Abstract:In recent years, the global prevalence of myopia has continued to rise. In China, myopia shows a trend toward widespread prevalence, earlier onset, and greater severity, and high myopia poses a serious threat to adolescent ocular health. Orthokeratology is currently one of the most effective clinical interventions for slowing myopia progression, yet its exact mechanisms of action have not been fully elucidated. Focusing on the various hypotheses proposed in the literature, this review summarizes the role of peripheral retinal defocus, choroidal thickness and blood flow, higher-order aberrations, accommodation, and biomechanics in myopia control with orthokeratology lenses. Specifically, the induction of peripheral myopic defocus through the reverse-geometry design of orthokeratology lenses constitutes the core mechanism by which axial elongation is slowed. After lens wear, choroidal thickening and increased blood perfusion improve the nutritional supply to the outer retina and inhibit scleral remodeling. Increases in higher-order aberrations, such as spherical aberration and coma, expand the depth of focus and reduce accommodative lag. Improvements in accommodative function and alterations in corneal biomechanics also act synergistically. These mechanisms are interrelated and act in a cascading manner to jointly inhibit axial elongation. This review aims to provide a theoretical basis for a deeper understanding of the mechanisms of orthokeratology lenses and to offer clinical references for individualized lens fitting, optimized lens design, and future research on myopia prevention and control.
