Risk factors associated with contamination of orthokeratology lens cases

The rate of orthokeratology lens use and associated factors in 33,280 children and adolescents with myopia: a cross-sectional study from Shanghai

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the rate of orthokeratology lens (ortho-k lens) use and its associated factors in children and adolescents with myopia.

METHODS

Cross-sectional study. Children from 104 primary and middle schools in Shanghai were enrolled by cluster sampling. Ophthalmic examinations were conducted and information was obtained using questionnaires for associated factors analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 72,920 children and adolescents were included, among which 32,259 were the potential population for ortho-k lens use. A total of 1021 participants used ortho-k lenses, equating to a use rate of 1.4% in the total population and 3.1% in the potential population. Age (OR 0.91, 95% CI: 0.88-0.95, p < 0.001), BMI (≥95th percentile: OR 0.48, 95% CI: 0.35-0.66, p < 0.001), age at initiation of refractive correction (≤12 years: OR 1.75, 95% CI: 1.31-2.33, p < 0.001), and parental myopia (either: OR 2.09, 95% CI: 1.58-2.75, p < 0.001; both: OR 3.94, 95% CI: 3.04-5.11, p < 0.001) were independently associated with ortho-k lens use. Of the ortho-k lenses users, 12.4% had a logMAR CVA of ≥0.3. A correction target (SE) of ≤-3.0 D (OR 2.05, 95% CI: 1.38-3.05, p < 0.001) and a sleeping duration of ≤6 h (OR 4.19, 95% CI: 2.03-8.64, p < 0.001) were factors independently associated with CVA ≥ 0.3.

CONCLUSIONS

A certain proportion of children and adolescents in Shanghai chose to wear ortho-k lenses, related to the situation of parents and children themselves. Health education and follow-ups should be strengthened to ensure orthokeratology application quality.

Comparison of compliance with care procedures performed by orthokeratology wearers and their parents and factors affecting compliance

PURPOSE

To compare the levels of compliance with care routines of orthokeratology (ortho-k) wearers and their parents and to identify factors affecting compliance in a hospital setting in Chengdu, China.

METHODS

Patients who had worn ortho-k lenses for at least one month were invited to participate in a survey on compliance. Wearers or their parents were required to complete a questionnaire to determine their compliance with hand hygiene, ortho-k lenses and accessory care procedures.

RESULTS

A total of 200 wearers, 78 male wearers and 122 female wearers, median age 12 (range 8-18) years were enrolled. Except for use of lens solution, the percentage of participants reporting total compliance with all procedures did not differ significantly between lens wearers and their parents. However, compliance for some items was significantly higher when performed by parents p < 0.001-0.01). 'Eye care practitioner provided instructions' was a significant protective factor for most procedures (p < 0.001-0.04). Age and sex were significant risk factors for some items (p < 0.001-0.04; p = 0.03-0.04, respectively), with girls having higher compliance than boys. 'Parental supervision' was a significant protective factor for some items (p = 0.02-0.04) when wearers performed the procedures themselves. When parents performed lens care procedures, only 'eye care practitioner provided instructions' was a significant variable (p = 0.001-0.04).

CONCLUSION

Some degree of non-compliance was noted in the majority of ortho-k wearers, particularly for the care of the lens case and suction holder. Compliance with care of some items was higher when performed by parents. Regular reinforcement of care procedures by practitioners is important, especially for older and male lens wearers. Parental supervision is necessary when children perform lens care procedures themselves, even for older wearers.

Trajectories of myopia control and orthokeratology compliance among parents with myopic children

SIGNIFICANCE

This study set out to illustrate the trajectories of myopia control in time sequence and explore orthokeratology compliance for parents with myopic children in the first fitting within one year. Profiling these results is crucial to improving myopia control and orthokeratology care.

PURPOSE

To obtain a better understanding of myopia control and orthokeratology care that could promote compliance with orthokeratology (ortho-K) lenses for parents with myopic children.

METHODS

We conducted semi-structured qualitative interviews and pre-interview questionnaire surveys of the parent who is mainly responsible for complying to ortho-K lens care for their myopic children aged 7-12 years, including 16 mothers and 4 fathers. A framework analytical approach that involved gaining familiarity with the data to identify a thematic framework was used for data analysis. It was written in line with the COREQ (Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research) checklist.

RESULTS

Five themes and twelve subthemes depicted the parents' trajectory during myopia diagnosis, treatment, and compliance with ortho- K for their children in the first fitting within one year. Myopia control and the convenience of outdoor activities were important reasons for parents to actively ask for ortho-K lenses for their children. Parents have non-compliance behaviors after the children wore the lenses for three months, including not scheduling follow-up visits, simplifying cleaning procedures, not replacing accessories. The degree of parents' non-compliance differed based on the uncomfortable feelings of their child's eyes. In general, clear, unaided vision (visual acuity > 0.9) during the day was an indicator of ortho-K's effectiveness, according to parents.

CONCLUSIONS

Although parents play a passive role when a child is diagnosed with myopia, they take on a proactive role when deciding on ortho-K treatment. Myopia treatment for children is a long-term process. Understanding the course of treatment and non-compliance helps eye care professionals provide parents with the necessary assistance and resources, and enables myopia treatment to yield maximum effects.