Effects of orthokeratology on the progression of low to moderate myopia in Chinese children

Abstract

BackgroundTo investigate the effectiveness of orthokeratology (ortho-k) in reducing the development of myopia in Chinese children with low to moderate myopia.MethodsThis was a retrospective study. In the ortho-k group, there were141 subjects, and the average age was (9.43 ± 1.10) years. The average spherical equivalent refractive error (SER) was (−2.74 ± 1.15)D, with examinations performed 1, 7, 30, and 90 days and 12 months after the patients started wearing ortho-k lenses. In the control group, there were 130 subjects, and the average age was (9.37 ± 1.00) years. The average SER was (−2.88 ± 1.39)D, with examinations performed every 6 months. Axial elongation, which is an important parameter reflecting the progression of myopia, was measured at baseline from the same IOLMaster each time by the same masked examiner and was compared between the groups after 1 year. The subjects were divided into two sub-groups according to age to further study the development of myopia at different ages. An unpaired t-test, paired t-test, Chi-square test and Spearman test were performed to analyze the data.ResultsAfter 1 year, the average axial elongation was (0.27 ± 0.17) mm in the ortho-k lens group and (0.38 ± 0.13) mm in the control group, with a significant difference between the groups (P < 0.001). Axial elongation was not correlated with SER but had a negative correlation with initial age (ortho-k group: rs = −0.309, p < 0.01; control group: rs = −0.472, p < 0.01). The percentages of individuals with fast myopic progression (axial elongation > 0.36 mm per year) were 38.0 % among younger children (7.00 to 9.40 years) and 24.3 % among older children (9.40 to 12.00 years), whereas the respective percentages were 76.5 and 12.9 % in the control group. When SER ranged from -5.0D to −6.0D, the axial elongation in the ortho-k group was 57.1 % slower than that in the control group.ConclusionsOrtho-k lenses are effective in controlling myopic progression in Chinese children, particularly in younger children and in children with higher myopia.

IMI – Interventions for Controlling Myopia Onset and Progression Report

“…The magnitude of the treatment-induced power change has also been reported to impact myopia control, independently of baseline myopia, 85 although not in all studies. 71,72,75,86,87 On the other hand, larger pupil diameters, deeper anterior chambers, and steeper, more prolate corneas are among ocular parameters that have been linked to slower axial elongation in children. 88 2.3.5 Visual and Ocular Side Effects.…”

Multi-Factor Analysis of the Influence of Orthokeratology on Controlling Myopia in Adolescents

“…This study found that the axial elongation rate of the older children (≥ 13 years old) is slower than that of the younger children (8-10 years old). Studies at home and abroad support that the initial age of OK wearers is negatively correlated with the axial elongation [10][11][12][13][14][15] and consider that the effect of age may be due to the slower eyeball growth of older children. Cho et al proved that OKs can signi cantly reduce the risk of rapid progression of myopia and younger wearer can bene t more in the long term, although younger children have a higher axial growth rate [16].…”

Use of Atropine to Slow the Progression of Myopia: A Literature Review and Guidelines for Clinical Use

“…Several research studies have displayed the important role that orthokeratology and multifocal contact lenses can play in the slowing of myopic progression. 8,9 One avenue of treatment currently not used often in the US for myopia control is ophthalmic atropine. Currently, the use of atropine for myopia treatment is not an indication for use approved by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) and is considered an "off-label" use in the US.…”