Axial length changes with diffusion optics multiple segments (DOMS) spectacles for myopia control

Abstract

Purpose: To evaluate short time axial length changes after the use of an especially designed spectacle with peripheral contrast reduction.

Methods: A pilot study was performed in subjects were tested when using especial peripheral contrast modulation spectacles with a central zone with the distance myopic correction. During the experiment subjects read a book with black letters on white background on a desktop computer with the same brightness in two periods, one with usual spectacles and the second with the especial ones. Before and after these periods, 10 measurements of the axial length of the right eye were made with Lenstar 900 biometer and were averaged up to three decimals.

Results: Eight subjects, whose a mean age was 22.3 ± 5.5 years participated in this study. The mean spherical equivalent of their right eye was -2.31 ± 1.06 diopters. There was a significant difference of +16.1 microns increased axial length from baseline when reading with the usual prescription during the first 40 min period. When subjects read in the same situation with the contrast modulation spectacle, the axial length change significantly reversed, shortening by -9.2 microns (p<0.001 and p=0.002, respectively Student’s t test).

Conclusion: The decrease in axial length with the tested spectacles may be due to choroidal thickening. As myopia development is arrested when choroid becomes thicker, these spectacles could be tested for myopia control in a clinical trial.