What if you could enjoy clear vision all day without glasses, contacts—or surgery? And what if the solution worked while you sleep?
I’m Dr David Truong, the Principal Optometrist and owner of Beyond Eyecare. Since founding our Surry Hills and Zetland optometry clinics, I’ve focused on helping people find the right long-term solutions for their vision. Many adults come to me curious about LASIK, but surprised to learn that a non-surgical alternative like Ortho-K might actually be a better fit.
In this article, I’ll break down how Ortho-K works, who it’s suitable for, and what the research really says. Let’s take a closer look at why more people are choosing Ortho-K as a practical, flexible alternative to laser eye surgery.
Key Takeaways
- Ortho-K lenses reshape your cornea overnight, providing clear daytime vision without surgery.
- Ortho-K is reversible and can be adjusted as your vision changes.
- Ortho-K is suitable for people with dry eyes, thin corneas, or unstable prescriptions.
- Research shows Ortho-K can slow down myopia progression in children.
What Is Ortho-K and How Does It Work?
Short for orthokeratology, Ortho-K uses rigid, gas-permeable contact lenses worn overnight to gently reshape the surface of your eye. By morning, your cornea holds its new shape temporarily, giving you clear vision throughout the day without needing to pop anything into your eyes.
The process starts with precise corneal mapping using topography. We use this data to customise the lenses for your exact eye shape. Most people start noticing improvement in just a few days, and full correction often kicks in within one to two weeks.
To maintain clear vision, the lenses need to be worn nightly. It’s a commitment, but many of my patients say it becomes second nature—like brushing your teeth.
Understanding LASIK Eye Surgery
How does LASIK actually fix your vision—and why might it not be right for everyone?
LASIK is a surgical procedure that uses a laser to reshape the cornea. It changes how light enters your eye, allowing it to focus properly on the retina. Most people experience rapid results, often within 24 hours, and the effects are intended to be permanent.
But surgery isn’t one-size-fits-all. LASIK often isn’t the best option for people with dry eyes, thin or irregular corneas, or a prescription that keeps changing. If your vision hasn’t been stable for at least a year, you might be turned away by your ophthalmologist.
Although the recovery is usually quick, some patients report side effects like worsening dry eyes, glare, or halos around lights—especially at night. And while rare, more serious complications can occur.
Comparing Ortho-K vs LASIK: Key Differences
Ortho-K and LASIK both aim to sharpen your vision—but how they do it couldn’t be more different.
- Temporary vs permanent vision correction: Ortho-K reshapes your cornea overnight and reverses when you stop using the lenses. LASIK permanently alters the cornea with a laser.
- Surgical risk vs non-invasive care: Because Ortho-K avoids surgery, it carries fewer risks and is less likely to cause side effects like dry eyes or night glare. LASIK may deliver fast results but isn’t without risk of complications.
- Adapts to prescription changes: Ortho-K can be updated if your prescription changes over time. LASIK correction is more problematic to fine-tune in the same way, making it less suitable for those with unstable or evolving vision.
If your lifestyle, eye health, or prescription changes down the track, Ortho-K might be a better alternative to LASIK eye surgery.
Why Ortho-K Might Be A Better Alternative To LASIK Eye Surgery
If you’ve got mild to moderate short-sightedness or astigmatism and your prescription has been stable, Ortho-K could be a strong option. We fit these lenses for kids, teens, and adults alike. In fact, we often recommend Ortho-K as part of a myopia control plan for younger patients—it’s one of the many options we have for actively slowing myopic progression.
Adults who live active lives, work in dry or dusty environments, or struggle with dry eyes tend to love Ortho-K. You get clear daytime vision without relying on glasses or daytime contacts. And if you’ve been told you’re not suitable for LASIK because of thin corneas or fluctuating prescriptions, Ortho-K gives you a chance at freedom from glasses—no surgery needed.
Of course, good hygiene is essential. If someone isn’t ready to commit to proper lens care, I’d steer them toward another option.
Common Concerns and Misconceptions About Ortho-K
Many people are unsure about Ortho-K simply because they haven’t heard much about it. But unfamiliar doesn’t mean unsafe or unproven. Here’s what you should know.
- Proven safety and cost over time: Ortho-K lenses are medically approved and have been used safely for decades. While the initial cost is higher than soft lenses, it’s often more affordable than LASIK when you factor in long-term adjustments and care.
- Simple daily care once learned: Proper cleaning is essential to avoid infection, but once the habit is set, it’s as routine as brushing your teeth. Most patients manage it easily within a few days.
- Low public awareness, not low quality: Ortho-K doesn’t get the same public discussion as LASIK, so many assume it’s new or experimental. In fact, it’s a well-established method that unfortunately flies under the radar.
Ortho-K deserves more attention than it gets—because for the right person, it works brilliantly.
Final Thoughts
LASIK gives you quick results and permanent vision correction, but it comes with fixed outcomes, and if your eyes aren’t suited to the procedure, the risks can outweigh the benefits. Dryness, glare, or future prescription shifts can be frustrating surprises.
Ortho-K, on the other hand, is flexible. It doesn’t carry any surgical risks and fits a wider range of people—including those turned away from LASIK. It takes commitment, but offers freedom. Ortho-K is a flexible alternative to LASIK eye surgery.
Book an appointment with Beyond Eyecare today at Zetland (02) 9662 6364 or Surry Hills (02) 9556 1160. You can also schedule a convenient time through our website.
