Peripheral Refraction and Aberration Profiles with Multifocal Lenses

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Optometry
• Vision Science

Background:

• Understanding the optical effects of multifocal contact lenses (MCLs) is crucial for myopia control.
• Peripheral and central refractive changes induced by MCLs may offer insights into their efficacy in slowing eye growth.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the peripheral refraction and higher-order aberration profiles of four MCLs against a single vision control lens.
• To evaluate how different MCL designs influence visual responses during accommodation.

Main Methods:

• Thirty-five myopic participants (ages 21.2 ± 2.1 years) were fitted with various MCLs (center-distance and center-near designs).
• Peripheral refraction and aberration profiles were measured using the BHVI-EyeMapper under different accommodative demands.
• Data were analyzed using specific optical coefficients (M2/4, J0, J45, C[3,1], C[4,0]).

Main Results:

• Center-distance MCLs induced a relative peripheral myopic shift and specific higher-order aberrations, particularly with accommodative effort.
• Center-near MCLs demonstrated a relative peripheral hyperopic shift and distinct aberration profiles.
• Accommodation significantly altered peripheral aberrations (M4) across all lens types, with greater changes observed for MCLs.

Conclusions:

• Center-near MCLs showed favorable on-axis characteristics, including a central myopic shift at near, aligning with the hypothesis that retinal defocus can counter myopia.
• Center-distance MCLs exhibited peripheral myopic shifts, which were amplified during accommodation, suggesting potential for peripheral defocus modulation.
• The findings support the differential impact of MCL designs on refractive profiles and highlight the role of accommodation in modulating these effects for myopia management.