Comparison of the effect of rigid gas permeable contact lenses, progressive multifocal lenses and single-vision glasses in delaying myopia progression in young people

Abstract

Objective To compare rigid gas permeable contact lenses (RGPCL), progressive multifocal lenses, and single-vision glasses in the role of delaying the development of myopia. Methods Eight-five cases (170 eyes) 9 to 14 years old young people with -1.00- -4.00 D of myopia were divided into 3 groups. The RGPCL group (30 cases) with astigmatism less than 1/2 of spherical; the multifocal lenses group (30 cases) with near esophoria and accommodative lag ≥+0.25 D; and the single-vision glasses group (25 cases). Basic information of the 3 groups showed no significant differences. Patients were required to wear their corrective lenses 6 hours a day. Biological parameters were measured and compared after one year. One-Way ANOVA was used to analyzed the data. Results Myopia progression was found in all 3 groups. The equivalent refractive increase in myopia in the RGPCL group was (-0.48±0.42)D, in the multifocal lenses group was (-0.54±0.36)D, and in the single-vision glasses group was (-0.93±0.53)D. Comparisons for the 3 groups differed significantly (F=29.36, P=0.01). Axial length and anterior chamber depth increased and there was a tendency for the comeal curvature to flatten and the lens to become thinner in all 3 groups. However, the differences in the changes for the groups were not statistically significant. Conclusion Compared to single-vision glasses, progressive multifocal lenses for near esophoria and RGPCL lenses may slow the progression of myopia. But both methods can not prevent myopia progression. Key words: Myopia; Contact lens, rigid gas permeable; Progressive multifocal lens; Single-vision glasses