Clinical Report: Orthokeratology for Myopia Control in Children
Overview
Orthokeratology (OK) is an effective therapy that slows myopia progression in children while providing clear daytime vision. This guide emphasizes educating parents and children on OK's benefits, fitting process, and care requirements to ensure long-term success and safety.
Background
Myopia is a progressive condition that can increase the risk of ocular diseases such as cataracts, glaucoma, and retinal detachment later in life. Orthokeratology uses overnight contact lenses to reshape the cornea temporarily, reducing myopia progression and providing clear vision during the day. OK is a reversible treatment requiring compliance, follow-up visits, and proper hygiene. Selecting OK depends on refractive error, lifestyle, and behavioral factors such as hygiene and maturity.
Data Highlights
Outcome
Median Axial Length Progression Reduction
1 Year
0.17 mm (range 0.13 mm to 0.20 mm)
2 Years
0.30 mm (range 0.26 mm to 0.33 mm)
Key Findings
OK reduces axial length progression by a median of 0.17 mm at 1 year and 0.30 mm at 2 years, making it one of the most effective myopia control methods.
Ideal candidates typically have myopia between –0.75 D and –5.00 D and corneal cylinder up to –1.50 D, though high myopes may also benefit with caution.
OK lenses must be worn overnight for 6 to 8 hours to maintain efficacy and safety.
Good hygiene practices and parental involvement are critical to prevent complications such as redness, pain, or infection.
Children should be able to apply and remove lenses independently before treatment initiation, with a minimum recommended age of 6 years.
OK provides advantages for children with active lifestyles or those who prefer not to wear glasses or daytime contact lenses.
Clinical Implications
Clinicians should provide clear, simplified education to families about OK’s benefits, fitting process, and care requirements to promote adherence and safety. Selecting OK should consider the child’s refractive error, lifestyle, and maturity. Regular monitoring and prompt management of complications are essential to optimize outcomes.
Conclusion
Orthokeratology is a safe and effective myopia management therapy that offers children clear daytime vision and slows myopia progression. Comprehensive patient and parent education is key to achieving long-term success.
References
International Myopia Institute (IMI) White Paper 2021 -- Orthokeratology for Myopia Control
