A Clinical Study of the Impact of Soft Contact Lenses on the Progression of Myopia in Young Patients

PURPOSE: To assess the impact of soft contact lenses on the progression of myopia in young patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The observational study included 102 patients divided into 3 groups: MFCL (multifocal contact lenses) group: 15 girls and 9 boys, aged 8–20 ([Image: see text] = 14.12 ± 2.863) with soft multifocal contact lenses with myopia: [Image: see text] = −3.12 D ± 1.776 D and mean myopia progression −0.23 ± 0.233D after 2 years; SVCL (single vision contact lenses) group: 30 girls and 5 boys, 11–20 years old ([Image: see text] =15.5 ± 2.24) with myopia [Image: see text] = −2.88 ± 2.122 D at admission and mean myopia progression −0.54 ± 0.464 D after 2 years; the spectacle (single vision glasses) group: 25 girls and 18 boys, aged 8–18 years ([Image: see text] = 13.65 ± 2.448) with single vision glasses with myopia: [Image: see text] = −1.74 ± 1.412 D at admission and mean myopia progression −0.86 ± 0.489D after 2 years. Medical history and physical examination were performed every 6, 12, 18 and 24 months. Refractive error was examined using the autorefractometry after cycloplegia. RESULTS: The analysis of myopia correction after 2 years showed differences between MFCL and spectacle correction. The change in myopia progression after 2 years was statistically significant for MFCL vs SVCL and MFCL vs spectacle correction when the myopia occured before the period of intensive growth. When myopia occurred during the period of intensive growth, difference was noted for MFCL vs spectacle correction and SVCL vs spectacle correction. When myopia occurred after a period of intensive growth, no significant differences between the groups were observed. CONCLUSION: 1) Multifocal contact lenses and some single vision contact lenses (Biofinity) may be useful in the control of myopia in younger patients, slowing the progression of nearsightedness; therefore, they can be a therapeutic option in inhibiting the progression of myopia. 2) The best effects of using multifocal contact lenses occur if myopia is diagnosed before the period of intensive growth.