Influence of Orthokeratology Lenses on the Structure of the Eye

Abstract

This literature review describes the effect that orthokeratology lenses render on various eye’s structures. The use of these lenses, in addition to the expected changes can cause undesirable effects. The positive aspects include stopping or slowing the myopia’s progression, as well as a temporary improvement of uncorrected visual acuity by changing the shape of the anterior surface of the cornea. Undesirable moments are a change in the homeostasis of the tear film, epitheliopathy, the lens binding, in addition, there is the appearance of an iron arch, an increase in the visibility of fibrillary lines, a transient change in the biomechanical properties of the cornea. On the positive side, these changes do not affect visual function and eye health; moreover, they are reversible. At the same time, the terms of recovery of various structures of the eye can differ from several weeks to several months, depending on the duration of treatment and the target refraction. Thus, the use of orthokeratology lenses is a safe and effective method for correcting and “controlling” myopia.