The effect of back optic zone diameter on relative corneal refractive power distribution and corneal higher-order aberrations in orthokeratology

To compare axial elongation, relative corneal refractive power (RCRP) distribution within the pupillary diameter, and corneal higher-order aberrations (HOAs) in myopic children wearing orthokeratology (ortho-k) lenses with different back optic zone diameters (BOZD).Children aged 8-11 years were fitted with 5.0 or 6.2 mm-BOZD ortho-k lenses (groups A and B, respectively). Axial length (AL) and corneal topography were measured at baseline and during the annual visit. RCRP and corneal HOAs were compared between the two groups after one-year treatment. Multivariate linear regression analysis was performed to determine the association between AL elongation and RCRP parameters, corneal HOAs, and other variables between the groups.After one-year treatment, axial elongation was slower in group A than in group B, with a difference of 0.15 mm. Children in group A showed smaller treatment zone size, smaller 3/4X value (describing the distance from the apex RCRP profile rising to its three-quarter-peak level), greater RCRP sum value within the pupillary area, and higher increases in corneal total HOAs and horizontal coma (Z31). AL elongation was significantly correlated with baseline age, baseline spherical equivalent refraction (SER), treatment zone size, and 3/4X value.Ortho-k lenses designed with smaller BOZD increased myopia control efficacy, induced a steeper distribution of the RCRP profile within the pupillary diameter, and induced greater increases in corneal total HOAs and horizontal coma (Z31). Lens-induced RCRP profile within pupillary diameter, rising to its three-quarter-peak level at a smaller distance, may show a better myopia control effect.