Changes in Subfoveal Choroidal Thickness after Orthokeratology in Myopic Children: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

AIMS: This study aimed to synthesize the variations in subfoveal choroidal thickness (SFCT) observed at different follow-up intervals in myopic children undergoing orthokeratology treatment.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Relevant articles were systematically retrieved from databases such as PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library. The retrieval period extended from the inception of these databases to November 2023. Means and standard deviations (SD) of baseline and post-treatment SFCT were selected as the results for analysis and calculation.

RESULTS: A total of eight articles involving 478 eyes fulfilled the inclusion criteria. At 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months intervals, the SFCT demonstrated significant increases by 16.74 μm (95% CI: 8.66, 24.82; p  < 0.0001), 13.41 μm (95% CI: 4.36, 22.45; p  = 0.004), and 17.57 μm (95% CI: 8.41, 26.73; p  = 0.0002), respectively. Besides, children treated with orthokeratology exhibited a notably thicker change of SFCT in comparison with children with single-vision spectacles (SVL) (WMD = 13.50, 95% CI: 11.69, 15.13; p  < 0.0001).

CONCLUSION: Myopic children undergoing orthokeratology treatment experience a discernible increase in SFCT at 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months. Furthermore, compared to children utilizing SVL, those undergoing orthokeratology manifest a more pronounced thickening of SFCT.