The Role of Orthokeratology in Myopia Management

Intervention to slow axial elongation and progressing degree of myopia has become an important public health issue. Although orthokeratology (OrthoK) has been prescribed to temporarily reduce or eliminate refractive error, myopic children undergoing OrthoK have shown significant slowing of axial elongation and myopic progression. This review presents data on the efficacy, benefits, and risks of the use of OrthoK to slow axial elongation in myopic children. It also discusses how OrthoK fits into an overall strategy of myopia management in practice compared with alternative prescribed interventions to slow myopic progression. Other factors discussed are patient candidacy, impact on vision-related quality of life, and use of OrthoK in combination with pharmaceutical agents. With precise fitting, careful follow-up, and patient compliance with recommended lens cleaning and disinfection, OrthoK is a safe and effective method to slow axial elongation in children.