Abstract
The aim of this study is to provide reliable guidelines for the mean percentage efficacy together with the 95% credibility interval in slowing down progression of myopia by a specific intervention over defined time periods, derived from a substantial number of randomised controlled clinical trials (RCTs) with consistent outcomes. Multifocal spectacles and contact lenses represent interventions with the largest number of RCTs carried out. Our meta-analyses considered 10 RCTs involving 1662 children which have tested the efficacy of progressive addition spectacle lenses (PALs). In a separate model for comparison purposes nine RCTs with 982 children trialling soft multifocal contact lenses (MFCLs) were analysed. Bayesian random-effects hierarchical models were fitted. The highest efficacy in retarding progression of the scaled sphere equivalent refraction was achieved after 12 M follow-up with the mean 28% reduction in progression and the 95% credibility interval between 21% and 35%. For comparison, the 95% credibility interval for the mean efficacy of soft MFCLs at 12 M follow up is 21% to 37%. We conclude that both multifocal spectacle and contact lenses moderately slow down progression of myopia, relative to single-vision spectacle lenses (SVLs) in the first 12 months after intervention. The relative efficacy of PALs tends to weaken after the first 12 months.