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

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.