Can orthokeratology lenses cause dry eye syndrome?
Disease description:
My child has myopia and has been wearing orthokeratology (ortho-k) lenses for two years. Recently, they told me their eyes feel dry. I’d like to ask: Can ortho-k lenses cause dry eye syndrome?
Orthokeratology lenses can cause dry eye syndrome. Orthokeratology lenses are a type of contact lens that must come into contact with the cornea when worn, thereby affecting the corneal microenvironment. If the lenses are too tight or too loose during wear, they may interfere with oxygen exchange between the ocular surface and tears, leading to dry eye. If dry eye symptoms develop while wearing orthokeratology lenses, one should stop wearing them immediately and use artificial tear drops or medications that nourish the cornea for treatment.