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Novel enzyme orthokeratology procedure may result in extended efficacy in presbyopic patients
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 Kenneth R. Kenyon, MD |
MILAN, Italy — An enhanced method of orthokeratology, in which the effects of the shaping lens are increased and prolonged by the use of enzymes, shows promise as a treatment for presbyopia.
“The concept is not new. A special rigid contact lens is placed on the cornea overnight to alter its shape, leading to visual effects that last for a few days,” Kenneth R. Kenyon, MD, said at the annual joint meeting of OSN and the Italian Society of Ophthalmology.
The Yolia Enzyme Ortho-K method (Yolia Health) consists of the use of improved design contact lenses with the addition of a topical preparation of low-dose hyaluronidase and collagenase to make the cornea more pliable and malleable. As a result, the molding effect of the lens is sustained for 3 to 4 months.
“The contact lens is fitted and kept overnight, and the enzyme eye drops are instilled four times a day for 1 week,” Dr. Kenyon explained.
The procedure is currently focused on presbyopia. It improves near vision by creating –1.5 D to –2 D of induced myopia with no loss of distance vision.
“Unexpectedly, there is some kind of multifocality that this method creates on the cornea,” Dr. Kenyon said.
The procedure was developed and patented in Mexico, where it is approved and available on the market. Further clinical trials are under way, and the possibility of extending orthokeratology to myopia and hyperopia will soon be evaluated.
- Disclosure: Dr. Kenyon is scientific advisor of Yolia Health.