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Posterior corneal changes with orthokeratology
Helen Owens1, Leon F Garner, Jennifer P Craig
1Department of Optometry and Vision Science, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand. h.owens@auckland.ac.nz
Summary
Orthokeratology (OK) lenses flatten both the anterior and posterior corneal surfaces, leading to reduced myopia. This study tracked these changes over one month in young myopic subjects.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Optometry
- Corneal Physiology
Background:
- Orthokeratology (OK) involves reshaping the cornea using rigid gas permeable lenses to correct refractive errors.
- Understanding the biomechanical changes in the cornea during OK lens wear is crucial for optimizing treatment and patient outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate alterations in corneal thickness and posterior corneal surface curvature following orthokeratology (OK) rigid lens wear.
- To analyze the dynamic changes in corneal topography and refractive error during the initial month of OK lens wear.
Main Methods:
- Nineteen young myopic individuals wore reverse-geometry OK lenses nightly for one month.
- Corneal thickness, topography, refractive error, and posterior corneal radii were measured at baseline and multiple time points post-wear.
- Ellipsoidal modeling was used to analyze changes in anterior and posterior corneal surfaces.
Main Results:
- Successful reduction of refractive error from -2.28 to -0.01 diopters spherical (DS) within one month.
- Significant corneal thinning observed between 1 and 2 weeks of wear.
- Significant increases in anterior corneal radius of curvature and flattening of the posterior corneal surface were noted.
Conclusions:
- Orthokeratology lens wear induces significant flattening of both the anterior and posterior corneal surfaces.
- These changes contribute to refractive error correction during the early adaptation phase of OK therapy.