Objective:

To explore the role of contact lenses in managing myopia by influencing ocular growth rather than merely correcting refractive error.

Approach:

• Optical Myopia Control: Modern contact lens designs aim to modify the optical environment of the eye to slow excessive axial elongation.
• Retinal Image Quality: The effectiveness of optical interventions is based on the influence of retinal image quality on ocular growth.
• Orthokeratology: Orthokeratology reshapes the cornea to achieve clear vision while slowing axial elongation.
• Soft Contact Lenses: Soft lenses utilize various optical strategies to create effective treatment profiles for myopia control.

Key Findings:

• Orthokeratology can slow axial elongation by approximately 40-60% over two years.
• Soft myopia-control lenses can reduce axial elongation by approximately 30-60%, depending on design.
• Choroidal thickness changes may serve as an early biomarker of treatment response.

Interpretation:

Optical interventions for myopia management should be evaluated based on their ability to influence retinal image quality and ocular growth, rather than solely on refractive correction.

Limitations:

• Inter-individual variability in treatment response.
• Clinical performance may differ based on lens design and individual optical characteristics.

Conclusion:

Contact lenses for myopia management represent a shift towards optical interventions that aim to influence ocular growth while maintaining visual performance.

Sources:

• Study on Myopia Management
• Animal Studies on Retinal Defocus
• Clinical Trials on Orthokeratology
• Soft Lens Efficacy Studies