Myopia control with soft multifocal contact lenses: 18-month follow-up

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Optometry
• Pediatric Eye Care

Background:

• Myopia is a growing public health concern, particularly in children.
• Effective myopia control strategies are crucial to prevent high myopia-related complications.
• Multifocal contact lenses (MFCL) are a potential intervention for slowing myopia progression.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of two types of MFCL (Multistage +1.50D and Proclear +3.00D) in controlling myopia progression.
• To assess the impact of these MFCL on axial length elongation in myopic schoolchildren over an 18-month period.
• To compare the outcomes of MFCL with single vision contact lenses (SVCL).

Main Methods:

• A double-masked, randomized study involving 30 myopic schoolchildren (aged 13-15).
• Participants were assigned to wear SVCL, Multistage +1.50D MFCL, or Proclear +3.00D MFCL for 18 months.
• Measurements included cycloplegic refraction, corneal curvature, and axial length.

Main Results:

• Proclear +3.00D MFCL demonstrated 66.6% myopia control, and Multistage +1.50D MFCL showed 38.6% control compared to SVCL.
• Axial elongation was reduced by 63.2% with Proclear +3.00D MFCL and 31.1% with Multistage +1.50D MFCL.
• No significant changes in corneal curvature were observed across all groups.

Conclusions:

• Proclear +3.00D MFCL significantly slowed myopia progression and axial elongation in myopic schoolchildren.
• Higher add power in MFCL appears more effective for myopia control.
• MFCL represent a viable option for managing myopia progression in pediatric populations.