Blur Detection Sensitivity Increases in Children Using Orthokeratology.

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Optometry
• Vision Science

Background:

• Orthokeratology (Ortho-K) is a myopia control method using rigid gas permeable lenses worn overnight.
• Understanding visual function changes in children undergoing Ortho-K is crucial for optimizing treatment outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess alterations in blur detection sensitivity in children treated with Ortho-K.
• To investigate the relationship between blur detection thresholds (BDTs), ocular aberrations, and accommodative function post-Ortho-K.

Main Methods:

• Thirty-two children (ages 8-14) had BDTs, aberrations, and accommodative responses measured before and after one month of Ortho-K treatment.
• A two-alternative forced-choice double-staircase method quantified BDTs using various visual stimuli.
• Accommodative lag was calculated as the difference between accommodative response and demand.

Main Results:

• Ortho-K treatment led to decreased BDTs for specific stimuli (BDT_Es, BDT_Lena) and increased ocular aberrations (P ≤ 0.050).
• A trend towards decreased accommodative lag was observed (P = 0.051).
• Pre-treatment correlations between higher-order aberrations and BDT_Lena, and accommodative lag and BDT_Es were found, but these diminished after treatment.

Conclusions:

• Ortho-K therapy enhances blur detection sensitivity in children.
• Improved blur detection may be a contributing factor to the visual acuity benefits observed with Ortho-K treatment.