Efficacy of Different Interventions for Progressive Myopia After Orthokeratology Lens Wear

March 26, 2026 updated by: Ruihua Wei, Tianjin Medical University Eye Hospital

A Prospective Study on the Efficacy of Different Interventions for Progressive Myopia in Children After Orthokeratology Lens Wear

Myopia has emerged as a significant concern impacting the visual health of children and adolescents on a global scale. According to research conducted by Holden BA et al., it is projected that by the year 2050, the worldwide prevalence of myopia and high myopia will experience a substantial increase, affecting approximately 5 billion and 1 billion individuals, respectively, with particularly high prevalence rates observed in East Asia[1]. The persistent rise in myopia incidence, coupled with the escalation of complications associated with high myopia, is anticipated to exert complex socio-economic repercussions [2]. Consequently, the prevention of myopia onset and the management of axial length elongation have become critically important [3].

Orthokeratology (Ortho-K) is a procedure that involves the overnight application of specially designed reverse geometry rigid gas permeable contact lenses to achieve temporary corneal reshaping and reduce myopia during the day[4,5]. In children with mild to moderate myopia, Ortho-K has demonstrated visual correction efficacy ranging from 80% to 92%[6,7]. Nonetheless, its efficacy in controlling myopia progression may not match its corrective efficacy. The therapeutic effect of Ortho-K in decelerating axial elongation is reported to range from 43% to 63%. Despite the use of Ortho-K, approximately 15% of children continue to exhibit rapid axial elongation exceeding 0.36 mm per year.[8,9].

In recent years, adjunctive interventions such as low-concentration atropine eye drops, modification of the back optical zone diameter (BOZD) of orthokeratology (Ortho-K) lenses, and low-level red-light therapy (RLRL) have been proposed to augment the myopia control efficacy of Ortho-K. Zhao et al. [10] reported that after one year of treatment with either atropine orthokeratology (AOK) or Ortho-K lenses in children aged 5-14 years, the axial length (AL) increased by 0.14 mm and 0.29 mm, respectively. Another study involving children aged 8-12 years [11] demonstrated that after one year of treatment, the AOK group exhibited a 17% reduction in AL growth (0.20 mm vs. 0.24 mm). Research conducted by Xiong et al. [12] indicated that for children whose eyes elongated by at least 0.50 mm within one year of Ortho-K wear, the combination of RLRL therapy with Ortho-K significantly reduced axial elongation compared to Ortho-K alone. Additional studies have suggested that decreasing the BOZD can enhance the extent and degree of mid-peripheral corneal steepening, thereby decelerating axial elongation [13-15].

Most existing studies primarily compare a single intervention against a control group, thereby lacking direct "head-to-head" comparisons. Traditional meta-analyses are limited to comparing two interventions at a time and often fail to assess multiple treatments concurrently. Consequently, most meta-analyses offer only statistical insights into the efficacy of individual interventions. Clinically, it is common to combine two or more interventions to treat myopia, particularly in cases of rapidly progressive myopia. Previous research has indicated that combined interventions may have additive effects in the prevention and control of myopia; however, these findings require further empirical validation.

This study employs a retrospective approach to evaluate the efficacy of various treatment strategies in managing axial elongation in children aged 8-12 years who experience rapid axial progression following Ortho-K lens wear. The objective is to provide a scientific foundation for the development of personalized myopia control plans.

Study Overview

Detailed Description

Participants were categorized into four distinct groups based on the intervention strategy:1) OK group: Participants continued using Ortho-K lenses without any additional intervention; 2) OKA group: Participants used Ortho-K lenses supplemented with 0.01% atropine eye drops administered nightly in both eyes; 3) OKBC group: At the 12-month interval, participants transitioned to Ortho-K lenses featuring a reduced optical zone, maintaining the same lens brand and other parameters; 4) OKRL group: Participants used Ortho-K lenses in conjunction withe repeated low-level red-light (RLRL) therapy administered twice daily in both eyes. Measurements were systematically recorded at 6 and 12 months following the intervention.(Figure 1. Participants flowchart.) Ortho-K Lenses: This study did not impose restriction the design or brand of Ortho-K lenses. Lens replacement was permissible to satisfy refractive and fitting criteria, provided the brand remained unchanged from that used prior to enrollment. The OKBC group was uniquely permitted to modify the back optical zone diameter parameter of the Ortho-K lenses.

0.01% Atropine Eye Drops: These were supplied by Shenyang Xingqi Eye Medicine Co., Ltd. The prescribed usage involved instilling one drop in each eye 10 minutes before the nightly application of Ortho-K lenses .

Repeated low-level red-light Therapy Device: This device was supplied by Suzhou Xuanjia Photoelectric Technology Co., Ltd. [16]. The prescribed usage protocol involved administering the therapy, twice daily, with each session lasting 3 minutes and a minimum intercal of 4 hours between sessions, conducted 7 days a week.

Study Type

Observational

Enrollment (Estimated)

3890

Contacts and Locations

This section provides the contact details for those conducting the study, and information on where this study is being conducted.

Study Contact

  • Name: Rui Hua Professor of Ophthalmology, Chief Physician
  • Phone Number: (8622) 86428752
  • Email: 743071296@qq.com

Participation Criteria

Researchers look for people who fit a certain description, called eligibility criteria. Some examples of these criteria are a person's general health condition or prior treatments.

Eligibility Criteria

Ages Eligible for Study

  • Child

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

No

Sampling Method

Non-Probability Sample

Study Population

Children aged 8-12 years with myopia who have worn orthokeratology (OK) lenses for at least 1 year, with axial length elongation >0.3mm in the past 12 months, indicating progressive myopia despite OK lens wear. Both male and female participants are eligible, with no gender restriction.

Description

Inclusion Criteria:

1) The initial fitting age is between 8-12 years, irrespective of gender; 2) The spherical equivalent refraction (SE) of both eyes at the initial fitting falls within the manufacturer's approved range of -6.00D to -0.50D; 3) The best corrected visual acuity of both eyes is ≥1.0 (Snellen); 4) The ability to ensure overnight Ortho-K lens wear for a duration of 8 to 10 hours; 5) No prior history of ocular trauma or surgery; 6) No prior history of acute or chronic ocular inflammation, such as keratoconjunctivitis or abnormal tear film; 7) The ability to meticulously adhere to instructions for lens care and attend regular follow-up examinations; 8) The standard use of other myopia progression interventions, such as 0.01% atropine or red-light therapy as prescribed; 9) Comprehensive follow-up data; 10) At least one eye exhibits an annual axial length elongation of >0.30 mm during the first year of Ortho-K lens wear.

Exclusion Criteria:

1) Axial length elongation less than 0.30 mm in both eyes during the first year of Ortho-K treatment; 2) Incidence of significant complications during the study period, such as recurrent corneal inflammation; 3) Incomplete data or cases lost to follow-up; 4) SE of either eye less than -6.00D, or astigmatism greater than -2.00D; 5) Unstable vision during Ortho-K treatment, characterized by multiple instances of vision below 0.2 (LogMAR); 6) Change in the brand of Ortho-K lens.

This study utilized a retrospective data collection approach. To prevent the influence of non-independent data from both eyes of a single participant on statistical analyses, data from only one eye per subject were included in the final analysis. The selection criterion prioritized data from the right eye; however, if the right eye did not satisfy the primary inclusion criterion of "annual axial elongation >0.30 mm," data from the left eye were used instead. This study was conducted in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki and received approval from the Ethics Committee of the Tianjin Medical University Eye Hospital. Informed consent was obtained from the guardians of all participating children.

Study Plan

This section provides details of the study plan, including how the study is designed and what the study is measuring.

How is the study designed?

Design Details

Cohorts and Interventions

Group / Cohort
Intervention / Treatment
OK Lens Continuation Group
Continue wearing original orthokeratology lenses with unchanged parameters, follow-up every 6 months.
Continue wearing original orthokeratology lenses with unchanged parameters, follow-up every 6 months.
OK Lens + 0.01% Atropine Group
Continue OK lenses + 0.01% atropine sulfate eye drops once daily at bedtime.
Continue OK lenses + 0.01% atropine sulfate eye drops once daily at bedtime.
OK Lens with Reduced Optical Zone Group
Wear OK lenses with reduced optical zone diameter (adjusted by 0.5mm from original parameters).
Wear OK lenses with reduced optical zone diameter (adjusted by 0.5mm from original parameters).
OK Lens + Low-Intensity Red Light Group
Continue OK lenses + low-intensity red light therapy (630nm, 6 minutes daily).
Continue OK lenses + low-intensity red light therapy (630nm, 6 minutes daily).

What is the study measuring?

Primary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure
Measure Description
Time Frame
Change in Axial Length from Baseline at 12 Months
Time Frame: 12 Months
Axial length is measured by IOL-Master 700, and the change value is calculated by comparing with the baseline value before intervention.
12 Months
Change in Axial Length from Baseline at 12 Months
Time Frame: 12 Months
Axial length is measured by IOL-Master 700, and the change value is calculated by comparing with the baseline value before intervention. This is the primary efficacy endpoint to evaluate the myopia control effect of different interventions.
12 Months

Secondary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure
Measure Description
Time Frame
Change in Axial Length from Baseline at 6 Months
Time Frame: 6 Months
6 Months
Incidence of Adverse Events
Time Frame: 12 Months
Including corneal infection, dry eye, lens intolerance, ocular irritation, and other adverse events related to interventions.
12 Months

Collaborators and Investigators

This is where you will find people and organizations involved with this study.

Study record dates

These dates track the progress of study record and summary results submissions to ClinicalTrials.gov. Study records and reported results are reviewed by the National Library of Medicine (NLM) to make sure they meet specific quality control standards before being posted on the public website.

Study Major Dates

Study Start (Estimated)

April 1, 2026

Primary Completion (Estimated)

May 1, 2026

Study Completion (Estimated)

April 1, 2027

Study Registration Dates

First Submitted

March 20, 2026

First Submitted That Met QC Criteria

March 20, 2026

First Posted (Actual)

March 27, 2026

Study Record Updates

Last Update Posted (Actual)

April 1, 2026

Last Update Submitted That Met QC Criteria

March 26, 2026

Last Verified

March 1, 2026

More Information

Terms related to this study

Plan for Individual participant data (IPD)

Plan to Share Individual Participant Data (IPD)?

NO

Drug and device information, study documents

Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated drug product

Yes

Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated device product

Yes

product manufactured in and exported from the U.S.

No

This information was retrieved directly from the website clinicaltrials.gov without any changes. If you have any requests to change, remove or update your study details, please contact register@clinicaltrials.gov. As soon as a change is implemented on clinicaltrials.gov, this will be updated automatically on our website as well.

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