Two-year myopia control efficacy of spectacle lenses with highly aspherical lenslets in children

Purpose. To study the efficacy of spectacle lenses with highly aspherical lenslets (Stellest™) on refraction, axial length (AL) and accommodation in children with progressive myopia. Methods. The study included 259 children (518 eyes) aged 7 to 16 years (10.0±1.7 years) with progressive myopia from –0.5 D to –7.0 D (mean cycloplegic spherical equivalent refraction –2.6±1.6 D), astigmatism was present in 31 % of cases. Spectacles with Stellest™ lenses were always prescribed for continuous wear (at least 12 hours per day). Follow-up period was 6 months in 129 children (258 eyes), 12 months in 110 children (220 eyes) and 24 months in 47 children (94 eyes) from the beginning of Stellest™ wearing. Results In the first 6 months, stabilization of refraction was achieved in 82 % of patients (212 eyes), and in 14 % of patients (36 eyes) a hyperopic shift of refraction within +0.5 D was revealed. During 12 months of follow-up, stable cycloplegic refraction was detected in 80 % of cases (178 eyes). A hyperopic shift of refraction within +0.5 D and myopia progression up to –0.75 D were equally common: in 10 % of patients (21 eye in each group). During 2 years of follow-up, stable cycloplegic refraction was detected in 53 % of cases (50 eyes). A hyperopic shift of refraction within +0.5–0,75 D was noted in 17 % of patients. In some children myopia progressed, but the rate of progression decreased by 2 times or more. Thus, myopia progression by 0.25 D over 2 years of follow-up was detected in 14 % of patients (14 eyes), by 0.5 D – in 6 % (6 eyes) and by 1.25–1.5 D – in 10 % of patients (10 eyes). Mean initial axial length (AL) of the eyes was 24.5±0.1 mm. For the first 6 months, AL increase did not exceed 0.02±0.01 mm, for 12 and 24 months – 0.1±0.02 mm. Conclusions. Spectacle lenses with highly aspherical lenslets (HAL) effectively slow down myopia progression and axial elongation of the eyeball. Stabilization of refraction within 24 months was achieved in 70 % of patients. Accommodation has improved in all patients. Key words: myopia progression in children; peripheral myopic defocus; lenses with highly aspherical lenslets; Stellest™.