What Should I Expect During an Ortho-K Fitting?

If you're considering ortho-K lenses, you probably have a lot of questions.

Orthokeratology, or ortho-k, is one of the most rewarding parts of what we do at Innovative EyeCare. It allows kids to see clearly all day without glasses or daytime contacts and it helps slow down the progression of myopia (nearsightedness). For adults, it can mean freedom from glasses during work, workouts, and everything in between.

If you’re considering ortho-k for yourself or your child, here’s what you can expect during a fitting at Innovative EyeCare.

Step 1: Initial Consultation

During the initial ortho-k consultation at Innovative EyeCare, we take the time to fully evaluate your eyes and help you understand what to expect from the process. After detailed measurements and topography scans, you’ll have the opportunity to try on lenses in-office. We even have a comfortable nap bed, where you can relax with the lenses on for 5–10 minutes, just enough to get a feel for how they’ll feel during overnight wear at home. This short trial helps patients (and parents) see how easy the process is, while allowing me to assess the initial lens fit and ensure it’s perfectly centered before beginning full overnight wear.

Step 1A (During the Consultation): Eye Measurements

Every ortho-k fitting starts with a comprehensive assessment. We measure your eye shape, tear quality, and prescription, but we go beyond the standard eye exam. Using advanced technology like corneal topography, corneal tomography, and axial length measurements, we map out the curvature of your cornea and assess eye growth.

These measurements tell us exactly how to design your custom ortho-k lenses—and whether your eyes are healthy and suitable for treatment. If your child is still growing, we’ll also discuss how ortho-k fits into a broader myopia management plan.

Step 1B (During the Consultation): Lens Fitting

No two eyes are the same, so no two ortho-k lenses are either.
After your scans, we use detailed corneal maps to design lenses tailored specifically to your eyes. At Innovative EyeCare, we work with multiple brands depending on the need for customization from both the eye shape and prescription.

Once the designs are finalized, the lenses are ordered and typically arrive in about a week.

Step 2: Application & Removal Training

When your lenses arrive, we schedule a fitting appointment. During this visit, we verify that the lenses center properly and align with the cornea using a special blue light and yellow dye for a slit-lamp evaluation.

Then, you’ll (or your child will) learn how to insert, remove, and care for the lenses safely. We take our time, especially with kids, until everyone feels confident and comfortable. Our goal is for every patient to leave feeling completely at ease using their lenses at home that night.

Step 3: The First Overnight Trial

You’ll wear your lenses overnight, and when you wake up, you’ll already notice clearer vision, dramatically so!
At your next-day follow-up, we will check the corneal shape and vision results. Most patients see measurable improvement after just one night, with full vision correction achieved over several days of consistent wear.

Step 4: Follow-Up Visits & Ongoing Care

We schedule regular visits to ensure the corneal shape remains stable and your vision stays sharp. For the first year fitting program, we monitor the vision changes on a close watch for the first 3 months including a 1 day follow-up, 1 week follow-up, 1 month follow-up, and 3 month follow-up. Typically lens parameters are finalized by 3 months.
For children, quarterly visits are recommended to closely monitor eye growth and lens performance. For established patients and adults, semi-annual visits are usually sufficient.

We also deep-clean your lenses at certain intervals to remove protein build-up and maintain maximum oxygen flow for healthy eyes.

What Makes Innovative EyeCare Different

At Innovative EyeCare, ortho-k isn’t just a lens, it’s a specialized program built around safety, precision, and long-term eye health.
Because Dr. Leah has trained thousands of doctors worldwide in ortho-k lens fitting, you can trust that every step, from design to follow-up is based on years of clinical experience and meticulous care. Innovative EyeCare's approach combines advanced imaging, data-driven design, and ongoing education for families—so you understand why we’re doing what we do and how it protects your child’s vision for the future.

Ready to Begin?

If you or your child is interested in ortho-k, schedule an ortho-k consultation at Innovative EyeCare in Old Town Scottsdale. We’ll explore whether ortho-k, MiSight, or other myopia control options best fit your needs and help you experience clear, healthy vision without daytime lenses.

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