Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 13, 2026
Surgical Correction for Pediatric Epiblepharon and Trichiasis
Published on: July 8, 2025
Adjunctive Eyelid Hygiene Improves Early Adaptation to Pediatric Orthokeratology: A Randomized Clinical Study
Mansha He1, Weihong Liu, Jiahao Liang
1Guangzhou Aier Eye Hospital Affiliated to Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China .
Insights
Daily eyelid wipes improved meibomian gland function and comfort in children undergoing orthokeratology (Ortho-K) treatment. This simple method safely enhanced ocular surface adaptation without adverse effects.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Pediatric eye care
- Ocular surface disease
Background:
- Orthokeratology (Ortho-K) is a myopia control method using rigid gas permeable lenses worn overnight.
- Early adaptation to Ortho-K can be challenging, potentially affecting ocular surface health and comfort.
- Ocular surface parameters like tear film stability and meibomian gland function are crucial for successful lens wear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the impact of daily eyelid wipes on ocular surface health and comfort in children during the initial phase of Ortho-K wear.
- To determine if eyelid hygiene influences early adaptation to orthokeratology.
Main Methods:
- A single-masked, randomized clinical study involved 58 myopic children (8-12 years) starting Ortho-K.
- Participants were assigned to either a daily eyelid wipe group or a control group.
- Evaluated parameters included tear breakup time, lipid layer thickness, meibomian gland expressibility, corneal staining, MMP-9 levels, and Ocular Surface Disease Index.
Main Results:
- Eyelid wipes significantly improved meibomian gland expressibility (P=0.002) and reduced ocular discomfort (P=0.02).
- Corneal fluorescein staining was lower in the eyelid wipe group (P=0.03).
- No significant differences were found in tear breakup time, lipid layer thickness, tear meniscus height, or MMP-9 levels.
Conclusions:
- Daily sterile eyelid wipes are a safe adjunctive therapy for pediatric Ortho-K wearers.
- This intervention enhances meibomian gland function and patient comfort.
- Eyelid wipes may improve early ocular surface adaptation during orthokeratology treatment.
Purpose:
To evaluate the effect of daily eyelid wipes on ocular-surface health and comfort during the early adaptation period of orthokeratology (Ortho-K) wear in children.
Methods:
This single-masked, randomized clinical study was conducted at a tertiary eye hospital from July to October 2025. Fifty-eight myopic children (aged 8-12 years) initiating Ortho-K were randomly assigned to an eyelid-wipe group or a control group. The examiner was masked to group allocation. Baseline and 1-month measurements included noninvasive tear breakup time, lipid-layer thickness, tear meniscus height, meibomian gland expressibility, corneal fluorescein staining, matrix metalloproteinase-9 levels, and Ocular Surface Disease Index.
Results:
After 1 month, noninvasive tear breakup time and lipid-layer thickness showed no significant between-group differences in change ( P =0.12 and P =0.07, respectively). Meibomian gland expressibility improved more in the eyelid-wipe group (2.5±0.9-1.9±0.8) than in controls (2.4±0.8-2.3±0.9), with a significant between-group difference in change ( P =0.002). Corneal fluorescein staining at the 1-month visit was lower in the eyelid-wipe group than in controls (0.9±0.8 vs. 1.3±0.9, P =0.03). Ocular Surface Disease Index scores showed a greater reduction in the eyelid-wipe group than in controls ( P =0.02). Tear meniscus height and matrix metalloproteinase-9 levels did not differ significantly between groups. All participants continued wipe use, and no adverse events were reported.
Conclusions:
Daily sterile eyelid wipes safely improved meibomian gland function and comfort without inducing inflammation, suggesting a simple adjunctive approach to enhance early ocular-surface adaptation in pediatric Ortho-K wearers.
Related Concept Videos
01:22Microbiome of the Eye
01:28Angle Closure Glaucoma: Treatment