Has your child been wearing glasses since they were young and their myopia keeps getting worse? Would you like them to play sports, go swimming or go to school without depending on glasses or contact lenses? Orthokeratology — also known as ortho-k — is a proven treatment that slows the progression of myopia and frees you from optical correction during the day, using special lenses worn only at night. At Òptica Florit we have been fitting them for years with excellent results.

What is orthokeratology?

Orthokeratology is a non-invasive myopia control technique that involves wearing rigid reverse-geometry contact lenses while sleeping. These lenses gently reshape the cornea overnight, so that when you wake up you can see clearly throughout the day without needing glasses or contact lenses.

The effect is reversible: if you stop wearing ortho-k lenses, the cornea returns to its original shape within a few days. This makes it a safe and flexible option, particularly valued in children and teenagers with progressive myopia.

Key fact: Clinical studies published in specialist journals show that orthokeratology reduces the progression of myopia by between 40% and 60% compared with conventional glasses. In some cases, it can almost completely halt it.

How does it work, step by step?

  • 1

    Corneal topography

    We precisely measure the shape of your cornea using a topographer. This "digital fingerprint" of your eye allows us to design lenses made to measure.

  • 2

    Lens design and manufacture

    Using the topography data, the optometrist designs gas-permeable rigid lenses that fit precisely on your cornea and apply the correct pressure to each zone.

  • 3

    Trial and adaptation

    At the first appointment you learn to insert and remove them. During the first few weeks vision improves progressively until it stabilises.

  • 4

    Regular follow-up

    Periodic check-ups (at one month, three months, then annually) to assess the effect on myopia and corneal health.

Who can benefit from orthokeratology?

👦

Children and teenagers

The best candidates: progressive myopia, from age 6–8, the sooner the more effective.

🏊

Sports enthusiasts

Swimming, contact sports, martial arts: total freedom during physical activity.

🎭

Aesthetic or comfort reasons

Those who prefer not to wear glasses or contact lenses but don't want (or can't) have surgery.

💼

Adults with stable myopia

Up to approximately -6 dioptres, also with some astigmatism.

Advantages and disadvantages

✅ Advantages

  • Slows the progression of myopia
  • Clear vision all day without correction
  • Reversible at any time
  • Non-surgical and non-invasive
  • Ideal for active children
  • Alternative to Lasik for minors
  • Safe with proper follow-up

⚠️ Considerations

  • Requires nightly consistency
  • Higher initial investment than glasses
  • Adaptation period of 2–4 weeks
  • Rigid lenses (different from soft)
  • Professional follow-up required
  • Not suitable for very high myopia

Orthokeratology vs. other myopia control options

Treatment Slows myopia No daytime correction Recommended age Reversible
Ortho-K Yes (40–60%) ✅ Yes From age 6–8 ✅ Yes
Near-work distance glasses Yes (moderate) ❌ No From age 6 ✅ Yes
MiSight lenses Yes (59%) ❌ No (worn during day) From age 8 ✅ Yes
Low-concentration atropine Yes (variable) ❌ No From age 4 ✅ Yes
Laser surgery No (corrects only) ✅ Yes Over 18–20 years ❌ No

How much does orthokeratology cost in Barcelona?

The cost varies depending on the clinic, lens brand and level of follow-up included. At Òptica Florit we offer a transparent price that includes the initial topography, custom lenses and first-year check-ups:

Item Approximate range in Barcelona
Corneal topography + assessment Included in the plan
Ortho-k lenses (pair) + fitting €600 – €900
First-year check-ups Included
Lens renewal (every 1–2 years) €300 – €500

Why back to school is the best time to start

September is the ideal time to begin orthokeratology. The adaptation period (2–4 weeks) coincides with the start of the school year, so that by the time the first tests arrive the child can already see perfectly without glasses. Check-ups can also be coordinated with the school calendar without interfering with the summer holidays.

If your child wears glasses or their myopia has increased at the last check-up, book an appointment before school starts: places are limited due to the need for individualised follow-up.

September = less myopia next year. The earlier treatment starts, the better the control. Every dioptre less now means less risk of complications in the future (retinal detachment, glaucoma, cataracts).

Frequently asked questions about orthokeratology

Does it hurt to put in ortho-k lenses?
No. They are rigid lenses, which means you are aware of their presence at first (like any new contact lens), but since they are worn at night you sleep with them in. Most users adapt within a few days and stop noticing the lenses as they fall asleep.
From what age can you start?
Generally from age 6–8, when the eye has developed enough cornea. The most important thing is that the child is able to handle the lenses responsibly — something we assess at the consultation.
How many dioptres can be corrected?
Orthokeratology is most effective up to -5 or -6 dioptres of myopia, and up to -1.75 of astigmatism. For higher myopia there are other options we will discuss with you.
Is it safe for children?
Yes, with proper follow-up. Numerous long-term studies support its safety. The key is correct lens hygiene and regular check-ups with the optometrist.
What happens if you forget to put the lenses in one night?
Vision may be somewhat blurrier that day. The effect does not disappear all at once, but it does diminish. Consistency is what matters: wearing them every night guarantees the best daytime vision.
Can it be combined with other treatments?
In some cases yes, such as low-concentration atropine to enhance myopia control. We assess this case by case depending on the progression and the patient's age.

Why trust Òptica Florit for orthokeratology

  • ✓ Optometrists specialised in myopia control with ortho-k experience
  • ✓ State-of-the-art corneal topographer for precision measurements
  • ✓ Lenses from leading specialist brands (Paragon, Menicon, BE Lenses)
  • ✓ First-year follow-up plan included, no surprises
  • ✓ Over 100 years caring for the vision of Barcelona families
  • ✓ Centres in Eixample, Sarrià-Sant Gervasi and Cerdanyola del Vallès

If you want to find out whether orthokeratology is the right option for your child or for yourself, the first step is a no-obligation assessment at any of our stores. We assess the cornea, current myopia and rate of progression to recommend the most suitable treatment.

Book an appointment at opticaflorit.com — or visit us at any of our Eixample and Sarrià centres.