Types of Spectacle Lenses for Myopia Control in Children: A Narrative Review with Quantitative Synthesis

This narrative review assessed the efficacy and safety of spectacle lens designs for myopia control in children, combining narrative evidence with descriptive quantitative summaries. A systematic search of PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar (2012–2024) identified 28 eligible studies, including 16 randomized controlled trials, 6 cohort studies, and 6 observational studies, with a total of ~7,200 children aged 6–17 years (baseline myopia –0.50 D to –8.00 D). DIMS lenses showed the strongest evidence, reducing axial elongation by 40–60% and slowing spherical equivalent refraction (SER) progression by 0.35–0.70 D compared with single-vision lenses. Aspherical lenslets reduced axial elongation by 35–55% and SER by 0.30–0.65 D. CARE and DOT lenses provided modest effects (20–45% reduction in axial elongation; 0.20–0.50 D SER slowing), but evidence remains short term. Positive–negative lenslets demonstrated ~40% axial elongation reduction in a single study. Across all designs, adverse effects were minimal and limited to transient adaptation issues. In conclusion, spectacle lenses are safe, non-invasive, and effective options for pediatric myopia control. DIMS and highly aspherical lenslets currently offer the strongest support, while further long-term, multicenter trials and cost-effectiveness studies are needed to validate other designs and inform global practice.