Orthokeratology is shown to be safe for correcting myopia in children

A new study on orthokeratology was just published in the August 2012 issue of the journal Optometry & Vision Science.  The purpose of the study was to find the rate of adverse events associated with orthokeratology use in children over a two year period.

Orthokeratology is doctor-supervised vision correction where the patient wears a custom designed and manufactured lens retainer while they sleep.  The lens retainer reshapes the cornea of the eye allowing it to focus light properly for clear vision.   In the morning, the patient awakes to perfect vision during the day without glasses, contacts or surgery.

The study tracked 61 children from the ages of 6 to 12 with myopia and astigmatism.  The researchers checked in with the children every six months and told them to contact the clinic as soon as any adverse event occurs.  

The study authors concluded that the relatively low incidence of adverse events and discontinuations with orthokeratology is conducive for the correction of myopia in children with orthokeratology lens retainers.

This is the latest is number of new studies showing that orthokeratology is safe and effective.  Here are some others that we have written about:

• Orthokeratology is shown to be effective in correcting astigmatism. Patients with astigmatism now have an alternative to glasses, contact lenses and laser surgery

• New study supports orthokeratology for myopia control and for astigmatism correction