Understanding Regression from Orthokeratology Lens Use
Sarah Singh, Professor
Optometry
Closed. This professor is continuing with Fall 2023 apprentices on this project; no new apprentices needed for Spring 2024.
Orthokeratology lenses are rigid contact lenses that are worn overnight. During sleep, the lenses cause temporary flattening of the central cornea and steepening of the mid-peripheral cornea. This effect lasts throughout most of the day.
A recent animal study found that exposure to myopic defocus (a blur signal in which images are in front of the retina) is more effective at reducing myopia progression when it is applied during the evening hours. This means that children who experience more regression may also experience a better myopia controlling effect from treatment.
We are currently exploring the variation in diurnal regression in experienced young adult orthokeratology lens users and may expand this to a pediatric population in the future.
Role: We are seeking a highly motivated undergraduate student to assist with data collection for this project. This will involve coming in to the lab at specific time points on days when there are subject visits: one in the early morning (between 7-9AM), one in the late afternoon (2-4PM), and one in the evening (6-8PM). You will also have the opportunity to work on data analysis and scientific writing.
Qualifications: The student should be able to work independently, be comfortable interacting with human subjects, and familiar with using Microsoft Excel for data entry. The students will need to learn to operate basic optometric equipment including a corneal topographer, biometer, autorefractor, and learn how to measure visual acuity and accommodation.
Day-to-day supervisor for this project: Lauren King
Hours: 6-8 hrs
Related website: https://sites.google.com/berkeley.edu/bearlab/research
Biological & Health Sciences