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  • Aspherical lenses slow myopia progression in children throughout 2-year study

    Pediatric Ophth/Strabismus

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    Review of: Spectacle lenses with aspherical lenslets for myopia control vs single-vision spectacle lenses: A randomized clinical trial

    Bao J, Huang Y, Li X, et al. JAMA Ophthalmology, in press

    Investigators evaluated whether aspherical lenses slowed myopia progression throughout 2 years of use and whether the level of lens asphericity had an effect on myopia control efficacy.

    Study design

    This was a prospective, double-masked, randomized clinical trial conducted in China from July 2018 to October 2020, with 170 children with myopia aged 8 to 13 years assigned to 1 of 3 groups: single-vision spectacles (control), slightly aspherical lenses (SAL), and highly aspherical lenses (HAL). Two-year data were analyzed for changes in axial length and spherical equivalent refraction (SER).

    Outcomes

    During the 2-year period, aspherical lenses decreased myopia progression (in terms of SER) and axial length to a larger extent than single-vision spectacles, with the HAL group having the greatest reductions. There were significant associations between age and SER progression and axial length elongation.

    Limitations

    The study was performed in China with a relatively homogenous population. Also, the amount of time the glasses were worn was self-reported and therefore was not objective.

    Clinical significance

    Aspherical lenses decreased the progression of myopia in this study, indicating that they may be a more viable option (with increased compliance) than contact lenses or atropine eye drops for children with myopia.

    Financial Disclosures: Dr. Brenda Bohnsack discloses no financial relationships.