Defocus Incorporated Multiple Segments (DIMS) spectacle lenses versus 0.01% atropine for myopia control: a randomised trial in children from Central Europe

Abstract

Background/aims The global increase in childhood myopia underscores the need for effective control strategies. This study compares the effectiveness of Defocus Incorporated Multiple Segments (DIMS) spectacle lenses versus 0.01% atropine eye drops in slowing myopia progression in European children. This report summarises 1-year outcomes from an ongoing 2-year clinical trial. Methods A total of 110 Polish children aged 6–16 years, without significant ocular pathology, were randomly assigned to two groups. Group A received single-vision spectacles plus nightly 0.01% atropine drops; group B received DIMS spectacle lenses plus nightly placebo drops. Primary outcomes were changes in cycloplegic spherical equivalent refraction (SER) and axial length, measured every 6months. Results After 12 months, mean axial elongation was 0.19±0.03mm in group A and 0.11±0.02mm in group B. Among 6–11-year olds, group A showed greater elongation (0.30±0.05mm) than group B (0.15±0.02mm). For 12–16-year olds, axial elongation was 0.10±0.02mm in group A and 0.07±0.02mm in group B. Mean SER progression was 0.37±0.06 D in group A and 0.23±0.05 D in group B. In the younger group (6–11 years), SER progression was higher in group A (0.60±0.1 D) than group B (0.25±0.05 D). Among older children (12–16 years), SER changes were similar between groups (0.19±0.05 D vs 0.21±0.08 D). Conclusion DIMS spectacle lenses demonstrated superior efficacy to the 0.01% atropine in controlling myopia progression in this cohort, particularly among children aged 6–11 years. These findings support DIMS lenses as an effective intervention for myopia control in Caucasian populations.