Myopia control spectacle lenses linked to reduced off-axis contrast sensitivity

Young adults wearing myopia control (MC) spectacle lenses with peripheral defocus maintained normal central visual acuity and contrast sensitivity, but experienced significant reductions in off-axis vision and slower task completion during a visuomotor performance test, according to a study.

The single-session crossover study included 39 young adults with a mean age of 21.1 years and a mean spherical equivalent of -2.85 D. Investigators compared functional visual outcomes between MC lenses and conventional single vision.

Central distance visual acuity was similar between lens types. However, MC lenses significantly reduced off-axis distance and near visual acuity at both nasal and temporal viewing angles. Off-axis contrast sensitivity was also significantly lower with MC lenses, whereas central contrast sensitivity remained comparable between MC and single vision lenses.

No significant differences were observed in visual field indices between the lens types. Performance accuracy on a standardized video game task was also similar, although participants completed the task more slowly while wearing MC lenses compared with single vision lenses.

Reference

Alanazi MK, Alhazmi M, Alotaibi W, et al. J Clin Med. 2026;15(9):3362. doi: 10.3390/jcm15093362. PMID: 42123095; PMCID: PMC13163369.