Choroidal response to optical defocus as a potential surrogate marker for myopia control effect

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Optometry
• Corneal Physiology

Background:

• Peripheral myopic defocus is implicated in myopia progression.
• Multifocal contact lenses are used to manage myopia.
• Understanding short-term ocular responses to lens wear is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate short-term changes in choroidal thickness.
• To assess the impact of two multifocal corneal gas permeable contact lens (MFGPCL) designs.
• To investigate the effect of peripheral myopic defocus on choroidal vascularity.

Main Methods:

• Seventeen young adults participated.
• Enhanced depth imaging optical coherence tomography (EDI OCT) measured choroidal thickness and vascularity index.
• Measurements were taken at baseline, one day, and one week after wearing MFGPCLs with low (+1.5 D) and high (+3.0 D) add powers.

Main Results:

• Both MFGPCL designs significantly increased total choroidal thickness after one week.
• No significant difference in thickening was observed between the low and high add power lenses.
• Choroidal thickening occurred consistently across different eccentric regions and quadrants.

Conclusions:

• MFGPCLs induce significant choroidal thickening, affecting total, luminal, and stromal components.
• Peripheral myopic defocus from MFGPCLs leads to measurable choroidal changes.
• Further research is needed to explore the dose-response relationship and the potential of choroidal response as a biomarker.