — fully
- FDA approved
- Since 2002
Medical content is reviewed regularly to ensure accuracy and reflect current best practices.
Schedule your orthokeratology (ortho-k) consultation
Conveniently located in Orange County
Same-Day Appointments
Often available
Convenient Location
Santa Ana, CA
Most insurance plans accepted • Flexible financing available
Medical Disclaimer
The information provided on this page is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
Always seek the advice of your eye care professional or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.
Individual results may vary. The information on this site does not establish a doctor-patient relationship.