Role of waveform signal parameters in the classification of children as relatively slow and fast myopia progressors

Kin Wan1, James Stuart Wolffsohn2, Pauline Cho1

  • 1School of Optometry, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, HKSAR, Hong Kong, China.

Insights

Baseline corneal biomechanics and age can predict myopia progression in children undergoing orthokeratology. This helps determine the risk/benefit ratio for faster myopia progression.

Area of Science:

  • Ophthalmology
  • Biomedical Engineering
  • Pediatric Optometry

Background:

  • Orthokeratology is a myopia control treatment.
  • Identifying children with fast myopia progression is crucial for risk/benefit assessment.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate if baseline corneal biomechanics can classify slow versus fast myopia progression in children undergoing orthokeratology.
  • To identify predictors of myopia progression in pediatric orthokeratology patients.

Main Methods:

  • Children aged 6-12 years with low myopia and astigmatism were randomized to two orthokeratology lens groups.
  • Corneal biomechanics and axial length were measured at baseline.
  • Fast progressors were defined as axial elongation >= 0.34 mm per 2 years.

Main Results:

  • No significant baseline differences between groups.
  • Fast progressors showed significantly higher p2area1 (corneal biomechanical parameter).
  • Baseline age and p2area1 differentiated between slow and fast progressors.

Conclusions:

  • Corneal biomechanics, specifically p2area1, may predict axial elongation in pediatric orthokeratology.
  • Baseline age is also a significant factor in predicting myopia progression.
  • These findings can aid in personalized risk assessment for orthokeratology treatment.
Abstract