The Effect of Relative Corneal Refractive Power Shift Distribution on Axial Length Growth in Myopic Children Undergoing Orthokeratology Treatment

Regional Summed Corneal Refractive Power Changes in Myopic Orthokeratology and Their Relationships With Axial Elongation

PURPOSE

To determine the relationship between regional summed corneal refractive power changes (CRPCs) in myopic orthokeratology and axial elongation.

DESIGN

This retrospective study included 70 eyes of 70 patients aged 8 years to 13 years who underwent orthokeratology lens (OK lens) treatment, and all patients underwent regular follow-ups at 1 week, 1 month, 6 months, and 12 months at Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center between January 2019 and May 2021.

METHODS

Axial length (AL) was measured at baseline and 12 months by an IOLmaster 5.0. Refractive error power was measured using cycloplegia. Regional summed CRPCs were calculated by MATLAB software using difference tangential power maps at the sixth month acquired by corneal topography measurements (Medmont E300 Corneal Topographer; Medmont Pty, Victoria, Australia) and defined as changes in corneal refractive power at the sixth month from baseline. The regional summed CRPCs were then subdivided into 4-mm diameter circles, 4- to 5-mm diameter chords, and 5- to 6-mm diameter chords according to the distance from the central of the pupil and into negative, positive, and total according to the values. Pearson correlation, multiple linear regression analysis, and stepwise multiple linear regression analysis were performed to analyze the relationships among these parameters.

RESULTS

Axial elongation had a negative relationship with positive regional summed corneal refractive power in the central 4-mm diameter circle and age (r=-0.282, P =0.018; r=-0.473, P <0.001, respectively) and a positive relationship with negative regional summed corneal refractive power in the 5- to 6-mm diameter chord (r=0.361, P =0.002). Stepwise multiple linear regression analysis identified age (standardized β =-0.434, P <0.001) and negative regional summed corneal refractive power in the 5- to 6-mm diameter chord (standardized β =0.305, P =0.004) as factors influencing AL elongation.

CONCLUSION

Negative regional summed corneal refractive power in a 5- to 6-mm diameter chord after OK lens treatment may be an important index for evaluating the control effects of axial elongation.

Efficacy of orthokeratology lens with the modified small treatment zone on myopia progression and visual quality: a randomized clinical trial

BACKGROUND

To evaluate the long-term effectiveness of orthokeratology (ortho-K) lenses with small treatment zone (STZ) or conventional treatment zone (CTZ) in controlling axial elongation in children with myopia as well as the impact on visual quality. We also sought to determine the effect of retinal visual signal quality on axial elongation.

METHODS

This is a prospective randomized controlled study. A total of 140 participants (age ranging from 8 to 12 years) were randomly assigned to wear either STZ or CTZ ortho-K lenses. STZ ortho-K lenses design was achieved by changing the depth of reverse zone and the sagitta height of the optical zone. Using the IOL-Master 500, axial length (AL) was measured at baseline and after 6, 12 and 18 months of ortho-K treatment. Spherical aberration (SA) and corneal topographic parameters were obtained by the Pentacam anterior segment analyzer at baseline and the 1-month follow-up visit, and optical qualities were assessed by optical quality analysis system-II (OQAS-II) at baseline and after 1 month of lens wearing. Optical quality parameters mainly included the modulation transfer function (MTF) cutoff, Strehl ratio (SR), objective scattering index (OSI), and predicted visual acuity (PVA).

RESULTS

A total of 131 participants completed the study, including 68 in the STZ group and 63 in the CTZ group. The STZ group had significantly reduced AL elongation compared to the CTZ group after treatment (12 months: 0.07 ± 0.11 mm vs. 0.14 ± 0.12 mm, P = 0.002; 18 months: 0.17 ± 0.15 mm vs. 0.26 ± 0.16 mm, P = 0.002). The topography in the STZ group showed a smaller treatment zone (TZ) diameter (2.50 ± 0.23 mm vs. 2.77 ± 0.18 mm, P < 0.001), a wider defocus ring width (2.45 ± 0.28 mm vs. 2.30 ± 0.30 mm, P = 0.006), and larger values of total amount of defocus (119.38 ± 63.71 D·mm2 vs. 91.40 ± 40.83 D·mm2, P = 0.003) and total SA (0.37 ± 0.25 μm vs. 0.25 ± 0.29 μm, P = 0.015), compared with the CTZ group. Objective visual quality decreased in both groups (P < 0.001). This was evidenced by a greater decrease in MTF cutoff (- 14.24 ± 10.48 vs. - 10.74 ± 9.46, P = 0.047) and SR values (- 0.09 ± 0.07 vs. - 0.06 ± 0.07, P = 0.026), and an increase in OSI value (0.84 ± 0.72 vs. 0.58 ± 0.53, P = 0.019). PVA9% decreased significantly in the STZ group but not the CTZ group. A statistically significant negative correlation was found between the changes in total SA and MTF cutoff values (r =  - 0.202, P = 0.025). AL changes were associated with sex, change of MTF cutoff value, increment of total SA and TZ area.

CONCLUSIONS

Compared with CTZ ortho-K lenses, STZ ortho-K lenses significantly inhibited axial elongation in children with myopia while moderately reducing their objective visual quality. Axial elongation was affected by retinal visual quality, and it may be a possible mechanism for ortho-K slowing myopia progression. Trial registration This trial is registered at Chinese Clinical Trial Registry on November 5, 2019 with trial registration number: ChiCTR1900027218. https://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.html?proj=45380.

The efficacy of orthokeratology lenses with smaller back optic zone diameter in myopia control. A meta-analysis

PURPOSE

This study was conducted to determine whether orthokeratology (OK) lenses with a smaller back optic zone diameter (BOZD) could exhibit stronger myopia control effects.

METHOD

A meta-analysis was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42023408184). A comprehensive systematic database search was conducted, encompassing PubMed, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, MEDLINE, Web of Science, Ovid, CNKI and CBM, to identify relevant studies up to 25 March 2023. The primary inclusion criteria for this meta-analysis were studies that investigated the myopia control effect of OK lenses with a small optical treatment area (≤5 mm). To assess the quality of the retrieved articles, two researchers evaluated them using the Cochrane bias risk assessment criteria. The primary outcome measures were the changes in axial length (AL) and refractive error, using the weighted mean differences (WMD) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) to assess differences between small and traditional back optical treatment zone groups in terms of these outcomes.

RESULTS

The analysis encompassed five eligible studies, with a 1 year duration. The average difference in AL between the groups was 0.12 mm (WMD = -0.12, 95% CI [-0.16, -0.09], p < 0.00001). Likewise, the average difference in refractive error between the two groups was 0.44 D (WMD = 0.44, 95% CI [0.30, 0.57], p < 0.00001). None of the studies reported severe adverse events.

CONCLUSIONS

Current evidence suggests that OK lenses with smaller back optical treatment zone are more effective in preventing myopia progression than traditional lenses. However, a longer-term evaluation is warranted.

Altering optical zone diameter, reverse curve width, and compression factor: impacts on visual performance and axial elongation in orthokeratology

PURPOSE

To investigate the effects of modifications in back optical zone diameter (BOZD), reverse curve width (RCW), and compression factor (CF) on refractive error changes and axial elongation in myopic children undergoing orthokeratology (ortho-k) over a 12-month period.

METHOD

In this retrospective study, data from 126 myopic children undergoing ortho-k fitting were analyzed. Subjects were categorized into four distinct groups based on lens design parameters: Group A (BOZD 6.0 mm, RCW 0.6 mm, CF 0.75 D); Group B (BOZD 6.0 mm, RCW 0.6 mm, CF 1.25 D); Group C (BOZD 5.4 mm, RCW 0.9 mm, CF 1.25 D); and Group D (BOZD 5.0 mm, RCW 1.1 mm, CF 1.25 D). The study evaluated uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA), corneal topography, and axial length (AL) at intervals, using Linear Mixed Models (LMMs) for time-based changes, and ANOVA or Kruskal-Wallis tests for group differences in AL elongation. A multivariable regression analysis identified factors independently associated with AL elongation.

RESULTS

Within the first day and week, all four groups displayed significant improvements in UCVA and alterations in corneal curvature, which subsequently stabilized. Although UCVA variations between groups were subtle, Group D had less corneal curvature change than Groups A and B initially and exhibited significantly less AL elongation after one year. No significant difference in corneal curvature change or AL elongation was observed between Group C and the other groups. Multiple regression analysis indicated that older baseline age, greater baseline spherical equivalent refractive error, and smaller BOZD were associated with less AL elongation.

CONCLUSION

The study reveals a positive correlation between BOZD and axial length growth over the 12-month period. A pure 0.5 D CF increment demonstrates a nonsignificant impact. This study provides new ideas into optimizing the parameters of ortho-k lenses.

The Impact of Back Optic Zone Design in Orthokeratology on Visual Performance

Purpose

To evaluate the visual performance in adolescents undergoing orthokeratology (OrthoK) treatment with two different optical zone diameters (OZDs).

Methods

This randomized, double-masked, self-controlled prospective study was conducted at Tianjin Eye Hospital (Tianjin, China) in June 2022. Thirty-six eligible schoolchildren were enrolled and fitted with corneal refractive therapy lenses with two sizes of OZDs (5 mm [5OZ] and 6 mm [6OZ]). Each participant was randomized to wear the 5OZ in one eye and the 6OZ in the contralateral eye. Subjective visual quality was assessed using visual acuity, refraction, contrast sensitivity function, and visual symptoms, and the objective optical quality was assessed using ocular higher order aberrations (HOAs) and modulation transfer function (MTF).

Results

Thirty-five myopic children completed a 1-month follow-up visit. The 5OZ lens induced significantly smaller treatment zone diameters than the 6OZ lens (P < 0.001). Subjective visual quality did not differ significantly between the two groups. Compared to baseline, aberrations of Z40, coma-like, spherical-like, and total HOAs in both groups increased significantly (P < 0.05). For the 3-mm pupils, spherical aberration in the 5OZ group was significantly higher than that in the 6OZ group (P < 0.05). The MTF value of the 6OZ group was significantly higher than that of 5OZ group for 0.3 and 1.5 cycles per degree for the 3-mm pupils (P = 0.006 and P = 0.026, respectively). However, HOAs or MTF did not differ significantly between the two groups for the 5-mm pupils.

Conclusions

The difference induced by varying OZD was significant only in the smaller pupil condition. The selection of OZD in OrthoK designs in real-world patient management should be done while considering individual pupil size.

Translational Relevance

This study revealed that the objective visual quality of small OZD lenses was only slightly affected for the small pupil size.

Study of association between corneal shape parameters and axial length elongation during orthokeratology using image-pro plus software

BACKGROUND

The aim was to validate the correlation between corneal shape parameters and axial length growth (ALG) during orthokeratology using Image-Pro Plus (IPP) 6.0 software.

METHODS

This retrospective study used medical records of myopic children aged 8-13 years (n = 104) undergoing orthokeratology. Their corneal topography and axial length were measured at baseline and subsequent follow-ups after lens wear. Corneal shape parameters, including the treatment zone (TZ) area, TZ diameter, TZ fractal dimension, TZ radius ratio, eccentric distance, pupil area, and pupillary peripheral steepened zone(PSZ) area, were measured using IPP software. The impact of corneal shape parameters at 3 months post-orthokeratology visit on 1.5-year ALG was evaluated using multivariate linear regression analysis.

RESULTS

ALG exhibited significant associations with age, TZ area, TZ diameter, TZ fractal dimension, and eccentric distance on univariate linear regression analysis. Multivariate regression analysis identified age, TZ area, and eccentric distance as significantly correlated with ALG (all P < 0.01), with eccentric distance showing the strongest correlation (β = -0.370). The regressive equation was y = 1.870 - 0.235a + 0.276b - 0.370c, where y represents ALG, a represents age, b represents TZ area, and c represents eccentric distance; R2 = 0.27). No significant relationships were observed between the TZ radius ratio, pupillary PSZ area, and ALG.

CONCLUSIONS

IPP software proves effective in capturing precise corneal shape parameters after orthokeratology. Eccentric distance, rather than age or the TZ area, significantly influences ALG retardation.

The effect of the back optic zone diameter on the treatment zone area and axial elongation in orthokeratology

PURPOSE

To investigate the influence of corneal parameters on the treatment zone area (TZA) after Corneal Refractive Therapy (CRT) with a 5.0-mm back optical zone diameter (BOZD) were worn and to compare changes in the axial length (AL) with traditional 6.0-mm BOZD lenses.

METHODS

This retrospective study involved 146 subjects (7-12 years) who wore orthokeratology (ortho-K) lenses for one year: 86 subjects were treated with CRT 5.0-mm lenses, and 60 subjects were treated with CRT 6.0-mm lenses. The TZA was measured after one year of ortho-K treatment. Both TZA and AL elongation after wearing the two kinds of lenses was compared. The parameters were recorded in the CRT 5.0 group: flat K, steep K, corneal toricity, e value, and anterior corneal elevation values at the 3-, 4-, and 5-mm chords along the principal meridians of the superior, inferior, nasal, and temporal sides. The relationships between these data and the TZA were analyzed.

RESULTS

The TZA was 12.90 ± 5.15 mm2 and 20.61 ± 4.54 mm2, and the AL elongation was 0.15 ± 0.18 mm and 0.26 ± 0.18 mm in the CRT 5.0 group and the CRT 6.0 group, respectively (all p < 0.001). The one-year AL elongation was significantly associated with initial age and the TZA (r =  - 0.394, 0.393; all p < 0.001) in the CRT 5.0 group. The following corneal parameters were found to have statistically significant correlations with the TZA: the e value, difference in corneal elevation (nasal-temporal at the 3-, 4-, and 5-mm chord), and the absolute value of elevation difference (nasal-temporal at the 3- and 4-mm chord and inferior-superior at the 3-, 4-, and 5-mm chord). The e value was the only relevant factor for the TZA by multiple regression analysis (unstandardized β = 14.219, p = 0.008). In the CRT 6.0 group, the one-year AL elongation was statistically significantly associated only with initial age (r =  - 0.605, p = 0.005), but not with the TZA (p = 0.161).

CONCLUSIONS

A smaller TZA induced by a smaller BOZD may be beneficial for retarding AL elongation in children undergoing ortho-K treatment. The morphology and eccentricity of the cornea may show effects on the TZA.

Assessment of dynamic corneal response parameters in Chinese patients of different ages with myopia and orthokeratology lenses using the Corvis ST

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effects of orthokeratology lenses (OK lenses) on corneal biomechanics in subjects of different ages.

METHODS

Fifty subjects with mild to moderate myopia were categorized into three groups (Group I-III) based on their age. Corvis ST was used to collect dynamic corneal response parameters (DCRs) at different follow-up time points. Repeated measures analysis of variance combined with simple effect analysis was used to analyze the changes in DCRs in different groups during the follow-up period. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to analyze the correlations between axial length growth (ALG) at 6 months (ALG-6M) or 12 months (ALG-12M) and sex, baseline spherical equivalent refraction (SER), and DCRs.

RESULTS

The DCRs changed in all three groups after wearing OK lenses. Most DCRs showed significant differences between baseline and 6 months after wearing OK lenses, while the differences between DCRs at 6 months and 12 months were not statistically significant. No significant differences in DCRs were observed among the three groups at the same follow-up time point. Additionally, at 6 months post-OK lens wear, ALG-6M was significantly correlated with velocity of the corneal apex at the first applanation (A1V-6M) (P = 0.002), Corvis biomechanical index (CBI-6M) (P = 0.004), the maximum amount of corneal movement (DAM-6M) (P = 0.010), deformation amplitude ratio of 2 mm (DAR2-6M) (P = 0.010), and stress-strain index (SSI-6M) (P = 0.038) in Group I. Furthermore, ALG-12M showed significant correlations with SSI-6M (P = 0.031), peak distance at the DAM (PD)-6M (P = 0.037), baseline Ambrósio Relational Thickness to the horizontal profile (P = 0.013) in Group I.

CONCLUSIONS

The majority of DCRs displayed significant changes within the initial 6 months of OK lens wear. Minimal variation in DCRs was observed across different age groups at the same follow-up time point. Certain DCR parameters exhibited correlations with ALG, suggesting their potential in predicting ALG in myopic children undergoing OK lenses correction.

Short-term Changes in Epithelial and Optical Redistribution Induced by Different Orthokeratology Designs

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to investigate corneal epithelial and topographic changes caused by two commercial myopia orthokeratology (ortho-k) designs.

METHODS

Twenty-six subjects fitted with vision shape treatment (VST) lenses and 30 subjects fitted with corneal reshaping therapy (CRT) lenses were reviewed 1 day, 1 week, and 1 month after lens initiation. A spectral-domain optical coherence tomography system was used to create epithelial maps that were in turn used to determine the average epithelial thickness of each zone and the diameter of treatment zone. By measuring the topographic tangential differential map, the treatment zone diameter and the power and width of the high convex zone (HCZ) were obtained. All epithelial thicknesses and topographic corneal variations recorded were analyzed.

RESULTS

At the central zone, the epithelial thickness changes (△ET) decreased significantly after 1 day of ortho-k in two groups. At 2- to 9-mm peripheral zone, ortho-k increased △ET until 1 week in the VST group, whereas it kept increasing in the CRT group after 1 week. At 1 month, the central △ET is -9.51±2.38 mm in the VST group, which was comparable to -8.72±3.43 mm in the CRT group. The nasal HCZ power and the △ET of nasal and inferior nasal were significantly larger in the CRT group. A positive correlation was found between the HCZ power and △ET generated by VST-type lenses inferiorly and temporally. For the CRT group, a positive correlation was found between inferior HCZ power and △ET.

CONCLUSIONS

At the early stage of ortho-k, epithelial thickness and topography change quickly and simultaneously. Epithelial changes were in line with corneal topography reshaping. Epithelial and optical remodelling were affected by different lens types.

Study on Related Factors of the Treatment Zone After Wearing Paragon CRT and Euclid Orthokeratology Lenses

OBJECTIVE

To explore the influence factors of the treatment zone diameter (TZD) and its relationship with axial length growth (ALG) after wearing Paragon CRT and Euclid orthokeratology lenses.

METHODS

The right eye data of myopic patients wearing Paragon CRT and Euclid orthokeratology in the ophthalmology department of The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University were retrospectively reviewed from April 2019 to October 2022. The TZD and ALG were compared between the Paragon CRT and Euclid groups. The correlation factors of TZD after wearing lens for 1 month and the relationship between the overlapping treatment zone-to-pupil area ratio and the ALG after wearing lens for 1 year were analyzed between the two groups.

RESULTS

There were 160 patients (160 eyes) in the Paragon CRT group and 155 patients (155 eyes) in the Euclid group. After wearing lens for 1 month, the TZD in the Paragon CRT group (3.72±0.37 mm) was larger than that in the Euclid group (3.26±0.37 mm) ( P <0.001). The stepwise multivariate linear regression analysis showed that the eccentricity at the flattest meridians (Em) and the central corneal thickness were correlated with the TZD in both groups ( P <0.05). After wearing lens for 1 year, the ALG in the Paragon CRT group (0.32±0.20 mm) was larger than that in the Euclid group (0.25±0.20 mm) ( P =0.001). The stepwise multivariate linear regression analysis showed that the initial wearing age and the overlapping treatment zone area-to-pupil area ratio were correlated with the ALG in both groups ( P <0.05).

CONCLUSION

For both the Paragon CRT and Euclid orthokeratology, the wearers with thicker central corneal thickness and smaller Em usually had a smaller TZD. In both groups, the overlapping treatment zone area-to-pupil area ratio was correlated with the ALG.

One-year results for myopia control with aspheric base curve orthokeratology lenses: A prospective randomised clinical trial

PURPOSE

To compare the effect of orthokeratology (ortho-k) using aspheric or spherical base curve (BCA vs. BCS) contact lenses on axial elongation and the relative peripheral refraction change (RPRC) in Chinese children.

METHODS

Children aged 8-12 years with myopia between -0.75 and -4.00 D and astigmatism ≤1.00 D were randomly assigned to the BCA or BCS group. Peripheral refraction was assessed at 10°, 20° and 30° along the temporal and nasal retina at baseline and at the 12-month visit. Axial length (AL) was measured under cycloplegia at baseline and at the 6- and 12-month visits. Only right eye data were analysed. Repeated-measures analysis of covariance was performed to examine the differences in axial elongation and the RPRC between the BCA and BCS groups.

RESULTS

The 1-year results from 31 BCA and 32 BCS subjects were analysed. No significant between-group differences were found at baseline (p ≥ 0.28). At the 12-month visit, the BCA lens produced a greater absolute RPRC along the horizontal meridian than the BCS lens (p < 0.001). Axial elongation was slower in the BCA group (0.19 ± 0.20 mm) than in the BCS group (0.29 ± 0.14 mm; p = 0.03). Axial elongation was correlated with the RPRC at 10° (r = 0.43, p = 0.02) and 20° (r = 0.39, p = 0.03) along the temporal retina in the BCA group; however, these correlations were not observed in the BCS group.

CONCLUSION

The BCA ortho-k lens could improve the efficacy of slowing axial elongation in children. The improved myopia control observed in the BCA group may be the result of a larger myopic shift in relative peripheral refraction within 20° along the temporal retina.

Comparison of two different orthokeratology lenses and defocus incorporated soft contact (DISC) lens in controlling myopia progression

BACKGROUND

To compare axial elongation in 8-11-year-old myopes wearing orthokeratology (OK) lenses with different back optic zone diameters (BOZD), defocus incorporated soft contact (DISC) lenses, and single-vision soft contact lenses (SCLs).

METHODS

A total of 122 children (aged 8-11 years) with spherical equivalent refraction (SER) between - 1.00 D and - 4.00 D were enrolled in this prospective study and randomly assigned to four groups: 5.0 mm-BOZD OK, 6.2 mm-BOZD OK, DISC, and single-vision SCLs. Children in each group were further divided into subgroups stratified by the average baseline SER: low myopic eyes (SER: - 1.00 D to - 2.50 D) and moderate myopic eyes (SER: - 2.50 D and over). Axial length (AL) was measured at baseline and after one year.

RESULTS

The 5.0 mm-BOZD OK, 6.2 mm-BOZD OK, and DISC groups exhibited significantly slower AL elongation than the SCL group. The proportion of slow progressors (AL elongation ≤ 0.18 mm/year) in the first three groups was 42%, 23%, and 29%, respectively. Furthermore, one-year AL elongation was significantly smaller in the 5.0 mm-BOZD OK group compared with the 6.2 mm-BOZD OK group. Regardless of SER, children in the 5.0 mm-BOZD OK and DISC groups showed comparably slower AL elongation than those in the SCL group. However, fitting with 6.2 mm-BOZD OK lenses significantly retarded AL elongation in moderate myopic eyes, but not in low myopic eyes.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, 5.0 mm-BOZD OK lenses, 6.2 mm-BOZD OK lenses, and DISC lenses were effective in retarding AL elongation in 8-11-year-old myopes compared with single-vision SCLs, but for children with SER less than - 2.50 D, fitting with 5.0 mm-BOZD OK lenses and DISC lenses yielded better myopia control efficacy compared to wearing single-vision SCLs or 6.2 mm-BOZD OK lenses.

Biomechanical study of cornea response under orthokeratology lens therapy: A finite element analysis

Orthokeratology (OK) is becoming a mainstream modality for myopia correction and control, but its underlying mechanism is not yet fully understood. In this study, the biomechanical response of cornea under the OK lens was investigated to further understand the mechanism of OK therapy. Numerical models of the cornea and OK lens with different corneal refractive powers and myopia degrees were established to analyze features and differences of the spatial displacement and stress distribution in different areas of the anterior corneal surface by finite element method. Displacement distributions on the anterior cornea surface with refractive powers of 39.5, 43, 46 D, and myopia degrees of -1.0, -3.0, -6.0 D demonstrate similar deformation trends and nearly rotationally symmetrical attributes of different corneal parameters. Displacement of mid-peripheral cornea was significantly high compared with that of the central and peripheral cornea, peaking at ~2.4 mm off the corneal apex. The stress increased with the increase in myopia degrees and was significantly large for the myopia degrees of -6.0 D at S1; the stress at S2 and S6 was low and stable and did not differ much at S3; the stress at S4 and S5, however, was extremely high. In summary, simulation result of orthokeratology can effectively evaluate the performance of OK lens and it properly associates with the differential map of the corneal topography. The base curve of the OK lens may also play a role in mid-peripheral corneal steepening. The design around the OK lens' alignment curve needs to be optimized.

High myopia control is comparable between multifocal rigid gas-permeable lenses and spectacles

Purpose

Ocular pathology may be reduced by slowing myopia progression. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the potential of a novel custom-designed rigid gas permeable (RGP) contact lens to control high myopia by comparing the efficacy of multifocal RGP lenses and single-vision spectacles for high myopia control.

Methods

The medical records of children fitted with spectacles or multifocal rigid gas-permeable lenses between January 2018 and May 2020 were retrospectively reviewed. Children (5-17 years) with non-cycloplegic spherical equivalent refraction of ≤ -6.00 D or spherical equivalent refraction > - 6.00 D with baseline axial length ≥ 26.5 mm, and astigmatism of ≥ -2.00 D were included. Axial length and refraction were measured at baseline, before fitting the participants with multifocal rigid gas-permeable lenses or spectacles, and at 1- and 2-year follow-up visits. Changes in axial length were compared between the groups.

Results

Among the 77 children with 1-year follow-up data, the mean axial elongation was 0.20 ± 0.17 mm and 0.21 ± 0.14 mm in the multifocal rigid gas-permeable and control groups, respectively, without significant differences between groups (F = 0.004, p = 0.835). Among the 41 patients who completed 2 years of follow-up, the mean axial elongation values in the multifocal rigid gas-permeable and control groups were 0.21 ± 0.15 mm and 0.24 ± 0.13 mm, respectively, at the 1-year follow-up, and 0.37 ± 0.27 mm and 0.43 ± 0.23 mm, respectively, at the 2-year follow-up, without significant between-group differences at either time point (p = 0.224).

Conclusion

Axial length increased at a similar rate in both the control (spectacles) and multifocal rigid gas-permeable lens groups, suggesting that multifocal rigid gas-permeable lenses have no significant impact on controlling high myopia progression compared with spectacles.

The correlation between modifications to corneal topography and changes in retinal vascular density and retinal thickness in myopic children after undergoing orthokeratology

Purpose

This study aimed to investigate the relationship among changes in corneal topography, retinal vascular density, and retinal thickness in myopic children who underwent orthokeratology for 3 months.

Method

Thirty children with myopia wore orthokeratology lenses for 3 months. Using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA), the retina was imaged as 6 × 6 mm en-face images at baseline and 3 months after orthokeratology. Cornea data was acquired by topography and analyzed by customer MATLAB software. The cornea was divided into 3 zones and 9 sectors. The relative corneal refractive power shift (RCRPS) was used in this study. Changes in retinal vascular density (RVDC) and retinal thickness change (RTC) were associated with RCRPS by using spearman test. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05.

Result

A significant correlation was observed between the RVDC and the RCRPS in many regions (the r was 0.375 ~ 0.548, all p value <0.05). Significant positive correlations were found between RVDC in inner and outer temple regions with RCRPS at inner and outer nasal sectors. There were no significant correlations between RTC and RCRPS in other sectors except in the central cornea and the outer nasal retina (r:0.501, p:0.006). At baseline and 3 months after wearing the orthokeratology lens, no significant differences in the retinal microvasculature or thickness (p > 0.05) were observed at any regions.

Conclusion

The correlation between the cornea and the retina was observed after orthokeratology. Cornea changes may affect regional retinal responses accordingly，which may explain how orthokeratology delays myopia progression partially.

The effect of back optic zone diameter on relative corneal refractive power distribution and corneal higher-order aberrations in orthokeratology

PURPOSE

To compare axial elongation, relative corneal refractive power (RCRP) distribution within the pupillary diameter, and corneal higher-order aberrations (HOAs) in myopic children wearing orthokeratology (ortho-k) lenses with different back optic zone diameters (BOZD).

METHODS

Children aged 8-11 years were fitted with 5.0 or 6.2 mm-BOZD ortho-k lenses (groups A and B, respectively). Axial length (AL) and corneal topography were measured at baseline and during the annual visit. RCRP and corneal HOAs were compared between the two groups after one-year treatment. Multivariate linear regression analysis was performed to determine the association between AL elongation and RCRP parameters, corneal HOAs, and other variables between the groups.

RESULTS

After one-year treatment, axial elongation was slower in group A than in group B, with a difference of 0.15 mm. Children in group A showed smaller treatment zone size, smaller 3/4X value (describing the distance from the apex RCRP profile rising to its three-quarter-peak level), greater RCRP sum value within the pupillary area, and higher increases in corneal total HOAs and horizontal coma (Z₃¹). AL elongation was significantly correlated with baseline age, baseline spherical equivalent refraction (SER), treatment zone size, and 3/4X value.

CONCLUSIONS

Ortho-k lenses designed with smaller BOZD increased myopia control efficacy, induced a steeper distribution of the RCRP profile within the pupillary diameter, and induced greater increases in corneal total HOAs and horizontal coma (Z₃¹). Lens-induced RCRP profile within pupillary diameter, rising to its three-quarter-peak level at a smaller distance, may show a better myopia control effect.

Effect of treatment zone decentration on axial length growth after orthokeratology

Objective

To study the effect of treatment zone (TZ) decentration on axial length growth (ALG) in adolescents after wearing the orthokeratology lenses (OK lenses).

Materials and methods

This retrospective clinical study selected 251 adolescents who were fitted OK lenses at the Clinical College of Ophthalmology, Tianjin Medical University (Tianjin, China) from January 2018–December 2018 and wore them continuously for >12 months. The age of the subjects was 8–15 years, spherical equivalent (SE): −1.00 to −5.00 diopter (D), and astigmatism ≤ 1.50 D. The corneal topography were recorded at baseline and 1-, 6-, and 12-month visits, and the axial length (AL) were recorded at baseline and 6-, 12-month visits. The data of the right eye were collected for statistical analysis.

Results

The subjects were divided into three groups according to the decentration distance of the TZ after wearing lenses for 1 month: 56 cases in the mild (<0.5 mm), 110 in the moderate (0.5–1.0 mm), and 85 in the severe decentration group (>1.0 mm). A significant difference was detected in the ALG between the three groups after wearing lenses for 6 and 12 months (F = 10.223, P < 0.001; F = 13.380, P < 0.001, respectively). Among these, the 6- and 12-month ALG of the mild decentration group was significantly higher than that of the other two groups. Multivariable linear regression analysis showed that age, baseline SE, and 1-month decentration distance associated with the 12-month ALG (P < 0.001, P < 0.001, and P = 0.001, respectively).

Conclusion

The decentration of the TZ of the OK lens affected the growth of the AL in adolescents, i.e., the greater the decentration, the slower the ALG.

The treatment zone decentration and corneal refractive profile changes in children undergoing orthokeratology treatment

Background

To confirm the association between treatment-zone (TZ) decentration and axial length growth (ALG) in children who underwent orthokeratology; and to explore the association between TZ decentration and relative corneal refractive power (RCRP) profile, which was known to be significantly associated with ALG retardation.

Methods

Four hundred myopic children of age 12 years participated in the study, with 200 wearing orthokeratology lenses and the other 200 wearing single-vision spectacle as the controls. Cycloplegic refraction was performed at baseline. Axial length was measured at baseline and 12 months after initial lens wear, and ALG was defined as the difference. In the ortho-k group, TZ decentration and the RCRP map were calculated from the topography map obtained at the 12-month visit. RCRP were summed within various chord radii from the cornea center, and the association to TZ decentration, spherical equivalent (SE), ALG were analyzed with linear regressions.

Results

Compared to the controls, children wearing orthokeratology lenses had significantly smaller ALG over 1 year (0.1 ± 0.15 mm vs. 0.32 ± 0.17 mm, p < 0.001). ALG was significantly and negatively associated with summed RCRP within the central cornea of 2 mm in radius. The mean TZ decentration was 0.62 ± 0.25 mm, and the mean direction was 214.26 ± 7.39 degrees. ALG was negatively associated with the TZ decentration magnitude (p < 0.01), but not the direction (p = 0.905). TZ decentration caused an asymmetrical distribution of the RCRP with the nasal side plus power shifting towards the corneal center. For chord radius ranging 1-2 mm, the association between TZ decentration and the summed RCRP were significant, and the proportion of variance accountable increased with chord radius. For chord radius beyond 1.5 mm, the association between baseline spherical equivalent (SE) and summed RCRP was significant. The portion of variance accountable by SE increased and peaked in 2.5 mm chord radius.

Conclusions

A larger TZ decentration was associated with a larger summed RCRP in the central cornea. It may be one of the possible reasons why TZ decentration is beneficial to retarding myopia progression.

Comparison of Two Main Orthokeratology Lens Designs in Efficacy and Safety for Myopia Control

Purpose

This study aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of corneal refractive therapy (CRT) lenses and vision shaping treatment (VST) lenses for myopia control in children.

Methods

Medical records of 1,001 children (2,002 eyes) who had been fitted with orthokeratology lenses for over 1.5 years were retrospectively reviewed. We collected the clinical data of four types of orthokeratology (OK) lenses available: one CRT lens (brand: CRT) and three VST lenses (brands: Euclid, Alpha, and Hiline) over 1.5 years. Results were compared and analyzed using a one-way ANOVA and Pearson's chi-square test.

Results

Axial length elongation in the CRT lens group was 0.13 ± 0.02 mm faster than that in the Euclid lens, 0.1 ± 0.02 mm faster in the Alpha lens, and 0.08 ± 0.02 mm faster in the Hiline lens over the 1.5-year period (all P < 0.05). Among the subjects, 37.3% of them using the CRT lens experienced more than 1 D of refractive growth, compared with 20.2–30.8% of subjects wearing the three groups of VST lenses (all P < 0.05). A lower incidence of total adverse events was found with the CRT lenses compared with the VST lenses (P < 0.05), especially corneal staining. No difference was found in axial length elongation, refraction growth, and incidence of adverse events among the three types of VST lenses (all P > 0.05).

Conclusions

Compared with the VST lenses, CRT lenses demonstrated a weaker effect on myopia control but with a better safety profile. Different types of VST lenses had similar efficacy and safety in the context of controlling myopia progression.

The Association between Fourier Parameters and Clinical Parameters in Myopic Children Undergoing Orthokeratology

Purpose: To explore how Fourier parameters are associated with axial length growth (ALG) and clinical parameters in children who underwent orthokeratology.Materials and Methods: A total of 267 children received orthokeratology. Baseline cycloplegic autorefraction was performed. Axial length was measured at baseline and one year after the lens dispatch, and the difference was defined as ALG. Corneal topography was performed at the same two visits. Central treatment zone (CTZ) was identified from the difference between the two tangential maps, and its center distance to corneal center was defined as decentration. A relative refractive corneal power (RCRP) map was derived by subtracting the center value from every point on the one-year axial map. It was decomposed into 3 Fourier components: a mean (F0), a single-cycle sinewave (F1), and a double-cycle sinewave (F2). Linear regressions were used to reveal the association between ALG and these parameters.Results: At baseline, the age was 10.18 ± 1.48 year, spherical equivalent (SE) was - 3.10 ± 1.15D, astigmatism was 1.17 ± 0.58D, and axial length was 24.69 ± 0.81 mm. The mean ALG was 0.181 ± 0.22 mm. In multiple regression, ALG was negatively associated with F1 (p < .001), not F0 and F2. Amplitude-wise, F0 and F1 were correlated with decentration (p < .01) and SE (p < .01), and F2 was associated with astigmatism (p < .001). Direction-wise, F1 was correlated with decentration (p < .001) and F2 was associated with astigmatism (p < .001).Conclusions: Among Fourier parameters, F0 and F1 were negatively associated with ALG in myopic children undergoing orthokeratology. Their associations to SE and CTZ decentration may partially explain the effect on ALG retardation.

The Role of Back Optic Zone Diameter in Myopia Control with Orthokeratology Lenses

We compared the efficacy of controlling the annual increase in axial length (AL) in myopic Caucasian children based on two parameters: the back optic zone diameter (BOZD) of the orthokeratology (OK) lens and plus power ring diameter (PPRD) or mid-peripheral annular ring of corneal steepening. Data from 71 myopic patients (mean age, 13.34 ± 1.38 years; range, 10-15 years; 64% male) corrected with different BOZD OK lenses (DRL, Precilens) were collected retrospectively from a Spanish optometric clinic. The sample was divided into groups with BOZDs above or below 5.00 mm and the induced PPRD above or below 4.5 mm, and the relation to AL and refractive progression at 12 months was analyzed. Three subgroups were analyzed, i.e., plus power ring (PPR) inside, outside, or matching the pupil. The mean baseline myopia was -3.11 ± 1.46 D and the AL 24.65 ± 0.88 mm. Significant (p < 0.001) differences were found after 12 months of treatment in the refractive error and AL for the BOZD and PPRD. AL changes in subjects with smaller BOZDs decreased significantly regarding larger diameters (0.09 ± 0.12 and 0.15 ± 0.11 mm, respectively); in subjects with a horizontal sector of PPRD falling inside the pupil, the AL increased less (p = 0.035) than matching or outside the pupil groups by 0.04 ± 0.10 mm, 0.10 ± 0.11 mm, and 0.17 ± 0.12 mm, respectively. This means a 76% lesser AL growth or 0.13 mm/year in absolute reduction. OK corneal parameters can be modified by changing the OK lens designs, which affects myopia progression and AL elongation. Smaller BOZD induces a reduced PPRDs that slows AL elongation better than standard OK lenses. Further investigations should elucidate the effect of pupillary diameter, PPRD, and power change on myopia control.