Purpose: To investigate the validity of the Jessen formula, with a compression factor of 0.75, in determining the back optic zone radius (BOZR) of an orthokeratology (ortho-k) lens for myopic reduction [i.e. BOZR = flattest K- (target reduction + 0.75)].
Methods: One hundred and twenty-three consecutive ortho-k patient files from the Optometry Clinic of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University were reviewed. Pertinent data at the preliminary visit and at the morning visit after 2 weeks of lens wear for 63 patients who fulfilled the inclusion criteria were retrieved for analysis. All patients were either fitted with DreimLens (DreimLens Taiwan, Taiwan Macro Vision Group, Taiwan, China) or eLens (E&E Optics Ltd., Hong Kong SAR, China) designs. Only data from the right eye were analysed. The validity of the Jessen formula was evaluated by comparing the equation of the plot of myopic reduction attempted (based on the Jessen formula) and myopic reduction achieved (based on subjective refraction).
Results: The Jessen formula was found to underestimate the intended target of myopic reduction following ortho-k. The results suggested that the formula should be revised to BOZR = flattest K- (1.23 target reduction + 1.27).
Conclusion: If the intention is to overcorrect the ortho-k patient by 0.75 D to allow for regression during the daytime, the Jessen formula with a compression factor of 0.75 is not valid to determine the BOZR of the ortho-k lens designs.