Impact of Myopia Control Spectacle Lenses on Visual Functions in Young Adults: A Comprehensive Evaluation.

Purpose: To evaluate the impact of a myopia control (MC) spectacle lens incorporating peripheral defocus on functional visual parameters compared to conventional single vision (SV) lenses. Methods: Thirty-nine young adults (age 21.1 ± 1.3 years; spherical equivalent -2.85 ± 2.8 D) participated in this single-session, within-subject crossover design. Distance and near LogMAR VA were assessed centrally and at 22° nasal and temporal off-axis. Distance contrast sensitivity (CS) was measured across five spatial frequencies (1.5-18 cpd) and the Area Under the Log CS Function (AULCSF) calculated. Retinal sensitivity was evaluated using automated static perimetry. Dynamic visual performance was assessed using a standardized video game platform. Outcomes were compared using repeated measures ANOVA or Wilcoxon signed-rank tests. Results: Central VA was comparable between lens types. MC lenses significantly reduced off-axis distance VA (nasal: 0.35 ± 0.15 LogMAR; temporal: 0.20 ± 0.14 LogMAR; both p < 0.001) and near VA (nasal: 0.72 ± 0.25 LogMAR; temporal: 0.34 ± 0.2 LogMAR; both p < 0.001). Off-axis AULCSF was significantly reduced with MC lenses (nasal: 12.07 ± 5.06 vs. 26.37 ± 5.00 units; temporal: 13.00 ± 6.93 vs. 27.14 ± 4.64 units; both p < 0.001), while central AULCSF remained similar between lens types (SV: 27.87 ± 5.04 vs. MC: 27.15 ± 5.02 units; p = 0.277). No significant differences were found for visual field indices (all p > 0.05). Video game accuracy was comparable between lenses, but task completion time was slower with MC lenses (20.71 ± 10.08 vs. 18.39 ± 6.65 s; p = 0.012). Conclusions: MC spectacle lenses preserve central VA, CS, and visual field sensitivity but induce significant off-axis VA and off-axis CS reductions. Dynamic visuomotor accuracy is maintained, though task completion speed is modestly reduced. These functional trade-offs should be considered when prescribing MC lenses.