Retinal Shadows Produced by Myopia Control Spectacles

Abstract

Purpose: To analyse OCT images of the retinal shadows caused by defocus and diffusion optics spectacles.

Methods: One right eye was fitted successively with the Hoya Defocus Incorporated Multiple Segments (DIMS) spectacle, two variations of the +3.50D peripheral add spectacle (Novar Defocus), and the low-contrast dot lens (Diffusion Optics Multiple Segments, DOMS), each at a vertex distance of 12 mm. Simultaneously a retinal image of the macular region with central fixation was obtained using infrared optical coherence tomography (OCT). The corneal curvature and intraocular distances were determined using an optical biometer.

Results: The retinal images for the DIMS and DOMS lenses showed a pattern of clear retinal shadows in the periphery, while the central 10 – 11° remained clear. The Novar Defocus, produced a darkened peripheral area. Dividing the size of the retinal pattern, measured with the calliper of the OCT software, by actual size on the spectacle lens gave a magnification of 0.57 times. Based on the ocular biometry, the magnification of the retinal patterns was estimated at 0.46 times, meaning that the shadows in the OCT images were slightly further away from the fovea than where the wearer would observe them. The source of this discrepancy was probably the angle of the scanning OCT beam, which is not parallel to the optical axis.

Conclusion: With device-specific correction, retinal OCT images can help visualize the regions affected by the defocus or lowered contrast induced by myopia control spectacles. This is of potential value for improving myopia therapies.

Note:
Funding Information: None.

Declaration of Interests: None of the authors has any conflicts of interest related to this submission.

Ethics Approval Statement: This study was conducted in accordance with the tenets of the Declaration of Helsinki and the Ethics Committee of the Argentinian Society of Ophthalmology who was consulted stated that no approval was needed as there were no patients involved in the study.

Keywords: Myopia Control Spectacles Retinal Shadows