Central corneal epitheliopathy in a long-term, overnight orthokeratology lens wearer: A case report

PURPOSE. The purpose of this study is to report an unusual case of central corneal epitheliopathy (CCE) in a long-term orthokeratology lens wearer. CASE REPORT. A single observational case report of a 12-year-old Chinese female myope with 31/2 years' experience in wearing orthokeratology lenses overnight was diagnosed with a CCE lesion during her regular orthokeratology aftercare consultation. The patient was asymptomatic. Trace or almost negative fluorescein staining was observed over the particular lesion area and, according to the clinical features of the corneal lesion, was thought to be a partially formed "dellen." The lesion healed after the use of the orthokeratology lenses was suspended for 4 months and reappeared when the patient resumed wearing the lenses. Close monitoring of the corneal condition was needed on this patient, and permanent discontinuation of the orthokeratology procedures will be considered if the signs and symptoms of the lesion worsen. DISCUSSION. The etiology, clinical management and the possible differential diagnosis of the central cornea "dellen" are discussed. CONCLUSION. A central corneal "dellen" may be associated with long-term, overnight use of orthokeratology lenses.