Residual corneal flattening after discontinuation of long-term orthokeratology lens wear in asian children

Systematic Review of Myopia Progression after Cessation of Optical Interventions for Myopia Control

Despite high discontinuation rates for myopia optical interventions, limited attention has been given to the potential rebound effects post-discontinuation. This systematic review aims to assess the extent of the rebound effects following the cessation of common clinical optical myopia-control interventions in children. A comprehensive search of PubMed, Embase, Cochrane CENTRAL, and ClinicalTrials.gov was conducted from inception to October 2023. The rebound effects, defined as changes in the axial length or spherical equivalent during and after treatment cessation, were categorized into four levels. These studies encompassed 703 participants and spanned from 2019 to 2023, with durations of treatment and cessation ranging from 6 months to 3.5 years and from 2 weeks to 5 years, respectively. This review, encompassing 14 studies, revealed a predominant strong rebound effect in orthokeratology (8 studies), a weak rebound effect in multifocal soft contact lenses (4 studies), and a variable rebound effect in peripheral-plus spectacle lenses (2 studies). Notably, with the increasing cessation duration, the rebound effects diminished, potentially linked to the reversal of choroidal thickening and the disappearance of peripheral myopic defocus. In conclusion, a temporal trend of rebound effects exists in all three myopia optical interventions, possibly contributing to their myopia control mechanisms.

The alterations in ocular biometric parameters following short-term discontinuation of long-term orthokeratology and prior to subsequent lens fitting: a preliminary study

PURPOSE

To investigate the alterations in biometric parameters among Chinese adolescents over an extended period of wearing orthokeratology lenses, as well as the subsequent changes after a one-month cessation of lens usage prior to the secondary lens fitting.

METHODS

Twenty-four myopic patients aged 7-14 were enrolled in this 37-month prospective observational study. Ocular biometric parameters were measured in the study. Ocular biometric parameters were assessed, and the utilization of Generalized Estimating Equations (GEE) was employed in the analysis to address the correlation between the two eyes of each participant.

RESULTS

The axial length (AL) increased by 0.55 mm after 36 months of lens wearing and further increased to 0.62 mm at the 37-month follow-up compared to the initial measurement. The differences in AL elongation per month between the 37-month time point and the 12-, 24-, and 36-month marks of lens wearing were found to be statistically significant (p12-month = 0.001; p24-month = 0.003; p36-month = 0.001). Following the cessation of lens wear for 1 month, there was no significant complete recovery observed in the flat and steep keratometry values. However, the intraocular pressure and anterior chamber depth returned to their baseline levels.

CONCLUSIONS

The AL elongation undergoes alterations during temporary discontinuation of lenses, with the flat and steep keratometry measurements remaining significantly flatter compared to the baseline. However, the intraocular pressure and anterior chamber depth return to their initial levels after one month of lens cessation.

Changes in corneal densitometry after long-term orthokeratology for myopia and short-term discontinuation

Purpose

To quantify changes in corneal densitometry after long-term orthokeratology treatment in myopic children and to analyze the reversibility one month after discontinuation.

Methods

Seventy-four myopic subjects aged 8–16 years, who wore orthokeratology lenses for two years, were divided into relatively steep- (lens movement within 1.0–1.5 mm, thirty-six participants) and flat-fitting groups (lens movement within 1.5–2.0 mm, thirty-eight participants). Based on refractive errors, they were divided into low and moderate myopia groups (thirty-seven participants in each group). Corneal densitometry was performed using Pentacam (Oculus Optikgeräte GmbH, Wetzlar, Germany) at each follow-up timepoint. Repeated-measures analysis of variance was used to compare the parameters before and after orthokeratology.

Results

The corneal densitometry values over the 0–10 mm diameter area increased from 12.84±1.38 grayscale units (GSU) at baseline to 13.59±1.42 GSU after three-month orthokeratology (P = .001) and reached 14.92±1.45 GSU at two years (P < .001). An increase in densitometry began at one month (P = .001) over the 0–2 mm annulus compared with that at three months over the 2–6 mm and 6–10 mm zones (P = .002,.014). The densitometry values significantly increased at three months in the relatively steep-fitting group (P = .003) and at one year in the relatively flat-fitting group (P = .001). After discontinuation of orthokeratology for one month, the values showed no significant decrease.

Conclusions

Long-term orthokeratology treatment causes a small but statistically significant increase in corneal densitometry values. During the first year, the onset of these changes was related to the fitting mode. Corneal densitometry values showed no significant reduction after one-month discontinuation.

Thickness profiles of the corneal epithelium along the steep and flat meridians of astigmatic corneas after orthokeratology

Background

The aim of this study was to investigate the changes in corneal epithelial thickness along the principle meridians of astigmatic corneas after six months of overnight spherical myopic orthokeratology (OK) lens wear.

Methods

This is a prospective study. Fifty-seven subjects with up to 1.50 diopters (D) of corneal toricity wore spherical OK lenses for 6 months. Evaluations of OK lens fit, visual acuity, refractions and corneal toricity (CT) were performed. Fourier-domain optical coherence tomography (FD-OCT) was conducted to measure the corneal epithelial thickness (ET) along the principle meridians of corneal toricity over a diameter of 6 mm. The means of △ET of the same diameter at individual meridians (△ETSm and △ETFm) were calculated and compared.

Results

Visual acuity and refraction improved significantly after OK lens wear. △ETFm thinned more than △ETSm (P = 0.027) at 1.5 mm in radius. △ETSm thickened more than △ETFm at 2.5 mm (P = 0.019) and 3.0 mm (P = 0.036).∣△ETSm - △ETFm∣ were significantly correlated with the baseline central CT at 2.0 mm, 2.5 mm and 3.0 mm. ∣△ETSm - △ETFm∣was significantly correlated with the baseline peripheral CT at 2.5 mm.

Conclusions

Overnight wear of spherical OK lenses resulted in differential changes in the thickness profiles of the corneal epithelium between the steep and flat meridians in eyes with corneal toricity.

Increased Corneal Toricity after Long-Term Orthokeratology Lens Wear

Purpose

To investigate the change in corneal toricity and associated refractive astigmatism after discontinuation of long-term orthokeratology (ortho-k) lens wear.

Methods

This study investigated 136 subjects aged between 6 and 14 (9.1 ± 1.5) years old at the commencement of ortho-k treatment, who had been undergoing overnight ortho-k treatment for 24 to 72 (37.4 ± 11.9) months. Corneal refractive power and manifest refraction were measured and compared before ortho-k and 1 month after discontinuation of ortho-k lens wear. Changes in corneal curvature were analyzed. Corneal curvature data from a historical longitudinal study were used as control.

Results

Compared to pre-ortho-k values, the corneal curvature became significantly flatter in the flatter meridian (-0.22 ± 0.27 D, P < 0.001) and steeper in the steeper meridian (0.06 ± 0.34 D, P=0.032) after cessation of ortho-k lens wear, resulting in a significant increase in corneal toricity (0.28 ± 0.43 D, P < 0.001), which is associated with an increase in refractive astigmatism (0.57 ± 0.57 D, r=0.465, P < 0.001). The amount of residual corneal flattening in the flatter meridian is significantly affected by the length of ortho-k treatment (t=-2.965, P=0.004) and the baseline age of subject (t=-2.841, P=0.005), but not by the baseline spherical or cylindrical refractive error (both P > 0.05). In the historical control group, there is no significant change in the corneal curvature over two years in children wearing spectacle lenses (both meridians, P > 0.05). Change of corneal toricity was more significant in the ortho-k group than in the spectacle control group (P=0.001).

Conclusions

Long-term ortho-k lens wear increases corneal toricity after discontinuation of the treatment, which is associated with an increase in refractive astigmatism. A more pronounced change in corneal toricity was found in subjects who were younger to start ortho-k and have been in a longer period of treatment. This trial is registered with http://www.chictr.org.cn (ChiCTR-TNRC-11001210).

Corneal morphology and visual outcomes in LASIK patients after orthokeratology: A pilot study

A STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE

For the first time, this study shows that corneas that previous undergone orthokeratology treatment do not respond differently to LASIK compared with previous soft contact lens wear experience.

PURPOSE

To evaluate and compare the corneal morphology and visual outcomes of long-term soft and orthokeratology (OK) contact lens fitting in wearers undergoing corneal refractive surgery (LASIK) for myopia correction.

METHODS

Sixteen (16) myopic patients wearing hydrophilic soft contact lens (SCL, n = 8 subjects, control group) and OK (n = 8 subjects, OK group) lenses who undergone LASIK were retrospectively evaluated. Preoperative fitting of contact lenses and one year postoperative were studied using Pentacam (Oculus, Inc. GmbH, Wetzlar, Germany). Corneal pachymetry and volume, corneal topography, anterior and posterior surface elevation data and the anterior surface aberrometry of the cornea were recorded and used for fitting.

RESULTS

Age, refractive error and topographic parameters before LASIK did not showed statistically significant differences between the two study groups. LASIK post-treatment results showed identical changes in both control and OK groups and did not show significant differences in all the parameters evaluated. The changes on corneal parameters and HOA due to refractive surgery intervention were not different between Control and OK group (p > 0.050).

CONCLUSIONS

Corneal changes due to OK treatment are reversible after its discontinuation. The present study gives an overview of how OK does not impair future LASIK surgery for the correction of myopia and does not influence the success/results of such intervention. These findings suggest that OK CL wear does not change corneal biomechanics and does not compromise a possible LASIK refractive surgery. Although this is a pilot study and there is a need of evaluate this results/changes in future studies.

Discontinuation of long term orthokeratology lens wear and subsequent refractive surgery outcome

PURPOSE

To report a case of lens discontinuation in a long term orthokeratology (OK) lens wearer and describe regression in refraction, corneal topography, and corneal thickness over 408days after lens discontinuation. Furthermore, the outcome of subsequent LASIK treatment is also reported.

CASE REPORT

A 41year old Caucasian female who had been previously wearing OK lenses for 13 years discontinued lens wear in the left eye to consider refractive surgery in that eye. The greatest changes in subjective and objective refractions, corneal topography and thickness occurred during the first 28days after lens discontinuation. Subjective refraction did not reach baseline values, but corneal topography parameters returned to pre-OK values after 408days of no lens wear. The patient then received successful refractive surgery treatment in that eye, achieving uncorrected visual acuity of 0.00 LogMAR units, and residual refractive error within ±0.50D of emmetropia.

CONCLUSION

The period of lens discontinuation required for long term OK lens wearers before refractive surgery is likely to vary between individuals and the patient described in this case report required a significant period of lens discontinuation of at least one year before being considered suitable for refractive surgery.

Refractive error, visual acuity, and corneal-curvature changes in high and low myopes with orthokeratology treatment: A Malaysian study

Background/Purpose:

The effect of orthokeratology (OK) on low myopia is well known, but there are a few reports on its effect on high myopia. In this study, the parametric changes in high and low myopia as results of wearing OK lenses for a period of 6 months have been analyzed.

Methods:

Records of schoolchildren (age 7–17 years) undergoing OK treatment from an optometry clinic were retrospectively reviewed. Data involving refractive errors, uncorrected visual acuity, and corneal curvatures at baseline and after 1 day, 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months of OK treatment from 25 patients who fulfilled the inclusion criteria were examined. For the analysis, the participants were arbitrarily divided into two groups comprising high myopia (< −6.00 D) and low to moderate myopia (from −1.00 D to −6.00 D).

Results:

Significant reductions of refractive error, improvement in visual acuity, and corneal-curvature flattening were found in all participants after 6 months of OK lens wear compared to the baseline. No significant changes were found in corneal toricity in both high and low to moderate myopic groups. Almost all of these occurred after one night of lens wear in both the high- and low-myopia groups.

Conclusion:

The OK lens wear significantly reduced the refractive error and corneal curvature that results in the improvement in visual acuity in both high- and low-myopia groups, and the reduction seemed to occur nearly at the same time despite the difference in initial myopic power. High myopes with refractive power up to −8.25 D would benefit significantly from OK lenses.

The control effect of orthokeratology on axial length elongation in Chinese children with myopia

BACKGROUND

To retrospectively compare axial elongation in children with different degrees of myopia wearing spectacles and undergoing ortho-k treatment.

METHODS

The medical records of 128 patients who were fitted with spectacles or orthokeratology (ortho-k) lenses in our clinic between 2008 and 2009 were reviewed. Ortho-k group comprised 65 subjects and 63 subjects wearing spectacles were included in the control group. Subjects were also divided into low-myopia, moderate-myopia and high-myopia groups, based on the basic spherical equivalent refractive error. Axial length periodically measured over 2-year of lens wear and changes in axial length were compared between treatment groups and between subgroups with different degrees of myopia.

RESULTS

The control group exhibited more changes in axial length than the ortho-k group at both 12 months (0.39 ± 0.21 mm vs 0.16 ± 0.17 mm, p <0.001) and 24 months (0.70 ± 0.35 mm vs 0.34 ± 0.29 mm, p <0.001). Axial length elongation was estimated to be slower by about 51% in the ortho-k group. Similar results were found for the subgroups (49%, 59% and 46% reductions, respectively). In the group with low and moderate myopia, the annual increases in axial length were significantly different between the ortho-k and control groups during both the first ( Low myopia: 0.19 ± 0.17 mm vs 0.40 ± 0.18 mm, p = 0.001; Moderate myopia: 0.14 ± 0.18 mm vs 0.45 ± 0.22 mm, p <0.001) and second ( Low myopia: 0.18 ± 0.14 mm vs 0.32 ± 0.19 mm, p = 0.012; Moderate myopia: 0.18 ± 0.16 mm vs 0.34 ± 0.30 mm, p = 0.030) years. In the high myopia groups, significant differences were only found between the ortho-k and control groups during the first year (0.16 ± 0.18 mm vs 0.34 ± 0.22 mm, p = 0.004). The 2-year axial elongation was significantly associated with initial age (p <0.001) and treatment (p <0.001), but not with gender, initial refractive error, initial axial length, initial corneal curvature.

CONCLUSIONS

This 2-year study indicates that ortho-k contact lens wear is effective for reducing myopia progression in children with low, moderate and high myopia.

Overnight orthokeratology is comparable with atropine in controlling myopia

Background

Many efforts have been invested in slowing progression of myopia. Among the methods, atropine administration and orthokeratology (OK) are most widely used. This study analyzed the efficacy of atropine and OK lens in controlling myopia progression and elongation of axial length.

Methods

This retrospective study included 105 patients (210 eyes) who wore OK lenses and 105 patients (210 eyes) who applied 0.125% atropine every night during the 3 following period. Student t-test, linear regression analysis, repeated measure ANOVA, and Pearson’s correlation coefficient were used for statistical analysis.

Results

The change in axial length per year was 0.28 ± 0.08 mm, 0.30 ± 0.09 mm, and 0.27 ± 0.10 mm in the OK lens group, and 0.38 ± 0.09 mm, 0.37 ± 0.12 mm, and 0.36 ± 0.08 mm in the atropine group for years 1, 2, and 3, respectively. Linear regression analysis revealed an increase in myopia of 0.28 D and 0.34 D per year, and an increase in axial length of 0.28 mm and 0.37 mm per year in the OK lens and atropine groups, respectively. Repeated measure ANOVA showed significant differences in myopia (p = 0.001) and axial length (p < 0.001) between the atropine and OK lens groups; in astigmatism, there was no significant difference in these parameters (p = 0.320). Comparison of increases in axial length in relation to baseline myopia showed significant correlations both in the OK lens group (Pearson’s correlation coefficient, r = 0.259; p < 0.001) and atropine group (r = 0.169; p = 0.014). High myopia patients benefited more from both OK lenses and atropine than did low myopia patients. The correlation of baseline myopia and myopia progression was stronger in the OK lens group then in the atropine group.

Conclusions

OK lens is a useful method for controlling myopia progression even in high myopia patients.