One-Year Comparative Evaluation of Highly Aspherical Lenslets and Horizontally Asymmetric Peripheral Defocus Lenses for Myopia Control in School-Aged Children

TL;DR

This study compared three types of lenses for controlling myopia in children over one year and found that highly aspherical lenslets were most effective in slowing eye length growth.

Contribution

The study provides new evidence that highly aspherical lenslets may be more effective than other lens designs in slowing myopia progression in children.

Findings

HAL lenses showed the smallest median change in spherical equivalent refraction compared to other lens types.

Axial elongation was significantly lower in the HAL group compared to HAPD and SVL groups.

HAPD lenses showed no advantages over standard single vision lenses in controlling myopia progression.

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of this study was to compare the one-year efficacy of three spectacle lens designs, highly aspherical lenslets (HALs), horizontally asymmetric peripheral defocus (HAPD) lenses, and standard single vision lenses (SVLs) in slowing myopia progression in school-aged children. Methods: In this prospective, non-randomized study, 57 children, aged 8–17 years, were grouped based on the type of lenses worn: HAL (n = 16), HAPD (n = 21), or SVL (n = 20). Comprehensive ophthalmologic examinations were performed at baseline, 6 months, and 12 months. Outcome measures included spherical equivalent refraction (SER), spherical refraction (SR), cylindrical refraction (CR), and axial length (AL). Data were analyzed using non-parametric tests with significance set at p < 0.05. Results: All groups showed some progression in SER and AL over 12 months. The HAL group demonstrated the smallest median SER change (−0.3 D), compared to HAPD (−0.5 D) and SVL (−0.4 D), though group differences were not statistically significant (p = 0.111). Axial elongation was significantly lower in the HAL group (0.1 mm, IQR: 0.0–0.2 mm) compared to HAPD and SVL (both 0.2 mm, p < 0.0001). CR remained stable in all groups, with no clinically meaningful changes. The HAPD groups showed no advantages over SVL in any parameter. Conclusions: Among the three lens types studied, HAL lenses were the most effective in reducing both refractive and axial myopia progression over 12 months. These findings support their use as a reliable intervention in pediatric myopia control.

Figures