Interaction of retinal electrophysiology and novel orthokeratology lens use on myopia control efficacy in children

Aims The relationship between retinal electrophysiological function and myopia progression was evaluated in school-aged children wearing Breath-O-Correct Orthokeratology (OK) lenses compared with those wearing single vision (SV) lenses over 24 months. Methods In this randomised, single-blind, parallel controlled trial, children aged 8–12 years with −1.00 to −4.00 D of myopia were recruited. Retinal function was evaluated using global-flash multifocal electroretinography at baseline before OK or SV treatment. Axial length was evaluated at 6-month intervals up to 24 months. The main outcome measures were axial elongation (AE) between groups and the interactive effect of baseline retinal function. Results A total of 70 children (43 OK, 9.8±1.3 years; 27 SV, 9.5±1.4 years) completed the 2-year study and were included in the analysis. The 2-year normalised AE was 0.37±0.37 mm in the OK group and 0.60±0.41 mm in the SV group, respectively. For children in the SV group, the amplitude of the central inner retinal response was negatively correlated with axial length elongation (p=0.03). In contrast, this relationship between retinal electrophysiology and AE was not observed in OK group, indicating that they were independent of each other in children treated with OK (p=0.33). Conclusion A weak retinal electrophysiological response was a risk factor for rapid AE in SV controls. However, OK treatment can lower this risk factor and significantly reduce AE in school-aged children. Data are available upon reasonable request. The data that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.