Abstract
PurposePrevious studies suggest that overnight orthokeratology (OOK) may be detrimental to tear function. We aimed to investigate the effect of OOK on lipid layer thickness (LLT), blink pattern, and meibomian gland and elucidate the relationship of these variables.MethodsThirty-seven participants who wore OOK lenses every night for at least 2 years and twenty-four healthy non-contact lens wearers (controls) were enrolled in this retrospective study. LipiView interferometry, blink pattern analysis, the ocular surface status, and morphology and function of the meibomian gland were determined.ResultsThe OOK group and healthy controls had similar LLT, blink patterns, ocular surface status, and the function of the meibomian gland. OOK participants demonstrated higher meiboscore in the lower eyelids (p < 0.05) but not in the upper eyelids. Within the OOK group, LLT was significantly impacted by the partial blink rate (p < 0.05) and the total score of the upper meibomian gland (p = 0.10).ConclusionsWearing OOK for 2 or more years increased lower eyelid meibomian gland dropout but did not have a reduction of LLT.
Highlights
With the widespread availability of electronic devices, the prevalence of myopia in children is rising rapidly and is considered a major public health issue worldwide, especially in East Asia [1]
OOK wearers may suffer from contact lens-related dry eye, which manifests as increased tear evaporation rate, reduced tear film thickness, and increased frequency of incomplete blinks
The main purpose of this study was to evaluate the changes in the meibomian gland, lipid layer, and incomplete blinking in OOK-wears based on LipiView to reveal the potential etiology of OOK-related dry eye
Summary
With the widespread availability of electronic devices, the prevalence of myopia in children is rising rapidly and is considered a major public health issue worldwide, especially in East Asia [1]. Several methods of preventing myopia have been proposed, of which Overnight Orthokeratology (OOK) has been proved to be one of the most effective and widely used options in recent years [4, 5]. Several studies have reported on the potential impact of OOK on diseases of the ocular surface, including corneal staining and infectious keratitis [8]. OOK wearers may suffer from contact lens-related dry eye, which manifests as increased tear evaporation rate, reduced tear film thickness, and increased frequency of incomplete blinks. Such dry eye problems are common reasons for the discontinuation of OOK-wear [9]. It is generally accepted that these tear film complications might be attributed to meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) instead of hypoxia given the high oxygen permeability design of the OOK [10, 11]
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