A child carefully putting in contact lenses in an eye clinic, with her mother and an optician watching and guiding her through the process.

Ortho-K Contact Lenses

At Leightons, we offer Orthokeratology (Ortho-K), a non-surgical treatment that uses specially designed contact lenses worn overnight to gently reshape the cornea. This temporary reshaping provides clear vision throughout the day without the need for glasses or daytime contact lenses. Ortho-K corrects refractive errors such as myopia (short-sightedness) and some lower levels of astigmatism. It is particularly beneficial for those who wish to be free from glasses and contact lenses during the day, such as children and individuals with active lifestyles, including those who enjoy water sports.

Benefits of Ortho-K Contact Lenses

Ortho-K lenses, also known as corneal reshaping lenses, offer a variety of benefits:

  • Clear daytime vision without glasses or contact lenses
  • Ideal for active lifestyles and sports, particularly water sports
  • Potential to slow the progression of myopia in children
  • A reversible, non-surgical alternative to laser eye surgery
  • Comfortable overnight wear
  • Reduced risk of dry eye symptoms during the day
A teenager with contact lenses on her hands.

How do Ortho-K lenses work?

Ortho-K lenses gently reshape the cornea—the clear, front surface of the eye—while you sleep. Made from special gas-permeable material, these lenses apply subtle pressure to flatten the central part of the cornea cornea, correcting refractive errors like short-sightedness (myopia) and astigmatism.

In the morning, you remove the lenses, and the cornea retains its corrected shape, allowing light to focus properly on the retina. This means you can enjoy clear vision throughout the day without the need for glasses or contact lenses.

A diagram illustrating the process of orthokeratology (ortho-k), showing an eye before, during, and after wearing ortho-k contact lenses, demonstrating how the cornea is reshaped.

How long do Ortho-K lenses last?

To ensure optimal correction at Leightons we offer Ortho-K lenses on a planned 6 month replacement for optimised vision correction as well as myopia management. Regular replacement ensures the lenses remain effective, comfortable, and safe to wear. Worn lenses may reduce treatment results and increase the risk of discomfort or infection.

The vision correction effect typically lasts for 24–48 hours after removing the lenses, depending on individual prescription and corneal characteristics. To maintain consistent clear vision, wearing the lenses consistently every night is recommended by your optician, those who have irregular sleep patterns such as those in shift work are not suitable for Ortho-K.

Close up of Woman Holding Contact Lens on Finger.

Ortho-K lenses For Children

Ortho-K lenses are an excellent option for children with myopia (short-sightedness), working in a similar way to a brace that’s used to straighten teeth the lenses gently reshape the cornea correcting the vision, offering a non-invasive way to manage and potentially slow its progression. By wearing the lenses overnight, children can enjoy clear, glasses-free vision throughout the day—perfect for school, sports, and other activities.

Key benefits for children include:

  • Freedom from glasses during sports and other activities
  • Potential to slow myopia progression
  • Improved confidence and independence
  • Safer alternative to daytime contact lens wear for active kids

Our experienced team will guide you and your child through the process to ensure the best possible care and results.

A child applying contact lenses while standing in front of a mirror, focusing on her reflection as she carefully handles the lenses.

Ortho-K For Astigmatism

Ortho-K lenses are a highly effective option for correcting mild to moderate corneal astigmatism. Ortho-K is not suitable for those with lenticular astigmatism or those with spherical prescriptions and toric corneas. These specially designed lenses gently reshape the cornea overnight, addressing the unique curvature of an astigmatic eye. This allows you to enjoy clear, sharp vision throughout the day without the need for glasses or regular contact lenses.

If you’re considering alternatives like Ortho-K, our expert opticians can assess your suitability and discuss other solutions, including contact lenses for astigmatism, to ensure you find the best fit for your needs.

A box of 30 daily disposable contact lenses designed for individuals with astigmatism, with several lenses displayed in front of the box.

How can I get Ortho-K contact lenses?

  • Book an eye test – Begin with a thorough eye examination to assess your vision and eye health.
  • Contact lens consultation – Meet with our opticians to discuss your vision goals and learn how Ortho-K works and whether you would be suitable for this type of correction.
  • Lens fitting – Precise measurements are taken to ensure your lenses will fit comfortably and effectively. An initial pair of lenses are ordered and you are instructed in applying and removing the lenses.
  • Overnight trial – Once you are able to handle the lenses, you will be issued with the lenses, after the first overnight wear you will be seen by your optician to reassess the lenses and the vision correction. It may take several days for the lenses to fully correct the vision particularly for larger prescriptions, your progress will be assessed over the first week.
  • Follow-up care – Regular check-ups every 6 months to ensure the lenses work effectively and monitor your eye health.

Orthokeratology services are available at our Chandlers Ford, Epsom, Farnham, Hempstead Valley, Lewes, Marlow, Poole, and St Albans branches.

An optometrist conducting an eye examination using a phoropter, adjusting lenses while the patient looks through the device to determine their optimal prescription.

Contact lens services at Leightons

Eye test

Never worn contact lenses before? Before considering contact lenses, it's essential to have a comprehensive eye test to determine your vision needs and ensure that contact lenses are a suitable option for you. Our opticians will evaluate your eye health and provide personalised recommendations.

Contact lens consultation

If you're interested in trying contact lenses for the first time, we recommend booking a contact lens consultation at your nearest branch. Our opticians will guide you through the process, discuss your options, and ensure a successful transition to contact lens wear.

Free contact lens comfort trial

At Leightons, we offer a free contact lens trial, allowing you to experience wearing contacts before committing to purchase. Feel the comfort of contact lenses at the end of an eye examination and experience the unrestricted view whilst you choose your glasses. This gives you the opportunity to assess if contacts are suitable for your lifestyle and vision needs.

MyLeightons Care Plan

Already a contact lens wearer? The MyLeightons Care Plan offers exceptional value and peace of mind for contact lens wearers, ensuring you receive personalised care, cost savings, comprehensive eye health monitoring with eye examination included and exclusive benefits.

Contact lens reordering

For your convenience, we offer an online contact lens ordering service: the Leightons Ordering Hub. It allows you to reorder your contact lenses and consumables, or even adjust your Direct Debit payments, all at your convenience.

Recycling contact lenses

Leightons now offers recycling collections points in all branches for contact lenses and their packaging. Soft disposable contact lenses (any brand) and contact lens blister packaging and foil (any brand) are accepted. Simply drop these items into the designated bins.

Book an appointment

Book online

You can book your appointment online at any time through our secure, easy-to-use online booking system.

Book by phone

Call us on 0800 40 20 20. Lines are open Monday to Saturday, 8:30am to 5:00pm.

FAQs

Yes, Ortho-K lenses are safe when fitted and monitored by a qualified optician. Proper hygiene and regular check-ups ensure long-term safety and effectiveness.

The cost of Ortho-K lenses varies depending on your specific needs and the type of lenses prescribed. At Leightons, the Ortho-K Lens Fitting appointment starts from £240, which includes your first pair of EyeDream lenses and everything you need to start Ortho-K. The ongoing monthly fee starts from £41.00, covering aftercare and lens replacement. You can either purchase solutions as needed or include them in your monthly plan for £53.50.

Other types of Ortho-K lenses, such as Menicon lenses, are also available and cost approximately £450 per pair. Pricing can vary for standard and toric lenses, so for a personalised quote, we recommend booking a consultation with our expert team.

Ortho-K lenses are hard lenses made from rigid gas-permeable (RGP) material. This allows oxygen to reach the eye while gently reshaping the cornea overnight.

No, Ortho-K lenses are designed to be worn overnight while you sleep. Wearing them during the day can cause discomfort and increase the risk of corneal issues. Once removed in the morning, you can enjoy clear vision throughout the day.

Yes, adults can use Ortho-K lenses. While they are popular for managing myopia progression in children, adults who want a non-surgical alternative to glasses or laser surgery can also benefit.

Ortho-K lenses are generally comfortable to wear while sleeping. You may feel slight awareness or mild discomfort initially, but this typically fades after the first few nights as your eyes adjust.