Analysis of factors influencing axial length changes in adolescents wearing corneal reshaping lenses.

Purpose: This study aimed to identify factors influencing axial length changes in adolescents wearing orthokeratology lenses.

Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 84 adolescents (aged 9-17 yr) who wore orthokeratology lenses at our hospital. Axial length changes were calculated as the difference between the first and last visits. Patients were categorized into two groups based on axial length change: lower-than-average and higher-than-average. Data on sex, age at orthokeratology lens initiation, family history, initial equivalent spherical lens value, initial cylindrical lens value, initial average K value, and initial axial length were collected. Univariate and mixed-effects model analyses were performed to assess their influence on axial length changes.

Results: Age (p<0.05) and initial equivalent spherical value (p<0.05) were significant predictors of axial length changes in both eyes and the left eye. For the right eye, only age was a significant factor (p<0.05). The mixed-effects model revealed that the difference between the left and right eyes, duration of orthokeratology lens use, age, initial equivalent spherical lens value, and initial axial length significantly influenced axial length changes in adolescents (p<0.05).

Conclusion: The factors influencing axial length changes in adolescents wearing orthokeratology lenses differ between the left and right eyes. These changes depend on the duration of lens wear, age, initial equivalent spherical lens value, and initial axial length. This study provides a theoretical basis for evaluating the clinical efficacy of orthokeratology lenses in managing myopia progression in adolescents.