Dynamics of anatomical and optical parameters of the eye after discontinuation of long-term use of orthokeratological lenses

The purpose of the study was to evaluate the dynamics of the anatomical and optical parameters of the eye after the cessation of long-term orthokeratological exposure. Material and methods. The study included 18 patients aged 11–22 years (mean 15.6 ± 4.2 years) with initial low to moderate myopia (mean 4.75 ± 1.7 D) who had been wearing orthokeratological lenses (OKL) for 3 to 11 years (mean 6.7 ± 3.8 years). In 10 cases, OKL were removed due to the end of the growth period and preparation for excimer laser correction, in 8 cases — due to an increase in the axial length (AL) of the eye by 0.3 mm or more over a year and preparation for scleroplasty. In 36 eyes (31 with OKL discontinuation and 5 fellow eyes with ongoing OKL exposure), visometry, refractometry, keratometry, pachymetry were performed, the AL, transverse diameter of the eye, and choroidal thickness (CT) were determined immediately before OKL discontinuation and 2, 4, and 6 weeks after discontinuation. Results. Before OKL discontinuation, the refraction was –2.2 ± 0.6 D. Two weeks after discontinuation, it was –5.2 ± 0.35 D, four weeks later, it was –5.3 ± 0.26 D, and six weeks later, it was –5.4 ± 0.22 D. The AL increased by 0.08 mm 2 weeks after OKL discontinuation, by 0.1 mm 4 weeks later, and by 0.11 mm 6 weeks later (p < 0.05). The TC decreased by an average of 16 μm in the first 2 weeks, by 19 μm after 4 weeks, and by 20 μm after 6 weeks (p < 0.05). Conclusion. Discontinuation of the OKL wearing is accompanied by increased refraction, an increase in the central corneal thickness and AL, and a decrease in the CT. More than 90 % of changes occur in the first 2 weeks; by 6 weeks, the parameters have practically stabilized.

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