Change In Spherical Equivalent Refraction Research Articles

Effect of artificial natural light on the development of myopia among primary school-age children in China: a three-year longitudinal study.

To assess the efficacy of artificial natural light in preventing incident myopia in primary school-age children. This is a prospective, randomized control, intervention study. A total of 1840 students from 39 classes in 4 primary schools in Foshan participated in this study. The whole randomization method was adopted to include classes as a group according to 1:1 randomized control. Classrooms in the control group were illuminated by usual light, and classrooms in the intervention group were illuminated by artificial natural light. All students received uncorrected visual acuity and best-corrected visual acuity measurement, non-cycloplegic autorefraction, ocular biometric examination, slit lamp and strabismus examination. Three-year follow-up, the students underwent same procedures. Myopia was defined as spherical equivalent refraction ≤ -0.50 D and uncorrected visual acuity <20/20. There were 894 students in the control group and 946 students in the intervention group with a mean±SD age of 7.50±0.53y. The three-year cumulative incidence rate of myopia was 26.4% (207 incident cases among 784 eligible participants at baseline) in the control group and 21.2% (164 incident cases among 774 eligible participants at baseline) in the intervention group [difference of 5.2% (95%CI, 3.7% to 10.1%); P=0.035]. There was also a significant difference in the three-year change in spherical equivalent refraction for the control group (-0.81 D) compared with the intervention group [-0.63 D; difference of 0.18 D (95%CI, 0.08 to 0.28 D); P<0.001]. Elongation of axial length was significantly different between in the control group (0.77 mm) and the intervention group [0.72 mm; difference of 0.05 mm (95%CI, 0.01 to 0.09 mm); P=0.003]. Artificial natural light in the classroom of primary schools can result in reducing incidence rate of myopia during a period of three years.

Effectiveness of orthokeratology and myopia control spectacles in a real-world setting in China

ObjectiveTo compare the effectiveness of myopia control in Chinese children, who had been wearing either orthokeratology (ortho-k) lenses or myopia control spectacles (MCS) for one year. MethodsRelevant data were retrieved from 212 patients, with baseline myopia of −5.00 to −0.75 D, astigmatism ≤ 1.50 D, who had been undergoing myopia control treatment with either ortho-k (Euclid (OK1) or CRT (OK2)) or MCS (Stellest (MCS1) or DIMS (MCS2)) for at least one year. Myopia control effectiveness among the four groups was compared based on the change in spherical equivalent refraction (SER) (for the spectacle groups) and axial length (AL) (for all groups). Data retrieved, from the right eye only, included best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), SER, and AL at both the initial clinic visit (baseline) and the one-year visit was analysed. ResultsAlthough no significant differences in gender, cylindrical power, or BCVA were observed at the baseline visit (P > 0.05), there were significant differences in baseline age, myopia, and AL among the four groups (P < 0.05). No significant difference in axial elongation (AE) was found among the four groups after one year of treatment (P = 0.49). AE, adjusted for baseline age and spherical power, were 0.19 ± 0.15, 0.18 ± 0.14, 0.19 ± 0.19, 0.20 ± 0.18 mm for OK1, OK2, MCS1, MCS2, respectively. Only age was a significantly factor associated with AE and SER increase (P < 0.05), with negative associations between AE and age in all groups and positive association between SER increase and baseline age in the spectacle groups observed. ConclusionBoth brands of ortho-k lenses and MCS had similar myopia control effectiveness for mild to moderate myopic children treated in a real-world setting in China. Average AE in one year ranged from 0.18 to 0.20 mm, comparable to previous reports on myopia control using ortho-k.

Study of myopia progression and risk factors in Hubei children aged 7–10 years using machine learning: a longitudinal cohort

BackgroundTo investigate the trend of refractive error among elementary school students in grades 1 to 3 in Hubei Province, analyze the relevant factors affecting myopia progression, and develop a model to predict myopia progression and the risk of developing high myopia in children.MethodsLongitudinal study. Using a cluster-stratified sampling method, elementary school students in grades 1 to 3 (15,512 in total) from 17 cities in Hubei Province were included as study subjects. Visual acuity, cycloplegic autorefraction, and height and weight measurements were performed for three consecutive years from 2019 to 2021. Basic information about the students, parental myopia and education level, and the students’ behavioral habits of using the eyes were collected through questionnaires.ResultsThe baseline refractive errors of children in grades 1 ~ 3 in Hubei Province in 2019 were 0.20 (0.11, 0.27)D, −0.14 (−0.21, 0.06)D, and − 0.29 (−0.37, −0.22)D, respectively, and the annual myopia progression was − 0.65 (−0.74, −0.63)D, −0.61 (−0.73, −0.59)D and − 0.59 (−0.64, −0.51)D, with the prevalence of myopia increasing from 17.56%, 20.9%, and 34.08% in 2019 to 24.16%, 32.24%, and 40.37% in 2021 (Χ2 = 63.29, P < 0.001). With growth, children’s refractive error moved toward myopia, and the quantity of myopic progression gradually diminished. (F = 291.04, P = 0.027). The myopia progression in boys was less than that in girls in the same grade (P < 0.001). The change in spherical equivalent refraction in myopic children was smaller than that in hyperopic and emmetropic children (F = 59.28, P < 0.001), in which the refractive change in mild myopia, moderate myopia, and high myopia children gradually increased (F = 73.12, P < 0.001). Large baseline refractive error, large body mass index, and high frequency of eating sweets were risk factors for myopia progression, while parental intervention and strong eye-care awareness were protective factors for delaying myopia progression. The nomogram graph predicted the probability of developing high myopia in children and found that baseline refraction had the greatest predictive value.ConclusionMyopia progression varies by age, sex, and myopia severity. Baseline refraction is the most important factor in predicting high myopia in childhood. we should focus on children with large baseline refraction or young age of onset of myopia in clinical myopia prevention and control.

Choroidal thickness as a biomarker for axial length change

Aims/Purpose: Assessing axial eye growth is a key component in myopia management; however, access to biometry is limited in primary eye care settings. This study evaluated choroidal thickness, compared to spherical equivalent refraction, as a potential biomarker of axial elongation.Methods: The Myopia Outcome Study of Atropine in Children (MOSAIC) is a double‐blind, randomized controlled trial of 0.01% atropine eye drops. Irish myopic participants aged 6–16 years used either 0.01% atropine or placebo eye drops nightly for 2 years. Spherical equivalent refraction (SER) was measured by cycloplegic autorefraction, axial length (AL) by partial coherence interferometry and choroidal thickness (ChT) by Swept Source‐OCT. The respective 12‐month changes in both eyes were included in mixed linear regression analysis, while controlling for treatment group and within‐subject correlation. ROC analysis was conducted to assess the ability of ChT and/or SER to identify eyes in the top 25% (fast progressors) of AL change.Results: Of the 250 participants enrolled in MOSAIC (mean age 11.8 years, 62% female), 217 (87%) completed the 12‐month visit. Mean 12‐month change in AL, ChT and SER were 0.268 ± 0.19 mm, −3.62 ± 33.3 um and −0.437 ± 0.346 DS respectively. Analysis revealed a significant association between change in ChT and AL (−0.01 ± 0.002 mm per 10 μm; p &lt; 0.001) and change in SER and AL (−0.28 ± 0.02 mm per 1D; p &lt; 0.001). When both SER and ChT were combined in a single model, a 1D myopic change in SER and a 10um decrease in ChT were associated with a 0.27 mm (p &lt; 0.001) and 0.007 mm increase in AL (p = 0.002), respectively. ROC analysis revealed that change in ChT was a stronger predictor of fast AL progression (AUC = 0.77) compared to SER change (AUC = 0.72), with the combined model performing better than either variable alone (AUC = 0.80).Conclusions: ChT change was significantly associated with AL change over 12 months and better than SER alone at identifying fast AL progressors, with a combined SER and ChT model achieving the best results.

Changes in Refractive Error During Young Adulthood: The Effects of Longitudinal Screen Time, Ocular Sun Exposure, and Genetic Predisposition.

Changes in refractive error during young adulthood is common yet risk factors at this age are largely unexplored. This study explored risk factors for these changes, including gene-environmental interactions. Spherical equivalent refraction (SER) and axial length (AL) for 624 community-based adults were measured at 20 (baseline) and 28 years old. Participants were genotyped and their polygenic scores (PGS) for refractive error calculated. Self-reported screen time (computer, television, and mobile devices) from 20 to 28 years old were collected prospectively and longitudinal trajectories were generated. Past sun exposure was quantified using conjunctival ultraviolet autofluorescence (CUVAF) area. Median change in SER and AL were -0.023 diopters (D)/year (interquartile range [IQR] = -0.062 to -0.008) and +0.01 mm/year (IQR = 0.000 to 0.026), respectively. Sex, baseline myopia, parental myopia, screen time, CUVAF, and PGS were significantly associated with myopic shift. Collectively, these factors accounted for approximately 20% of the variance in refractive error change, with screen time, CUVAF, and PGS each explaining approximately 1% of the variance. Four trajectories for total screen time were found: "consistently low" (n = 148), "consistently high" (n = 250), "consistently very high" (n = 76), and "increasing" (n = 150). Myopic shift was faster in those with "consistently high" or "consistently very high" screen time compared to "consistently-low" (P ≤ 0.031). For each z-score increase in PGS, changes in SER and AL increased by -0.005 D/year and 0.002 mm/year (P ≤ 0.045). Of the three types of screen time, only computer time was associated with myopic shift (P ≤ 0.040). There was no two- or three-way interaction effect between PGS, CUVAF, or screen time (P ≥ 0.26). Higher total or computer screen time, less sun exposure, and genetic predisposition are each independently associated with greater myopic shifts during young adulthood. Given that these factors explained only a small amount of the variance, there are likely other factors driving refractive error change during young adulthood.

Development and progression of myopia in emmetropic children in Turkey

Aims: To investigate the development and progression of myopia in emmetrope school-aged children in Turkey.&#x0D; Methods: This retrospective study included emmetrope children aged 6-18 who attended the ophthalmology clinic for regular eye and refractive examinations between 2010 and 2021. Individuals were examined at least twice for six months period. Myopia progression was calculated as the difference between the baseline and the last visit spherical equivalent refractive (SER) values. Individuals were further categorized to determine the age-specific myopia development and progression as 6-11, 12-16, and 17-18 age groups based on the school periods of the country. According to the change in SER values, individuals were classified into those who remain emmetrope and those who develop myopia. &#x0D; Results: A total of 738 eyes of 369 children (222 female, 147 male) with a mean age of 9.4 ± 2.98 (6-18) years were included in the study. The mean follow-up time of patients was 45.62 ± 26.36 (6-130) months. The baseline mean SER value was -0.01 ± 0.10 D (range: -0.375 and +0.375) and -0.44 ± 0.8 (range: -5.00 and +0.375) at the final visit. The overall mean progression was -0.12 ± 0.25 D/year (range: -2.21 and +0.36). 234 eyes (31.75%) developed myopia, and annual SER change was -0.38 ± 0.31 D/year (p

A systematic review and meta-analysis of the efficacy of different optical interventions on the control of myopia in children.

To compare the treatment efficacy of childhood myopia control optical interventions [spectacles, soft contact lenses (SCLs) and orthokeratology (OK) lenses], explore the consistency of treatment efficacies during the treatment period and evaluate the impact of baseline spherical equivalent refraction (SER), axial length (AL) and age on the treatment effect. A literature search of EMBASE, PubMed and Google Scholar databases identified 220 articles published between January 2000 and April 2022, which reported the treatment efficacy by differences in the SER and AL change between intervention and control groups. Thirty-five articles were included in the analysis. Treatment effect sizes (ESs) were calculated, where more positive and negative directions indicated greater treatment efficacy for SER and AL respectively. For SER, the ESs with peripheral add design spectacles (0.66) and SCLs (0.53) were large but not significantly different between treatment types (p = 0.69). For AL, ESs with peripheral add design spectacles (-0.37), SCLs (-0.55) and OK lenses (-0.93) were large, but OK lenses had a significantly greater effect than peripheral add design spectacles (p ≤ 0.001). ESs were large during the first 12 months of treatment for all interventions [peripheral add design SCLs and OK (F ≥ 5.39, p ≤ 0.01), peripheral add design spectacles (F = 0.47, p = 0.63)] but reduced towards the end of 24-36 months of treatment. Baseline SER had an impact on the treatment effect with peripheral add design spectacles only. Optical interventions are efficacious in controlling childhood myopia progression. However, treatment effects were largest only during the first 12 months of treatment and reduced over time.

Development and progression of myopia in children during the COVID-19 pandemic in urban area in Turkey.

To investigate the relationship between digital screen time and the development and progression of myopia during the 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. Children aged 7-18years who had regular refractive measurement follow-ups before and after the COVID-19 pandemic were included in the study. They were divided into two groups according to their initial refractive status, emmetropic and myopic. The relationship between spherical equivalent refraction (SER) changes and digital screen time before and after the pandemic was analyzed. A total of 255 children were included in the study. During the pandemic in the emmetropic group, digital screen time increased by 5.98 ± 2.13h/day, and the mean SER decreased from - 0.02 to - 0.55 D (p < 0.001). During the pandemic in the myopic group, the digital screen time increased by 6.25 ± 2.36h, and the mean SER decreased from - 1.82 to - 2.72 D (p < 0.001). A significant correlation was found between the increase in digital screen time and the change in SER in the emmetropic and myopic groups (r = - 0.261, p = 0.015, r = - 0.269, p = 0.001, respectively). Increased digital screen time during the COVID-19 pandemic is associated with a myopic shift in emmetropic children and myopic progression in myopic children. As a result of COVID-19, increasing cases of myopia should be addressed as a public health concern.

0.05% atropine on control of myopia progression in Chinese school children: a randomized 3-year clinical trial.

To evaluate the effect of 0.05% atropine on the control of myopia for 2y (phase I) and on spherical equivalent refraction (SER) progression for 1y (phase II) after its withdrawal in Chinese myopic children. Totally 142 children with myopia were randomly assigned to the 0.05% atropine group or to the placebo group. In phase I, children received 1 treatment for each eye daily. In phase II, the patients received no treatment. Axial length (AL), SER, intraocular pressure (IOP) and atropine-related side effects were assessed at 6 months' intervals. During phase I, the mean change of SER was -0.46±0.30 D in the atropine group, compared to -1.72±1.12 D in the placebo group (P<0.001). The mean change of AL in the atropine group (0.26±0.30 mm) was significantly shorter than that in the placebo group (0.76±0.62 mm, P=0.002). In addition, in phase II (12mo after the withdrawal of atropine), there was no significant difference in AL change from the atropine group, when compared with that from the placebo group (0.31±0.25 mm vs 0.28±0.26 mm, P>0.05). Furthermore, the change in SER from the atropine group was 0.50±0.41 D, which was significantly lower than 0.72±0.60 D from placebo group, (P<0.05). Finally, there were no statistically significant differences in IOP between the treatment and control groups at any stages (all P>0.05). The use of 0.05% atropine for two consecutive years may effectively control elongation of AL and thus progression of myopia, without significant SER progression 1y after atropine withdrawal. Therefore, treatment with 0.05% atropine daily for 2y is effective and safe.

Interventions for myopia control in children: a living systematic review and network meta-analysis.

Interventions for myopia control in children: a living systematic review and network meta-analysis.

Effect of 0.02% and 0.01% atropine on ocular biometrics: A two-year clinical trial.

Several studies have shown that various concentrations of low-concentration atropine can reduce myopia progression and control axial elongation safely and efficiently in children. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of 0.02% and 0.01% atropine on ocular biometrics. Cohort study. 138 and 142 children were randomized to use either 0.02% or 0.01% atropine eye drops, respectively. They wore single-vision (SV) spectacles, with one drop of atropine applied to both eyes nightly. Controls (N = 120) wore only SV spectacles. Ocular and corneal astigmatism were calculated using Thibos vector analysis and split into J0 and J45. The changes in cycloplegic spherical equivalent refraction (SER) and axial length (AL) were -0.81 ± 0.52D, -0.94 ± 0.59D, and -1.33 ± 0.72D; and 0.62 ± 0.29 mm, 0.72 ± 0.31 mm, and 0.89 ± 0.35 mm in the 0.02% and 0.01% atropine and control groups, respectively (all P < 0.05). Both anterior chamber depth (ACD) and ocular astigmatism (including J0) increased, and lens power decreased in the three groups (all P < 0.05). However, there were no differences in the changes in ACD, ocular astigmatism, and lens power among the three groups (all P > 0.05). Intraocular pressure (IOP), corneal curvature, ocular astigmatism J45, and corneal astigmatism (including J0 and J45) remained stable over time in the three groups (all P > 0.05). The contributions to SER progression from the changes in AL, lens and corneal power of the three groups were similar (P > 0.05). The contribution of AL change alone to the change in SER was 56.3%, 63.4% and 78.2% in the above corresponding three groups. After 2 years, 0.02% and 0.01% atropine had no clinical effects on corneal and lens power, ocular and corneal astigmatism, ACD or IOP compared to the control group. 0.02% and 0.01% atropine helped to control myopia progression mainly by reducing AL elongation.

Low Dose Atropine in Preventing the Progression of Childhood Myopia: A Randomised Controlled Trial

Purpose To study the efficacy of low dose atropine (0.01%) eye drops in preventing myopia progression in children by comparing the mean change in spherical equivalent (diopter) and axial length (mm) over a period of one year to a control group and study its effect on near vision, pupil size, keratometry and pachymetry. Methods 200 eyes of 100 myopic children were randomized into two groups based on a computer-generated random number table. The treatment group was administered 0.01% atropine eye drop once at bedtime and control group was administered a placebo. The follow up was done 3-monthly for 12 months by assessing the mean change in spherical equivalent and mean change in axial length. Other parameters like near vision, pupil size, keratometry and pachymetry were assessed at each follow up. Result The study was age and sex matched. The mean change in spherical equivalent refraction and axial length was significantly lower in the treatment group (0.31 ± 0.55 D; 0.11 ± 0.22 mm) than the placebo group (0.80 ± 1.65 D; 0.23 ± 0.44 D) (p-value: 0.003). Less steepening of the corneal curvature was observed in the treatment group (0.16 ± 0.28 D vs 0.29 ± 0.3 D; p < 0.001) and the mean change in pachymetry was comparable between the groups (0.00 ± 0.01) (p-value 0.489). No significant change was seen in near vision (96% of the eyes with atropine had no change in near vision; 2% of the eyes had a change of near vision by one line (p-value 0.500); 2% had a change by 3 lines (p-value: 0.07) or pupil size following treatment. Conclusion The use of 0.01% atropine eye drop reduced the progression of myopia over the study period of one year with no significant changes in near vision, pupil size. No patient reported any systemic and local side effects with administration of 0.01% atropine eye drop.

Changes in refraction after cataract phacoemulsification surgery

PurposeAfter cataract phacoemulsification surgery, spherical equivalent refraction (SER) may be affected by factors including corneal curvature, effective lens position and axial length. While refractive outcomes have been assessed in the immediate post-operative period, longer-term changes in refraction have not been reported. The purpose of this study was to investigate the timeline changes in refraction after cataract surgery over a period of 3 years.MethodsThis was a retrospective observational study that included 344 eyes of 204 patients who underwent cataract emulsification surgery between 1 January and 31 December 2018 at two private hospitals. Keratometry, anterior chamber depth (ACD), central corneal thickness (CCT) and axial length were measured at baseline and post-operatively at 1 month, 1 year, 2 years and 3 years. Changes in SER and ocular parameters were assessed at each post-operative timepoint.ResultsBetween 1 month and 3 years post-operatively, an overall myopic shift (0.32 ± 0.21 D, p < 0.001) occurred in 33.6% of eyes and a hypermetropic shift in 45.2% of eyes (0.35 ± 0.22 D, p < 0.001). In 21.2% of eyes, there was no reported change in SER between 1 month and 3 years. Significant changes in ACD (p = 0.04) and CCT (p < 0.001) occurred during the first year after surgery.ConclusionThe 3-year timeline changes in SER after cataract surgery were evaluated. As hypermetropic shift was the most common refractive change observed, it may be beneficial to aim for a more myopic post-operative refraction target. Patients should be advised of the potential for refractive changes after surgery.

Effect of Text Messaging Parents of School-Aged Children on Outdoor Time to Control Myopia

Myopia in school-aged children is a public health issue worldwide; consequently, effective interventions to prevent onset and progression are required. To investigate whether SMS text messages to parents increase light exposure and time outdoors in school-aged children and provide effective myopia control. This randomized clinical trial was conducted in China from May 2017 to May 2018, with participants observed for 3 years. Of 528 965 primary school-aged children from Anyang, 3113 were randomly selected. Of these, 268 grade 2 schoolchildren were selected and randomly assigned to SMS and control groups. Data were analyzed from June to December 2021. Parents of children in the SMS group were sent text messages twice daily for 1 year to take their children outdoors. All children wore portable light meters to record light exposure on 3 randomly selected days (2 weekdays and 1 weekend day) before and after the intervention. The co-primary outcomes were change in axial length (axial elongation) and change in spherical equivalent refraction (myopic shift) from baseline as measured at the end of the intervention and 3 years later. A secondary outcome was myopia prevalence. Of 268 grade 2 schoolchildren, 121 (45.1%) were girls, and the mean (SD) age was 8.4 (0.3) years. Compared with the control group, the SMS intervention group demonstrated greater light exposure and higher time outdoors during weekends, and the intervention had significant effect on axial elongation (coefficient, 0.09; 95% CI, 0.02-0.17; P = .01). Axial elongation was lower in the SMS group than in the control group during the intervention (0.27 mm [95% CI, 0.24-0.30] vs 0.31 mm [95% CI, 0.29-0.34]; P = .03) and at year 2 (0.39 mm [95% CI, 0.35-0.42] vs 0.46 mm [95% CI, 0.42-0.50]; P = .009) and year 3 (0.30 mm [95% CI, 0.27-0.33] vs 0.35 mm [95% CI, 0.33-0.37]; P = .005) after the intervention. Myopic shift was lower in the SMS group than in the control group at year 2 (-0.69 diopters [D] [95% CI, -0.78 to -0.60] vs -0.82 D [95% CI, -0.91 to -0.73]; P = .04) and year 3 (-0.47 D [95% CI, -0.54 to -0.39] vs -0.60 D [95% CI, -0.67 to -0.53]; P = .01) after the intervention, as was myopia prevalence (year 2: 38.3% [51 of 133] vs 51.1% [68 of 133]; year 3: 46.6% [62 of 133] vs 65.4% [87 of 133]). In this randomized clinical trial, SMS text messages to parents resulted in lower axial elongation and myopia progression in schoolchildren over 3 years, possibly through increased outdoor time and light exposure, showing promise for reducing myopia prevalence. Chinese Clinical Trial Registry Identifier: ChiCTR-IOC-17010525.

Effect of the combined application of orthokeratology and single-vision spectacles on slowing the progression of high myopia: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Purpose:The purpose of the study was to conduct a meta-analysis about the effect of the combined application of orthokeratology and single-vision spectacles on slowing the progression of high myopia.Methods:The literature was searched in PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, Wang Fang Data, CNKI and sinoMed. The Cochrane Handbook was used to evaluate the quality of the included randomized clinical trials, and the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale was used to evaluate the included case–control or cohort studies. The results were analyzed by Revman 5.3.Results:Five studies (2 randomized clinical trials, 2 case–controls, and 1 cohort study) with a total of 360 patients were included in this meta-analysis. The follow-up time was at least 1 year. Combined application of orthokeratology and single-vision spectacles were used in the experimental group. The control group used single-vision spectacles only. The pooled estimates indicated that the standardized mean difference between the 2 groups was –1.46 mm (95% confidence interval: –1.88 to –1.05; P < .05) for axial length elongation and –1.85D (95% confidence interval: –2.40 to –1.31; P < .05) for change in spherical equivalent refraction. No serious adverse events were reported in all studies.Conclusion:The combined application of orthokeratology and single-vision spectacles is more effective than single-vision spectacles only on slowing the progression of high myopia.

Efficacy of 0.01% atropine for myopia control in a randomized, placebo-controlled trial depends on baseline electroretinal response

This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of 18-month 0.01% atropine in 61 myopic children (aged 7–10) and the relationship with central retinal response (by multifocal electroretinogram [mfERG]) in a double-masked randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial. Global-flash mfERG was measured at baseline, while cycloplegic spherical equivalent refraction (SER) and axial length (AL) were measured at baseline and at 6-month intervals. Annualized change in SER and AL were compared between atropine and control groups, and the relationships with baseline mfERG were evaluated. Changes in SER (−0.70 ± 0.39D vs. −0.66 ± 0.41D, p = 0.63) and AL (0.32 ± 0.16 mm vs. 0.30 ± 0.22 mm, p = 0.52) were similar in atropine and control groups. Interestingly, in the placebo group, mfERG amplitude was negatively correlated with axial elongation (Rp = −0.44, p = 0.03) as in our previous study. However, in the atropine group, an opposite trend was observed that axial elongation was positively correlated with mfERG amplitude (Ra = 0.37, p = 0.04). Annualized myopia progression demonstrated similar opposite effect between atropine and placebo groups but did not reach statistical significance. An ERG screening protocol may be warranted to identify suitable candidates to reduce the likelihood of an unfavorable treatment response by 0.01% atropine.

Spectacle Lenses With Aspherical Lenslets for Myopia Control vs Single-Vision Spectacle Lenses

Reducing myopia progression can reduce the risk of associated ocular pathologies. To evaluate whether spectacle lenses with higher lenslet asphericity have a higher myopia control efficacy throughout 2 years. This double-masked randomized clinical trial was conducted between July 2018 and October 2020 at the Eye Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University in Wenzhou, China. Children aged 8 to 13 years with a cycloplegic spherical equivalent refraction (SER) of -0.75 D to -4.75 D and astigmatism with less than -1.50 D were recruited. A data and safety monitoring committee reviewed findings from a planned interim analysis in 2019. Participants were randomly assigned in a 1:1:1 ratio to receive spectacle lenses with highly aspherical lenslets (HAL), spectacle lenses with slightly aspherical lenslets (SAL), or single-vision spectacle lenses (SVL). Two-year changes in SER and axial length and their differences between groups. Of 157 participants who completed each visit (mean [SD] age, 10.4 [1.2] years), 54 were analyzed in the HAL group, 53 in the SAL group, and 50 in the SVL group. Mean (SE) 2-year myopia progression in the SVL group was 1.46 (0.09) D. Compared with SVL, the mean (SE) change in SER was less for HAL (by 0.80 [0.11] D) and SAL (by 0.42 [0.11] D; P ≤ .001). The mean (SE) increase in axial length was 0.69 (0.04) mm for SVL. Compared with SVL, increase in axial length was slowed by a mean (SE) of 0.35 (0.05) mm for HAL and 0.18 (0.05) mm for SAL (P ≤ .001). Compared with SVL, for children who wore HAL at least 12 hours every day, the mean (SE) change in SER was slowed by 0.99 (0.12) D, and increase in axial length slowed by 0.41 (0.05) mm. In this study, HAL and SAL reduced the rate of myopia progression and axial elongation throughout 2 years, with higher efficacy for HAL. Longer wearing hours resulted in better myopia control efficacy for HAL. Chinese Clinical Trial Registry Identifier: ChiCTR1800017683.

Coronavirus disease 2019 outbreak and associated public health measures increase the progression of myopia among children and adolescents: Evidence synthesis

PurposeAlthough studies have suggested that the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) outbreak increased myopia progression, they had different settings and analysis methods. This study compared myopia progression before and during the COVID‐19 outbreak using meta‐analysis.MethodsRelevant literature was searched on EMBASE, PubMed, ClinEpiDB and Web of Science and reviewed until 8 October 2021. The Newcastle–Ottawa Scale was used to evaluate the quality of the original studies. The mean difference of change in spherical equivalent refraction (SER) was used for evaluation before and during the COVID‐19 pandemic.ResultsThe meta‐analysis included eight studies with 773, 797 individuals aged 5–18 years. Pooled analysis indicated that the mean difference of annual myopia progression during the pandemic was 0.41 D higher (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.35–0.48, p < 0.01) than before the pandemic. Subgroup analysis using cycloplegic (mean difference, 0.30 D; 95% CI, 0.22–0.38; p < 0.01) or noncycloplegic refraction (mean difference, 0.60 D; 95% CI, 0.27–0.93; p < 0.01) indicated that the mean difference of annual myopia progression during COVID‐19 significantly increased in both refractive measurements.ConclusionOur findings demonstrated that the COVID‐19 pandemic accelerated myopic progression compared to the past. Government policies are urgently required to prevent and control myopia progression.

Association Between Color Vision Deficiency and Myopia in Chinese Children Over a Five-Year Period.

PurposeTo explore the relationship of color vision deficiency with myopia progression and axial elongation in Chinese primary school children during a five-year cohort study.MethodsA total of 2849 grade 1 students (aged 7.1 ± 0.4 years) from 11 primary schools were enrolled and followed up for five years. Cycloplegic autorefraction and axial length were measured annually. Color vision testing was performed using Ishihara's test and the City University color vision test.ResultsThe prevalence of color vision deficiency was 1.68%, with 2.81% in boys and 0.16% in girls. Color-deficient cases consisted of 91.6% deutan and 8.3% protan. Over the five years, the cumulative incidence of myopia was 35.4% (17/48) in the color-vision deficiency group, which was lower than the 56.7% (1017/1794) in the color normal group (P = 0.004). Over the five-year study period, the change in spherical equivalent refraction in the color vision–deficiency group (−1.81 D) was also significantly lower than that in the color normal group (−2.41 D) (P = 0.002).ConclusionsThe lower incidence and slower progression of myopia in children with color-vision deficiency over the five-year follow-up period suggest that color-deficient individuals are less susceptible to myopia onset and development.

Time spent outdoors as an intervention for myopia prevention and control in children: an overview of systematic reviews

PurposeOutdoor light exposure is considered a safe and effective strategy to reduce myopia development and aligns with existing public health initiatives to promote healthier lifestyles in children. However, it is unclear whether this strategy reduces myopia progression in eyes that are already myopic. This study aims to conduct an overview of systematic reviews (SRs) reporting time spent outdoors as a strategy to prevent myopia or slow its progression in children.MethodsWe searched the Cochrane Library, EMBASE, MEDLINE and CINAHL from inception to 1 November 2020 to identify SRs that evaluated the association between outdoor light exposure and myopia development or progression in children. Outcomes included incident myopia, prevalent myopia and change in spherical equivalent refraction (SER) and axial length (AL) to evaluate annual rates of myopia progression. The methodological quality and risk of bias of included SRs were assessed using the AMSTAR‐2 and ROBIS tools, respectively.ResultsSeven SRs were identified, which included data from 47 primary studies with 63,920 participants. Pooled estimates (risk or odds ratios) consistently demonstrated that time outdoors was associated with a reduction in prevalence and incidence of myopia. In terms of slowing progression in eyes that were already myopic, the reported annual reductions in SER and AL from baseline were small (0.13–0.17 D) and regarded as clinically insignificant. Methodological quality assessment using AMSTAR‐2 found that all reviews had one or more critical flaws and the ROBIS tool identified a low risk of bias in only two of the included SRs.ConclusionThis overview found that increased exposure to outdoor light reduces myopia development. However, based on annual change in SER and AL, there is insufficient evidence for a clinically significant effect on myopia progression. The poor methodological quality and inconsistent reporting of the included systematic reviews reduce confidence in the estimates of effect.