Retinal shadows produced by myopia control spectacles

Abstract Purpose To analyse ocular coherence tomography (OCT) images of the retinal shadows caused by defocus and diffusion optics spectacles. Methods One eye was fitted successively with the Hoya Defocus Incorporated Multiple Segments (DIMS) spectacle lens, two variations of the +3.50 D peripheral add spectacle (DEFOCUS) and the low‐contrast dot lens (Diffusion Optics Multiple Segments, DOMS); each at a vertex distance of 12 mm. Simultaneously, a retinal image of the macular region with central fixation was obtained using infrared OCT. The corneal power and intraocular distances were determined using an optical biometer. Results The retinal images for the DIMS and DOMS lenses showed patterns of obvious retinal shadows in the periphery, while the central 10–11° remained clear. The DEFOCUS lens produced a darkened peripheral area. Dividing the size of the retinal pattern, measured with the calliper of the OCT software, by the actual size on the spectacle lens gave a magnification of −0.57 times. This is consistent with the incoming OCT beam being imaged to a position approximately 31 mm beyond the front of the eye. [Correction added on 26 October 2023 after first online publication: The preceding paragraph was corrected.] Conclusion With device‐specific correction, retinal OCT images can help visualise the regions affected by the defocus or lowered contrast induced by myopia control spectacles. This is of potential value for improving myopia therapies.