Corneal Refractive Surgery Considerations in Patients With History of Orthokeratology

Abstract

Objective: To review the current literature describing corneal changes observed with orthokeratology (ortho-k) use and to formulate preliminary recommendations for these patients seeking corneal refractive surgery. Methods: The literature search was conducted through the PubMed, Scopus, and Ovid databases through June 4, 2024, for articles regarding corneal physiological, tomographic, and biomechanical changes secondary to ortho-k use. Results: Forty-one articles were found describing several changes associated with ortho-k use, including higher corneal staining, central corneal epithelial thinning and midperipheral thickening, increased higher-order aberrations, decreased contrast sensitivity, reduced corneal hysteresis and corneal resistance factor, and alterations in the tear proteome. The majority of these parameters returned to baseline after ortho-k lens discontinuation, with timing potentially dependent on the amount of myopic correction, duration of ortho-k use, and age of lens fitting. Conclusions: Despite the paucity of articles describing prior ortho-k patients undergoing corneal refractive surgery, it is evident that ortho-k use may potentially cause various corneal physiological, tomographic, and biomechanical changes in patients. Therefore, clinicians are advised to serially monitor ortho-k patients' refraction, tomography, pachymetry, and corneal biomechanics until stability is achieved before considering surgery.