Effect of virtual reality-based visual training for myopia control in children: a randomized controlled trial

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Pediatric eye care
• Digital health interventions

Background:

• Myopia is a growing public health concern in children.
• Controlling myopia progression is crucial to prevent vision impairment.
• Novel interventions are needed to manage childhood myopia effectively.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy and safety of virtual reality-based visual training (VRVT) for myopia control in children.
• To compare the effects of VRVT plus single-vision spectacles (SVS) against SVS alone.

Main Methods:

• A randomized, single-blind clinical trial involving 65 low-myopic children (8-13 years).
• Participants received either VRVT + SVS (intervention) or SVS alone (control) for 3 months.
• Primary outcome: change in axial length (AL); Secondary outcome: macular choroidal thickness (mCT).

Main Results:

• The VRVT group showed significantly less AL increase (0.063 mm) compared to the control group (0.129 mm) at 3 months (P=0.037).
• VRVT also led to a significant increase in mCT (22.633 μm) versus the control group (-3.000 μm) (P=0.005).
• The most common adverse event was VR vertigo (6.67% in the intervention group).

Conclusions:

• VRVT is a safe and effective method for myopia control in children.
• Nightly VRVT use significantly slows myopia progression in 8-13 year olds with low myopia.
• VRVT demonstrates good user acceptability and holds promise for pediatric eye care.