Ortho-K vs. LASIK: Choosing the Right Vision Correction for Your Life

Key Differences That Matter

Permanence: LASIK permanently removes corneal tissue. The change is irreversible. Ortho-K is fully reversible — stop the lenses and the cornea returns to its original shape within days to weeks.

Age appropriateness: LASIK requires a stable prescription and is rarely appropriate before age 21-25. Ortho-K is appropriate for children as young as 7-8 — and most effective during the childhood years when myopia is progressing fastest.

Myopia control: LASIK corrects myopia but does nothing to prevent progression. Ortho-K actively slows axial elongation during the wearing years. For a 10-year-old with progressing myopia, Ortho-K treats the disease; LASIK isn't even an option.

Dry eye risk: LASIK can induce or worsen dry eye by cutting corneal nerves during flap creation. Patients with pre-existing dry eye are often poor LASIK candidates. Ortho-K carries no such risk.

Who Is Better Suited for Each

Ortho-K: Children and teens with progressive myopia, adults wanting reversible correction, dry eye patients, athletes and first responders in demanding environments.

LASIK: Adults with stable prescriptions who want permanent correction and prefer not to wear nightly lenses. Outside the treatable range for Ortho-K.

Our Role

We co-manage LASIK patients and fit Ortho-K lenses in-house. We can assess your candidacy for both and provide an unbiased recommendation. Schedule a consultation at Harnos Optometry in New Paltz.