Overnight orthokeratology

Overnight orthokeratology lenses are approved in countries all over the world for the temporary reduction in myopia, and recently, one lens design has received regulatory approval for myopia control in Europe. The modern orthokeratology lens has a substantial history from its origins of attempting to flatten the corneal curvature with a spherical rigid contact lens to sophisticated gas permeable lenses, designed to reshape the cornea. These lenses are predominantly prescribed for children to slow myopia progression and limit axial elongation of the eye. This article reviews the peer-reviewed literature on the efficacy of orthokeratology for myopia control, sustainability after treatment is discontinued, and the safety concerns of overnight contact lens wear. Future avenues of research are discussed.     

The relationship between myopia progression and axial elongation in children wearing orthokeratology contact lenses

PurposeTo investigate the relationship between myopia progression and axial length (AL) elongation in orthokeratology (ortho-k) patients.MethodsThis study investigated 184 patients (baseline age 9.0 ± 1.6 years), who underwent overnight ortho-k treatment for 12 to 72 months, and stopped lens wear for 1 to 2 months. Refractive sphere and cylinder after cycloplegia, corneal curvatures along both meridians, and AL were compared before the commencement and after discontinuation of ortho-k treatment. The effects of AL change, baseline AL, corneal curvature change, baseline age, and duration of ortho-k treatment on the change in spherical equivalent refractive error (SER) were analysed.ResultsMyopia significantly progressed and AL increased following 32.8 ± 13.0 months of ortho-k lens wear and 1 to 2 months washout period, as compared to baseline (all P < 0.001). Corneal curvature along the flat meridian (FK) became significantly flatter (P < 0.001) and corneal curvature along the steep meridian (SK) became steeper (P = 0.036). In the first stepwise multiple linear regression model (R² = 0.696), the change in SER over time (ΔSER) is significantly correlated to the change in AL (ΔAL, P < 0.001), baseline AL (P < 0.001), baseline age (P = 0.028), change in SK (P = 0.002), and the duration of ortho-k lens treatment before discontinuation (P = 0.010). In a more simplified model (R² = 0.628), the regression equation using ΔAL to predict ΔSER is: ΔSER = -0.094–1.608*ΔAL.ConclusionsThe change in SER was significantly correlated to the change in AL, change in SK, baseline AL, baseline age, and the duration of treatment among children undergoing ortho-k therapy. The ratio of axial elongation to myopia progression was approximately 1:1.6 between the ages of 6 to 14 years. A simplified equation was derived for clinical use to estimate myopia progression from repeated AL measurement in ortho-k patients.     

Redistribution of the corneal epithelium after overnight wear of orthokeratology contact lenses for myopia reduction

BackgroundTo investigate changes in the corneal thickness profile in juvenile myopia after overnight wear of orthokeratology lenses (OK).MethodsA total of 53 juveniles (53 right eyes) successfully wore OK between January 2016 and July 2017 and they were reviewed one day, one week and one month after first wearing it. Epithelial and corneal data were obtained by optical coherence tomography (OCT). Changes in uncorrected visual acuity, refractive error, corneal refractive power, and epithelial and corneal thickness were analyzed before and after wear of OK.ResultsThe corneal epithelium was reshaped after 1 day of OK; the myopia degree was reduced, and uncorrected visual acuity reached 0 logMAR at 1 week. The central (2 mm) average epithelial thickness was 52.04 ± 2.35 μm, 49.25 ± 2.67 μm, 45.91 ± 2.80 μm, and 47.53 ± 3.44 μm before and after 1 day, 1 week, and 1 month of OK, respectively (t = 4.497, 9.741, and 7.340, respectively, P<0.001). The central epithelium was thinnest at 1 week, when the average thinning of 6.13 ± 1.67 μm accounted for approximately 11.78 % ± 3.21 % of the total epithelium thickness at baseline. The epithelial thickness of the reverse curve zone was 51.83 ± 2.49 μm, 57.62 ± 3.01 μm, 59.43 ± 3.19 μm, and 60.22 ± 2.75 μm before and after 1 day, 1 week, and 1 month of OK, respectively, showing a significant increase over time (t=-4.752, -6.208, and -6.848, respectively, P < 0.001).ConclusionIn the early stage of OK, the corneal epithelium was redistributed very quickly. The central epithelium became thin, while the epithelium of the reverse curve zone correspondingly thickened. Effectively reduced the refractive power of the cornea equivalent to the effect of adding a concave spectacle lens, which ensures uncorrected vision after removal of the lenses.     

Multi-centre evaluation of two daily disposable contact lenses.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the clinical performance of two daily disposable contact lenses: 1-DAY ACUVUE (1DA) (etafilcon A, Johnson & Johnson Vision Care) and FOCUS DAILIES with AquaComfort (FD) (nelfilcon A, CIBA Vision, Inc.), which contains a quickly released moisture enhancing agent, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA). METHODS: This was a 1-week, daily wear, subject-masked, bilateral, parallel group study with subjects randomly assigned to one of two daily disposable soft contact lenses. Subjects were existing soft contact lens wearers in the age range 18-39 years with a spherical refraction between -0.50 and -6.00 D. Subjects were assessed at baseline and after 1 week. Assessments included both subjective (symptoms, wearing time, vision) and objective (lens fit and ocular health) outcomes. RESULTS: Twenty clinical sites enrolled 282 subjects (74% female) of whom 276 (98%) successfully completed the study. Significantly more 1DA wearers reported higher mean comfort scores than with FD (3.95 versus 3.41, respectively, P<0.0001). End-of-day comfort means were also significantly higher with the 1DA group compared to the FD group (3.3 versus 3.0, P=0.03). The 1DA group reported significantly longer mean overall wearing time (1DA was worn on average 0.66+/-0.30 h longer than FD, P=0.03) and longer mean comfortable wearing time (1DA was worn on average 1.73+/-0.35 h longer than FD, P<0.0001). The 1DA lens generally showed significantly better on-eye fitting in terms of movement in primary (P<0.0001) and upgaze (P<0.0001) and ease of removal from the eye (92% versus 63%, P<0.0001) compared to FD. There was significantly less corneal staining observed with the 1DA wearing eyes compared with the FD wearing eyes (23% versus 45%, respectively, P<0.0001). Finally, there was a weak correlation between corneal staining and comfort for FD (r=0.27, P=0.002, n=136), but not for 1DA (r=-0.11, P=0.18, n=140). CONCLUSION: Subjective and objective clinical performance differences between two commonly used daily disposable lenses highlight that, although both lenses may be considered as clinically acceptable, these lenses should not be regarded as interchangeable.     

Therapeutic contact lenses

The indications for therapeutic contact lenses and details some of the more commonly encountered conditions where they have proved to be of great benefit are reviewed. A brief overview is given of the lens material and designs currently available in thisfield and advice on the management of patients requiring this type of lens modality.     

International survey of orthokeratology contact lens fitting

Purpose. To determine the extent of orthokeratology (OK) contact lens fitting worldwide and to characterize associated demographics and fitting patterns.Methods. Survey forms were sent to contact lens fitters in 45 countries between January and March every year for 14 consecutive years (2004 – 2017, inclusive). Practitioners were asked to record data relating to the first 10 contact lens fits or refits performed after receiving the survey form.Results. Data were obtained for 295,044 contact lens fits, of which 2,702 were with OK lenses and 292,342 were with other lens types (non-OK). Overall, OK lenses represented 1.2% of all contact lens fits, with significant differences between nations (p < 0.0001), ranging from no fits recorded in Brazil, Egypt, Indonesia, Iran, Lithuania, Nepal and the United Arab Emirates, to 6.0% in The Netherlands. There has been a slight overall increase in OK lens fitting over the survey period (p < 0.0001). OK lenses were fitted to younger persons (OK, 25.0 ± 12.8 years vs. non-OK, 39.8 ± 14.9 years) (p < 0.0001). A higher proportion of males (55%) were fitted with OK lenses versus non-OK lenses (30%) (p < 0.0009). There was a skewed distribution towards OK lenses being fit with higher oxygen permeable materials (p < 0.0001) and on a planned replacement basis (p < 0.0001).Conclusions. OK contact lens prescribing is a niche activity, with this lens type typically being fitted in high oxygen permeable materials on a planned replacement basis to younger males. The slightly increasing rate of OK fitting, albeit at a very low level, may be attributed to practitioner interest in the reported myopia control properties of this lens type.     

Comparison of four different orthokeratology lenses in controlling myopia progression

PurposeTo compare axial length (AL) elongation in myopic children with four Orthokeratology (OrthoK) lenses and spectacles.MethodsThe medical records of 266 patients (532 eyes) who were fitted with OrthoK lenses or spectacles (control group) were reviewed. Data collection included baseline age, gender, baseline objective sphere and cylinder, baseline flat and steep corneal meridian power, corneal asphericity coefficient (Q value), AL at baseline and after 1-year, and 2-years of OrthoK or spectacle wear analyzed using analysis of repeated measures data ANOVA. Stepwise linear regressions between the changes in AL after 2 years relative to baseline parameters were calculated for the OrthoK and control groups separately.ResultsThe baseline subject parameters for each of the four OrthoK lenses were not statistically different. Statistically significant differences between time points were found between 12- and 24- months (all P < 0.05). AL growth was slower in all OrthoK groups than in the control group (all P < 0.05). AL grew 0.081±0.034 mm per year slightly less than average with Essence compared to the Mouldway OrthoK group (P = 0.019). The coefficient of regression weakly expressed between the increases in AL over 2-years study period and baseline spherical equivalent refraction was 0.065 in Essence, 0.079 in Euclid and 0.087 in Mouldway. The coefficient of regression was also weakly between age and the increases AL over 2-years study period and baseline age in all groups.ConclusionDifferent OrthoK lenses differ minimally in slowing axial elongation effectively in myopic children during 2-years lens wear.     

Efficacy of two silicone-hydrogel contact lenses for bandage use after photorefractive keratectomy

PurposeTo evaluate the efficacy of two silicone hydrogel (SiH) contact lenses, approved for continuous wear for one week, following photorefractive keratectomy (PRK).MethodsForty seven myopic patients (94 eyes) undergone bilateral PRK were enrolled in this prospective, double-masked, comparative study. One eye of each patient was fitted with a Lotrafilcon B lens (Ciba Vision, Duluth, US; 30-day recommended replacement) whereas the fellow eye was fitted with an Asmofilcon A lens (Menicon, Nagoya, Japan; 14-day recommended replacement). Epithelial defect size was assessed using slit lamp biomicroscopy on the day of surgery and at days 1–4 post-operatively. Uncorrected and best-corrected visual acuity and retinal straylight (C-Quant, Oculus Optigerate, Germany) were evaluated pre-operatively and one month post-operatively.ResultsAverage epithelial defect size for Asmofilcon A and Lotrafilcon B was 25.5 ± 11.0 mm² vs. 27.1 ± 9.9 mm² at day 1 (p = 0.007) and 6.3 ± 7.0 mm² vs. 9.2 ± 9.5 mm² at day 2 (p = 0.012) post-operatively. Re-epithelialization at day 3 was completed in 87.2% of the eyes fitted with Asmofilcon A lenses, compared to 74.5% with Lotrafilcon B lenses (p = 0.012). At the 3rd post-operative day 29.8% of re-epithelialized eyes showed irregular suture with Lotrafilcon B, compared to 12.8% eyes with Asmofilcon A lenses (p < 0.001). Finally, no statistically significant differences were found post-operatively between the two lenses retinal straylight (p = 0.98) and best-corrected visual acuity (p = 0.68).ConclusionsSiH lenses can be used as an effective bandage after PRK due to the limited time requested for achieving complete corneal re-epithelialization. Faster and smoother epithelial healing is provided with Asmofilcon A over Lotrafilcon B lenses.     

Masked comparison of two silicone hydrogel bandage contact lenses after photorefractive keratectomy

PurposeTo compare the efficiency and safety of two bandage contact lenses after photorefractive keratectomy (PRK).MethodsIn this double-blind study, 45 patients (90 eyes) received PRK in both eyes and wore bandage contact lenses (BCLs), PureVision (Bausch & Lomb, Rochester, NY, USA) in one eye and PureVision2 (Bausch & Lomb, Rochester, NY, USA) in the other eye, randomly assigned. The medication regimen after surgery was the same for both eyes. The epithelial defect's size, conjunctival hyperemia and lens centration were graded objectively using slit-lamp biomicroscopy on days 1, 3 and 5 after surgery. Also ocular symptoms of discomfort including tearing, photophobia, foreign body sensation and visual fluctuations were assessed subjectively at each visit.ResultsThe mean epithelial defect size on the first day after operation was similar in eyes fitted with PureVision (30.08 ± 5.30 mm²) and PureVision2 (30.25 ± 5.72 mm²) lenses. (p = 0.79) Contact lens deposits and bulbar hyperaemia on days 1 and 3 after PRK were similar between the two eyes, but were significantly greater on day 5 for PureVision2 lenses. (p = 0.02; p = 0.04 respectively) There was no difference in contact lens decentration, and discomfort symptoms including pain, tearing, foreign body sensation, photophobia and visual fluctuations between the eyes fitted with PureVision and PureVision2. (p > 0.05)ConclusionsPureVision and PureVision2 contact lenses are equivalent as bandage lenses in important aspects such as corneal re-epithelialization and subjective comfort., although PureVision2 led to a higher incidence of contact lens deposits and conjunctival hyperemia early post-PRK.     

Long-term effects of tear film component deposition on the surface and optical properties of two different orthokeratology lenses

PurposeTo understand the effects of long-term deposition of tear film components on the surface and optical properties of orthokeratology (ortho-k) lenses, two different lenses, Brighten 22 and Optimum Extra, were tested here.MethodsOrtho-k lenses were immersed in artificial tears and cleaned with a commercial care solution repeatedly for up to 90 days. Both the daily and accumulated lysozyme deposition amounts using an Enzyme-Linked ImmunoSorbent Assay were then analyzed. The base curve, central thickness, power, and transmission of visible light, ultraviolet A, and ultraviolet B were analyzed before and after repeated tear film component deposition procedures. The surface roughness using atomic force microscopy was observed and an energy dispersive spectrometer was used to analyze the composition of the deposits.ResultsThe highest levels of lysozyme were adsorbed on both lens materials during the first four days of the procedure and became saturated by day 6. For both lens materials, contamination on the lenses was easily observed by day 30, and the degree of surface roughness was higher. The transmission levels of different light spectrums were reduced showing that the optical characteristics of both lenses were also affected.ConclusionsThe results provide in vitro evidence that lysozyme could not be completely removed from orthokeratology lenses. Both surface and optical properties were affected by the deposition of tear film components. However, only one commercial multipurpose care solution was used to clean the lens in this study when the main ingredient was a surfactant, and the results might be different when other care regimens with other key ingredients are used. In addition, whether tear film component deposition might result in increased risks of infection or corneal abrasion will require further investigation.     

Effect of overnight orthokeratology lenses on tear film stability in children

PurposeTo assess the tear film surface quality after orthokeratology using an automated Medmont E300 corneal topographer.MethodsChildren who wore orthokeratology lenses for more than one year were selected in this retrospective study. Tear film disruption (TFD) and central tear film disruption (cTFD) were measured with Medmont E300 corneal topographer at initial and each follow-up visit after fitting with orthokeratology lenses, providing a nominal value from 0 (perfect) to 1 (poor). Tear film surface quality before and after ortho-k treatment was compared.Results145 children using orthokeratology lenses were observed. TFD and cTFD significantly increased at 1-day follow up (TFD, t = -17.3, P < 0.001; cTFD, t = -10.4, P < 0.001). This change remained consistent through to 12-months visit (TFD, F = 51.1, P < 0.001; cTFD, F = 28.0, P < 0.001). A sub-group of n = 11 children were discontinued for 1-month before being refit with OrthoK lenses of a different design. Similarly, there was a significant increase in TFD compared to pre-orthoK scans (0.172 ± 0.161), but this returned to baseline levels after ceasing lens wear (0.084 ± 0.059). A sub-group of monocular OrthoK wearers (n = 23) found that TFD and cTFD values increased in eyes with monocular lens-wearing but remained stable in the lateral eyes.ConclusionsObjective measurements of tear-film quality are reduced in children after fitting with orthokeratology lenses, but return to baseline after 1-month of lens cessation. It is of importance to ensure tear film surface quality is continuously monitored throughout use of orthoK lenses.     

Using face masks with spectacles versus contact lenses

PurposeTo test the hypothesis that various subjective ocular and task-related parameters associated with wearing a face mask would be better in neophyte contact lens (CL) wear compared to habitual spectacle (Sp) wear.MethodsThirty participants were randomised to continue in Sp (n = 15) or wear somofilcon A daily disposable CL (n = 15) (‘group’). A surgical face mask (Type II R) was worn for at least one hour per day on four or more days per week. After two weeks, participants completed the Quality of Life Impact of Refractive Correction Questionnaire (QIRC), a two-part face mask usability questionnaire and graded ocular-related symptoms using 0–100 visual analogue scales.ResultsThere was no difference between groups for overall QIRC score but some individual question scores reflected better quality of life in the CL: ‘outdoor activities’, ‘keep fit’ and ‘able to do things’ (all p < 0.05). Differences in favour of the CL were seen for the following in the face mask usability questionnaire: ‘breathing’, ‘heat’, ‘comfort on ears’, ‘overall comfort’, ‘walking’, ‘driving’, ‘reading’, ‘computer use’, ‘exercising’ and ‘socialising’ (all p < 0.05). Significant differences were also seen for the 0–100 VAS symptoms probing vision quality in favour of the CL: glare, distance and near vision, fogging, restricted field of view and peripheral blur.ConclusionThis work supports anecdotal reports that CL are a better vision correction option than Sp when used in conjunction with a face mask. Participants reported a range of benefits to the CL/face mask combination for vision-related symptoms, breathing and heat-related symptoms and a number of day-to-day activities including walking, driving and exercising. All of the benefits relating to the CL are likely to result in improved adherence to face mask use. Overall, the findings of this work suggest that where possible, CL should be the preferred vision correction option for people using face masks.     

Predicting success with silicone-hydrogel contact lenses in new wearers

Purposeto evaluate changes in tear metrics and ocular signs induced by six months of silicone-hydrogel contact lens wear and the difference in baseline characteristics between those who successfully continued in contact lens wear compared to those that did not.MethodsNon-invasive Keratograph, Tearscope and fluorescein tear break-up times (TBUTs), tear meniscus height, bulbar and limbal hyperaemia, lid-parallel conjunctival folds (LIPCOF), phenol red thread, fluorescein and lissamine-green staining, and lid wiper epitheliopathy were measured on 60 new contact lens wearers fitted with monthly silicone-hydrogels (average age 36 ± 14 years, 40 females). Symptoms were evaluated by the Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI). After six months full time contact lens wear the above metrics were re-measured on those patients still in contact lens wear (n = 33). The initial measurements were also compared between the group still wearing lenses after six months and those who had ceased lens wear (n = 27).ResultsThere were significant changes in tear meniscus height (p = 0.031), bulbar hyperaemia (p = 0.011), fluorescein TBUT (p = 0.027), corneal (p = 0.007) and conjunctival (p = 0.009) staining, LIPCOF (p = 0.011) and lid wiper epitheliopathy (p = 0.002) after six months of silicone-hydrogel wear. Successful wearers had a higher non-invasive (17.0 ± 8.2 s vs 12.0 ± 5.6 s; p = 0.001) and fluorescein (10.7 ± 6.4 s vs 7.5 ± 4.7 s; p = 0.001) TBUT than drop-outs, although OSDI (cut-off 4.2) was also a strong predictor of success.ConclusionSilicone-hydrogel lenses induced significant changes in the tear film and ocular surface as well as lid margin staining. Wettability of the ocular surface is the main factor affecting contact lens drop-out.     

Visual quality with corneo-scleral contact lenses for keratoconus management

Purpose

To assess the visual quality achieved by fitting corneo-scleral contact lenses (CScL) for keratoconus management.

Corneal conjunctivalization management with high Dk RGP contact lenses

Purpose

To describe the management of corneal conjunctivalization with a high Dk RGP contact lens (CL) fitting.

Methods

A high Dk RGP CL (Menicon Z-alpha Dk = 189, Japan) was fitted, after temporary suspension of CL wear (6 months and 3 weeks), in two patients (a 36-year-old female and a 38-year-old male) who had corneal conjunctivalization secondary to low Dk soft CL wear. Both patients had worn their soft CLs 12-14 h per day without symptoms for the previous 18-20 years.

Results

After 9-15 months of high Dk RGP wear, all signs of corneal conjunctivalization had disappeared (corneal vascularization, late fluorescein stain, etc.) and patients wore their RGP CL comfortably. Corneal conjunctivalization was resolved with non-invasive procedures (temporary discontinuation, preservative-free artificial tears and high Dk RGP CL fitting) and thus other treatments (topical or surgical treatments such as limbus transplantation, amniotic membrane transplant or others) were not necessary.

Conclusions

Short temporary suspension of CL wear (3 weeks), preservative-free artificial tears and refitting with high oxygen permeability RGP CL may be an alternative for the management of corneal conjunctivalization secondary to CL wear.