Extended depth of focus soft contact lenses slows myopia progression in children

Wearing soft contact lenses with extended depth of focus reduces axial elongation and, in turn, delays the progression of myopia in children when compared with using distance single-vision spectacles, as shown in a study.

The study included 90 children aged 6–13 years old with spherical equivalent ranging from –0.75 to –10.00 dioptres (D). These children were randomly assigned to be fitted with soft contact lenses with extended depth of focus (n=45) or to use spectacles (n=45).

Researchers measured cycloplegic refraction and axial length using an auto-refractometer an IOLMaster-700, respectively, at 6-month intervals. One month after the intervention, subjective responses related to vision and comfort were determined using a questionnaire with a scale from 1 (very poor) to 10 (excellent). Assessments for high-contrast visual acuity (HCVA) and contrast sensitivity (CS) were conducted at baseline and at months 12 and 24.

At 24 months, mean change in spherical equivalent/axial length was –0.62 D/0.37 mm in the contact lenses group and –1.13 D/0.66 mm in the spectacles group (p<0.001). Cumulative Absolute Reduction in axial elongation (CARE) was 0.29 mm, while the difference in spherical equivalent change was –0.50 D.

All participants in the contact lenses group had an axial length increase of not more than 0.50 mm, whereas all participants in the spectacle group had an increase of at least 0.50 mm. All questionnaire items showed a mean value of ≥9. LogMAR HCVA in the contact lenses group decreased, albeit only less than 1 line, in the contact lenses vs the spectacles group (p<0.001).