Young adults who previously wore defocus incorporated multiple segments (DIMS) spectacle lenses reported high long-term satisfaction and confidence in their effectiveness for slowing myopia progression, but the cost of the lenses was a major barrier to continued use, according to a study.
The retrospective mixed-methods study included 63 former child participants, now aged 17 to 23 years, who had taken part in a DIMS clinical trial 8 to 10 years earlier. Two years after the trial ended, participants completed an online questionnaire and in-depth phone interviews about their experiences.
Lens durability and ease of maintenance were the strongest drivers of long-term satisfaction, alongside favorable perceptions of appearance.
According to the interviews, most participants’ DIMS spectacle use began at the direction of their parents and involved a manageable period of sensory adaptation. Participants also reported strong perceptions of efficacy based on their personal experiences.
Despite the positive experience, only one-third of participants continued using DIMS lenses. The decision to discontinue use was overwhelmingly attributed to the high cost of the spectacles.
Reference
Leung TW, Zhang HY, Lam CSY, et al. The Long-Term Patient Journey with DIMS Spectacle Lenses: A Mixed-Methods Study of Satisfaction, Adherence and Socioeconomic Barriers. Ophthalmic Physiol Opt. 2026;doi: 10.1007/s44402-026-00162-9. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 42563074.
Related Content
