ISSN : 1229-6457(Print)
ISSN : 2466-040X(Online)
ISSN : 2466-040X(Online)
The Korean Journal of Vision Science Vol.27 No.4 pp.377-387
DOI : https://doi.org/10.17337/JMBI.2025.27.4.377
DOI : https://doi.org/10.17337/JMBI.2025.27.4.377
Age-related Corrective Response and Corneal Changes in Children and Adolescents Wearing Orthokeratology
Abstract
Purpose : This study examined the effects of corneal refractive lenses (Ortho-K) on visual acuity correction and changes in central corneal curvature according to age and myopia in children and adolescents. Methods : Twenty-three myopic patients (mean age 11.39±2.17 years)( were divided into age groups (low, mid, and high) and myopia groups (low, mid, and high). Corrected visual acuity (CVA) and central corneal curvature (Flat K, Steep K) were measured before, 1 week, and 1 month after wearing the lenses. The changes and correction rates were also measured. Results : Comparing age groups, the middle-aged group (10~12 years) showed the most optimal response, with a correction rate of 82.7% and stable curvature changes. The younger age group showed a faster initial response but somewhat lower maintenance. The older age group showed the greatest absolute correction but a lower correction rate. In a comparison of myopia levels, the change was greatest in the high myopia group (1.03±0.09 logMAR), but the correction rate was highest in the low myopia group (93.68%). Central corneal curvature decreased significantly in all groups, with the change being more pronounced in the high myopia group. Conclusion : Younger individuals exhibit more flexible corneas, leading to faster migration of central epithelial cells to the reverse curve region, resulting in faster correction of corrected visual acuity (CVA) and corneal topography (Flat K, Steep K). Higher myopia levels also showed a more unstable correction response until target corrected visual acuity was achieved. This finding can be used as evidence for personalized lens prescriptions in children and adolescents based on age and myopia level.






