Slowing myopia progression with a novel spectacle lens - 1-year, randomized double-masked, cross-over clinical trial
In brief
Novel spectacle lens reduces myopia progression by about 0.3 diopters in six months
In a 1-year crossover trial of 120 children aged 6-12, the test lens slowed spherical equivalent loss by roughly 0.3 D (and axial growth by 0.12 mm) over each six-month period compared with standard single-vision glasses. No rebound was seen when children switched back to single-vision lenses, suggesting a durable effect, though longer follow-up is needed.
- Journal
- Asia-Pacific journal of ophthalmology (Philadelphia, Pa.) (Q1)
- Published
- 25 July 2026
- Study design
- Randomized controlled trial
- Evidence level
- Level 1, High (CEBM 1b)
- Authors
- Linlin Du, Padmaja Sankaridurg, Min Tong, Bo Zhang, Zander Hattingh, Wayne Li, et al.
- PMID
- 42501949
- DOI
- 10.1016/j.apjo.2026.100354
Why clinicians should know about it
- Picked for Ophthalmology (top studies of the week, 11 October 2026): Test spectacles significantly slow myopia progression
Abstract
PURPOSE: To evaluate the effectiveness of test spectacle lens in slowing myopia progression as compared to single vision (SV) spectacle (SPL). DESIGN: Cross-over trial. SUBJECTS: 120 children aged 6-12yrs, cycloplegic spherical equivalent (SE) of -0.75D to -5.00D. INTERVENTION: Enrolled participants were randomly assigned to wear either SV or test SPL (n = 60 each group). The test SPL incorporates a central clear zone and four annular cylindrical rings in the paracentral zone with a mean surface power of +4.00D. For first six months (stage I), children wore their assigned lenses and then crossed over to wear the other lens for the second six months (stage II). OUTCOMES: Six- monthly changes in SE and AL from baseline presented as mean and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Differences between groups were assessed using multiple linear regression, adjusting for confounders. To determine potential rebound effect, progression with SV during stage II was compared to progression with SV in stage I. RESULTS: Myopia progression was significantly slower with test SPL during both stages. During stage I, the difference in progression (Δ) between test SPL and SV were 0.32D (0.21, 0.43) and 0.12mm (0.09，0.16) (P < 0.001). During stage II, myopia progressed slower by 0.25D (0.15, 0.36) and 0.11mm (0.07, 0.14) (P < 0.001) with test SPL. Progression with SV during stage I and stage II did not differ significantly (SE: -0.42 ±0.31D vs -0.51± 0.30D, p=0.119; AL: 0.19 ±0.11mm vs 0.22± 011mm, P = 0.182). CONCLUSIONS: Test spectacles significantly slow myopia in majority of eyes in 6 months and no statistically significant rebound signal was detected during the observation period.
Abstract as published, via PubMed.
For healthcare professionals. The summary is generated by AI from the published abstract, and the evidence level is assigned automatically from the study design on the Oxford CEBM hierarchy. Neither is medical advice. Read the full paper before changing practice.