Orthokeratology delays myopia progression, especially in 9-14 years old boys: a big data screening from Northeast China among children and adolescents

Abstract Purpose: To describe myopia trends in children and adolescents in Liaoning, China and investigate the association between different correction types and myopia progression among different age groups.Methods: We collected refraction and demographic data from 1 004 889 participants aged 3-22 years by two vision screenings (2019, 2020), and correction types among 5 200 individuals with “myopia and refractive error” aged 6-17 years, who were participated in these two screenings.Results: Myopia progression (D) was faster in individuals aged 9-11 years compared to 6-8, 12-14, and 15-17years (-0.93 ± 0.02 Vs. -0.74 ± 0.08 Vs. -0.75 ± 0.02 Vs. -0.36 ± 0.04, p < 0.05), and was faster in moderate myopia compared to mild or severe myopia (-0.96 ± 0.01 Vs. -0.65 ± 0.03 Vs. -0.54 ± 0.11, p < 0.05). Myopia progression was slower in individuals with orthokeratology compared to that of other corrections, including no correction, frame glasses and contact lens (-0.21 ± 0.10 Vs. -0.92 ± 0.03 Vs. -0.78 ± 0.03 Vs. -0.25 ± 0.14, p < 0.05). Orthokeratology significantly slowed down myopia progression in girls 9-11 years (adjusted β = -0.312; 95%CI: -0.420, -0.175), and 12-14 years old (adjusted β = -0.411; 95%CI: -0.782, -0.230), compared to uncorrected. Especially for boys aged 9-11 years (adjusted β = -0.368; 95%CI: -0.431, -0.346), and aged 12-14 years (adjusted β = -0.577; 95%CI: -0.800, -0.252), compared to uncorrected.Conclusions: Orthokeratology could slow down myopia progression, especially in 9-14 year-old boys.