Recent study examined the effects of long-term orthokeratology use on the ocular surface
April 16, 2026
A study published in Contact Lens & Anterior Eye looked closer how long-term orthokeratology can impact the ocular surface. The researchers studied 30 adolescents, who had worn orthokeratology lenses for more than five years, as well as 30 demographically matched adolescents who wore eyeglasses, according to the study results.
All participants were assessed for
- ocular surface condition
- visual acuity
- corneal fluorescein staining
- tear meniscus height
- non-invasive tear break-up time
- tear film lipid layer characteristics
- upper and lower meibomian glands
Orthokeratology Impact on the Ocular Surface
“The adolescents who wore orthokeratology lenses for more than 5 years had lower average non-invasive tear break-up time, thinner tear film lipid layers and higher rate of lower meibomian gland loss than those in the control group,” the researchers reported. They advise paying close attention to the ocular surface during use and focusing on the effectiveness and safety, especially in young patients.
Previous research has explored the impact of orthokeratology lens use but only after a period of 2-3 years.
Should This Impact Your Approach to Care?
Review of Optometric Business contributing editor Thanh Mai, OD, says that the results don’t change the way he will approach orthokeratology, but it sharpens his protocols. “The cross-sectional design means no causality, no baseline MG data and no progression tracking. N=30 is small,” says Dr. Mai. “Orthokeratology’s efficacy for myopia control in kids is well-established and the risk-benefit still favors it for appropriate candidates. A few things I’d consider is to check meibomian glands before initiating orthokeratology and to be more careful with higher myopic prescriptions.”
