Corneal refractive power modulation

Corneal refractive power modulation refers to the alteration of the cornea’s ability to bend (refract) light, typically induced by interventions such as orthokeratology or low-dose atropine therapy in myopic children. It is measured by changes in corneal topography and quantified by metrics such as maximal relative corneal refractive power (mRCRP); a higher amplitude of modulation is associated with more effective myopia control. Corneal refractive power modulation is not a molecular entity but describes the outcome of physical and geometric changes in the cornea, which may be predictive for therapies aiming to slow myopic progression. Therefore, it is not considered a canonical therapeutic target like a receptor or enzyme.

Other names

Relative corneal refractive power modulationMaximal relative corneal refractive powerCorneal refractive power area

Changes corneal shape to alter refractive power and peripheral focus (orthokeratology) Modest effects on corneal and lens curvature (atropine)