Investigation of the biomechanical properties of the cornea in patients with myopia using orthokeratological lenses

Purpose of the study is to evaluate the effect of orthokeratological lenses (OKL) on the biomechanical properties of the cornea in patients with myopia. Material and Methods. A clinical and functional examination was carried out in 34 patients with myopia (34 eyes), for whom OKL was selected. The study of the indicators of the biomechanical properties of the cornea was carried out on a Pentacam HR and Corvis ST device (Germany). Results. After a month of using OKL, there was a decreased corneal applanation (Applanation Velocity 1) (t=2.5, p-0.05), IOP (IOPnct and bIOP) (p-0.05), and an increase in the amplitude of deformation (Deform. Amplitude) (t=2.14, p-0.05), peak distance of corneal flattening (Peak Distance) (t=2.43, p-0.05) with their subsequent recovery after 3–6 months. There was no change in the stresses-deformations (SSI), corneal stiffness (SP-A1), biomechanical index (СBI) during the entire observation period (p>0.05). Conclusion. The use of OKL after a month leads to a decrease in the viscoelastic properties of the cornea (Applanation Velocity 1, Deform. Amplitude, Peak Distance). At the same time, the use of OKL does not reduce the rigidity of the cornea, as evidenced by the stable indicators of SP-A1, SSI, CBI.