Reviewing the Risks of Orthokeratology - Summary - MDSpire

Reviewing the Risks of Orthokeratology

  • By

  • Brooke M. Messer, OD, FSLS, FAAO

  • May 1, 2026

  • 3 min

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Objective:

To educate parents about the safety and risks associated with orthokeratology (ortho-k) lens wear for children, emphasizing informed decision-making.

Key Findings:
  • Adverse events from ortho-k lens wear are generally mild, including dimple veiling and conjunctivitis, with context provided.
  • No cases of microbial keratitis were reported in reviewed interventional studies, emphasizing safety.
  • Compliance with lens care instructions is low, with only 18.5% of patients fully adhering to care protocols, highlighting a need for improvement.
  • Parental supervision significantly improves compliance in children managing their lenses.
Interpretation:

While ortho-k offers significant benefits for myopia management, awareness of potential risks and the critical importance of compliance and follow-up care is essential for ensuring patient safety.

Limitations:
  • The study relies on self-reported data regarding adverse events, which may introduce bias.
  • Compliance rates may vary widely among different patient populations, affecting generalizability.
Conclusion:

Ortho-k is a viable option for vision correction in young patients, but it requires a collaborative approach and ongoing education to ensure safety and efficacy.

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