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

Purpose

The global increase in childhood myopia underscores the need for effective control strategies. This study evaluated the effectiveness of Defocus Incorporated Multiple Segments (DIMS) spectacle lenses versus 0.01% atropine eye drops in slowing myopia progression in European children over two years.

Methods

A total of 110 Polish and Ukrainian children aged 6-16 years without significant ocular pathology were randomised to single-vision spectacles plus nightly 0.01% atropine (group A) or DIMS lenses plus nightly placebo (group B). Primary outcomes were changes in cycloplegic spherical equivalent refraction (SER) and axial length, assessed at 6-month intervals.

Results

At 24 months, mean axial elongation was lower in group B (0.22 ± 0.22 mm) than in group A (0.32 ± 0.29 mm), particularly among children aged 6-11 years (0.30 ± 0.23 mm vs 0.48 ± 0.31 mm). Similar patterns were observed for SER progression: 0.47 ± 0.47 D in group B versus 0.70 ± 0.58 D in group A, with the greatest difference in younger children (0.59 ± 0.48 D vs 1.05 ± 0.64 D). Differences in older children were smaller.

Conclusions

In this study, DIMS lenses were associated with greater efficacy than 0.01% atropine in reducing myopia progression, particularly in children aged 6-11 years. Differences in adherence between the interventions should be considered when interpreting these findings. DIMS lenses may represent an effective option for myopia control in European populations.