The development of methods for myopia control remains one of the most topical trends in modern ophthalmology. Optical approaches to myopia control employ the induction of peripheral myopic defocus, which can be done with the use of multifocal soft contact lenses (SCLs).

PURPOSE

To review the results of a two-year multicenter clinical study of myopia control with bifocal defocus-inducing SCLs.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The two-year study enrolled 100 patients aged 8 to 16 years who had mild or moderate bilateral myopia with spherical equivalent of (–)0.25 to (–)5.75 D. Based on the degree of myopia and the method of its correction, patients were divided into two main and two control groups. Multifocal SCLs with +4.0 D add power and monofocal SCLs were used for myopia correction. The results were evaluated by the clinical data of refraction, axial length and state of accommodation. The observation times were 3, 6, 12, 18 and 24 months.

RESULTS

After 12 months of bifocal SCLs usage, signs of stabilization of myopia progression were identified in 72 and 73.5% of subjects of both main groups, after 24 months — in 54 and 79.5% of subjects, respectively. Statistically significant reduction in axial elongation amounting to 87—88% was also observed in patients using bifocal SCLs. A significant increase in positive relative accommodation (PRA) was observed in all groups.

CONCLUSION

The study indicates the effectiveness of bifocal soft contact lenses in slowing the progression of mild and moderate myopia.