[Objective optical quality after orthokeratology]

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Optometry
• Corneal Physiology

Background:

• Orthokeratology (Ortho-K) is a non-surgical refractive correction method.
• Understanding its impact on objective optical quality is crucial for patient counseling.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate changes in objective optical quality following orthokeratology treatment.
• To assess parameters like scatter, visual function, and tear film quality over time.

Main Methods:

• A prospective, self-controlled study involving Ortho-K.
• Objective optical quality was measured using the OQAS II instrument.
• Key metrics included objective scatter index (OSI), MTF cutoff, contrast visual acuity (CVA), and tear film quality.

Main Results:

• Orthokeratology led to a significant increase in objective scatter index (OSI) and a decrease in modulation transfer function (MTF) cutoff frequency.
• Corneal astigmatism remained largely unchanged, while the e value became significantly negative post-treatment.
• Tear film quality, measured by OSI, also significantly declined after treatment.

Conclusions:

• Short-term orthokeratology alters ocular optical quality, characterized by increased scatter and reduced visual function.
• While corneal astigmatism persists, the observed changes in optical quality are deemed acceptable.
• The most significant alterations occur within the first month of treatment.