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Myopia Control and the Role of Orthokeratology Part 1

Lauren Herring
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Myopia Control and the Role of Orthokeratology Part 1

Until recently, it was thought myopia to be an inevitable consequence of one's own genetics. However there has been an explosion in the number of people with myopia and has now been rated as the second biggest cause of blindness worldwide. Studies are now emerging that myopia has modifiable risk factors, with a number indicating the amount of time spent outdoors in childhood may influence the degree of myopia. Orthokeratology was developed as a technique to modify the corneal epithelium to correct low levels of myopia and limited by the corneal curvature. It has now been shown that orthokeratology may reduce the progression of myopia by causing myopic peripheral light defocus and hence prevent stimulation of axial elongation. It can not reverse myopia. Risk of keratitis due to overnight lens wear is a concern, however with careful fitting and strict hygiene, complications can be minimised to a safe level. This lecture series aims to deliver a balanced presentation of orthokeratology as a viable option in the management of myopia.

Lauren Herring

Lauren graduated from Queensland University of Technology (QUT) in 2011 with First Class Honours. She has worked in private general and specialty optometrist practices in Brisbane and has worked as a clinical optometrist at City Eye Centre in Brisbane. She has been a Clinical Supervisor position at QUT in which she mentors and teaches optometry students. Lauren’s particular areas of optometric interest include specialty contact lens fitting for refractive and therapeutic purposes, and ocular pathology and disease management.

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