Morphological Changes in the Cornea Following Cessation of Long-Term Orthokeratology and Outcomes of SMILE Surgery: A Retrospective Comparative Analysis - Scorecard - MDSpire

Morphological Changes in the Cornea Following Cessation of Long-Term Orthokeratology and Outcomes of SMILE Surgery: A Retrospective Comparative Analysis

  • By

  • Kun Zhou

  • Xiaohuan Ma

  • Di Shen

  • Wenjia Cao

  • Xiyu Sun

  • Mengchen Li

  • Wei Wei

  • February 13, 2026

  • 0 min

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Clinical Scorecard: Morphological Changes in the Cornea Following Cessation of Long-Term Orthokeratology and Outcomes of SMILE Surgery: A Retrospective Comparative Analysis

At a Glance

CategoryDetail
ConditionMyopia
Key MechanismsOrthokeratology induces temporary corneal flattening to correct refractive error and reduce axial elongation.
Target PopulationChildren and adolescents with myopia, particularly those transitioning to adulthood.
Care SettingOphthalmology clinics performing refractive surgery.

Key Highlights

  • Long-term orthokeratology may induce persistent corneal changes.
  • Residual corneal flattening and increased astigmatism observed post-OK.
  • Study compares outcomes of SMILE surgery in former OK users vs. controls.
  • Corneal stability confirmed before SMILE surgery.
  • Comprehensive assessments included visual acuity and corneal morphology.

Guideline-Based Recommendations

Diagnosis

  • Assess refractive error stability for at least two years prior to surgery.
  • Confirm absence of active ocular disease or injury.

Management

  • Consider corneal morphology changes when planning SMILE for former OK users.

Monitoring & Follow-up

  • Regular follow-ups post-SMILE to evaluate visual acuity and corneal parameters.

Risks

  • Potential for residual corneal flattening and astigmatism affecting surgical outcomes.

Patient & Prescribing Data

Patients with a history of long-term orthokeratology and age-matched controls.

SMILE surgery outcomes may vary based on prior OK lens wear.

Clinical Best Practices

  • Conduct thorough preoperative assessments including corneal topography.
  • Ensure stable corneal parameters before proceeding with SMILE.

References

Original Source(s)

Morphological Changes in the Cornea Following Cessation of Long-Term Orthokeratology and Outcomes of SMILE Surgery: A Retrospective Comparative Analysis

  • by Kun Zhou, Xiaohuan Ma, Di Shen, Wenjia Cao, Xiyu Sun, Mengchen Li, Wei Wei

  • February 13, 2026

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