Soft Bifocal Contact Lenses for Near-sightedness
(BLINK2 Trial)
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial explores how soft bifocal contact lenses might slow nearsightedness, or myopia. The main goal is to identify who benefits most from these lenses and to understand any side effects or changes upon discontinuation. Participants will wear these specialized lenses for the first two years, then switch to regular single-vision lenses in the final year. It is ideal for those already part of the BLINK Study. As an unphased trial, this study provides a unique opportunity to contribute to understanding how these lenses can benefit others in the future.
Do I need to stop my current medications for the trial?
The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications.
What prior data suggests that soft bifocal contact lenses are safe for myopia control?
Research shows that soft bifocal contact lenses are generally safe, especially for children. Studies have found that these lenses can effectively slow the progression of nearsightedness and provide comfort for users.
A detailed review of soft contact lenses highlighted some possible issues, such as eye irritation and infections, though these problems are rare. One study focusing on children with nearsightedness found the lenses both effective and safe, with no major side effects reported.
Overall, while some risks exist, evidence suggests that soft bifocal contact lenses are a safe choice for managing nearsightedness.12345Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Most treatments for near-sightedness, like traditional single-vision contact lenses, simply correct vision by focusing light directly onto the retina. However, the soft bifocal contact lenses being studied are different because they aim to slow the progression of myopia by providing a dual-focus design. This design not only corrects distance vision but also reduces eye strain by easing focus on near objects, potentially changing how the eye grows over time. Researchers are excited about this treatment because it offers a promising way to address the root cause of myopia progression rather than just correcting its symptoms.
What evidence suggests that soft bifocal contact lenses might be an effective treatment for nearsightedness?
Studies have shown that soft bifocal contact lenses effectively control nearsightedness (myopia). Research indicates that these lenses can slow the progression of myopia and help prevent excessive eye elongation, which is linked to worsening vision. For example, the BLINK Study found that high-add power multifocal lenses slowed myopia progression by more than 30%. Other studies support these findings, showing that contact lenses with higher add power are more effective than those with lower power. Overall, the evidence strongly suggests that using soft bifocal contact lenses can help manage myopia in children.36789
Who Is on the Research Team?
Jeffrey J Walline, OD PhD
Principal Investigator
The Ohio State University College of Optometry
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for individuals who were part of the BLINK Study, focusing on those with near-sightedness (myopia). It aims to identify biological factors that could predict which patients will benefit most from myopia control using soft bifocal contact lenses.Inclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants wear soft bifocal contact lenses to assess their effect on myopia progression
Transition
Participants switch from bifocal to single vision contact lenses to assess rebound effects
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Soft Bifocal Contact Lens
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Ohio State University
Lead Sponsor
University of Houston
Collaborator