Short-term Visual Performance of Dual-focus Soft Contact Lenses in Chinese Children

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Optometry
• Pediatric Eye Care

Background:

• Myopia is a growing concern in children, impacting visual development and quality of life.
• Soft contact lenses are a common refractive correction method, with dual-focus designs emerging for potential visual benefits.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess short-term visual performance and subjective satisfaction of dual-focus soft contact lenses (DF-SCL) versus single-vision soft contact lenses (SV-SCL) in myopic Chinese children.
• To evaluate the adaptation and acceptance of DF-SCL over a one-month daily wear period.

Main Methods:

• A cohort of 38 myopic Chinese children (aged 8-14 years) participated in a one-month daily wear study.
• Visual acuity (distance and near high-contrast), contrast sensitivity, and subjective questionnaires were assessed comparing SV-SCL and DF-SCL (MiSight).

Main Results:

• Initially, distance visual acuity was better with SV-SCL, but near visual acuity showed no significant difference.
• After one week of DF-SCL wear, near visual acuity improved, and contrast sensitivity increased at specific spatial frequencies.
• By one month, both distance and near visual acuity with DF-SCL were comparable to SV-SCL, with significant improvements in overall satisfaction and reduced visual symptoms.

Conclusions:

• Dual-focus soft contact lenses demonstrate good visual quality and high subjective satisfaction in myopic Chinese children over one month.
• Despite a minor initial dip in visual performance, DF-SCLs are a viable option for myopia management, offering comparable visual outcomes to SV-SCLs post-adaptation.