This review investigated 18 years of practice data for the predictability, efficacy and safety of long-term ortho-k wear. The results showed that for at least one year’s wear, there was good efficacy and predictability of target refraction. Although corneal staining was common, serious adverse effects were found to be rare, particularly for children.
With growing popularity of contact lens wear in children, the scrutiny of their safety increases. This 3-year investigation of adverse events related to monthly disposable soft contact lens wear in 7- to 11-year-old participants provides reassurance to parents and eye care practitioners that contact lenses can be worn safely in this age group.
The risk of microbial keratitis (MK) in orthokeratology-wearing children was shown in a 2013 analysis to be around 14 per 10,000 patient wearing years, but new data indicates that it may be lower. Data gathered from a large group of practices in Russia found MK risk of around 5 per 10,000 patient-wearing years, similar to the risk of daily wear soft lenses. This should increase confidence in fitting orthokeratology to children for myopia control.
Many orthokeratology-related adverse events are due to poor compliance and hygiene processes. This case demonstrates the importance of patient discussion and provides guidance on key steps to promote safety in orthokeratology wear.
Myopia controlling contact lenses offer numerous benefits for children. How can you select the most appropriate option, specific to the individual child and their family? Explore these key questions in clinical communication to learn more.
How do you get parents onboard with orthokeratology when they are unsure of childhood contact lens wear capability, benefits or safety? In this case, one parent was receptive to this recommendation but the other parent was not. Read more on the steps to take to support your clinical communication, including further reading and resources to help.
There are numerous reasons why contact lenses are beneficial for children, and the safety profile is high. Yet there are still barriers in the mind of the practitioner, parent and young patient to childhood CL wear. Here we address these often cited barriers, with the goal to support your clinical communication on the benefits and safety of contact lenses for kids, to move towards achieving a ‘yes’ from the parent and patient.
