The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) released on Thursday a study result which shows that Orthokeratology (Ortho-k) can effectively reduce and slow down myopic progression among school children.

Ortho-k is a technique of reshaping the cornea using specially made contact lenses. The study was conducted among 70 young myopic children aged between seven and 12. Using ultrasonic equipment, PolyU researchers found that after wearing overnight Ortho-k lenses for two years, the average change in eyeball's axial length -- a key indicating factor of myopic progression -- was significantly smaller among children wearing Ortho-k lenses than in children wearing spectacles.

As the data clearly indicated, the difference in average myopia increase between children wearing Ortho-k lenses and those wearing spectacles is almost doubled in terms of eye elongation in terms of equivalent refractive measurement.

"Considering the prevalence of myopia among Chinese children, which was found to be as high as 80 percent in another PolyU study, this is really good news," said Professor George Woo,PolyU's Chair Professor of Optometry.

He added that previous researches and present study indicated that Ortho-k lenses, with good compliance, are safe and effective.

In July 2004, the findings of this research study was presented at two major conferences, namely the 10th International Conference on Myopia which was held in Cambridge, the UK, and the Global Orthokeratology Symposium in Toronto, Canada. The paper has also been accepted for publication in the authoritative journal Current Eye Research.

(Xinhua News Agency September 17, 2004)