Efficacy of myopia-control glasses in managing myopia progression after discontinuation of orthokeratology treatment

Abstract

Background. According to WHO projections, the rising prevalence of myopia warrants increased attention, as approximately 50% of the global population is expected to be affected by 2050. Early intervention in controlling the progression of myopia is essential to minimizing its long-term impact on quality of life. Objective(s). Synthesis on the impact of DIMS (Defocus Incorporated Multiple Segments) lenses in myopia control after Ortho-K (orthokeratology) discontinuation, focusing on AL (axial elongation). Materials and methods. For the theoretical foundation of the study, 25 scientific articles from the past 7 years were analyzed, sourced from databases such as PubMed, Web of Science, Google Scholar, Usmf.md, and Med.ro. The annual progression gradient of myopia based on axial length (GAPA) was compared between Ortho-K lens wearers and DIMS spectacle users. Results. According to statistical data, the annual progression of myopia ranges between 0.5 and 0.7 D. In a 2-year retrospective study, patients wearing Ortho-K lenses showed an increase in GAPA of 0.20±0.12 mm, while those using DIMS spectacles had 0.22±0.14 mm, with no statistically significant differences. Discontinuing Ortho-K treatment and switching to single vision glasses was followed by approximately a 57% increase in myopia progression compared to the Ortho-K treatment period. Another study demonstrated that DIMS spectacle use reduced myopia progression by 60% compared to single vision lenses (– 0.38 D for DIMS vs –0.93 D for single vision). Conclusion(s). Studies evaluate the effectiveness of Ortho-K and DIMS lenses in controlling myopia progression. Discontinuation of Ortho-K treatment may accelerate myopia progression due to rapid axial length growth. DIMS spectacles are an ideal alternative, offering comparable results without rapid progression.