Management of Myopia in University Students With DIMS-TED Spectacle Lenses
This study is investigating a new type of spectacle lens called Hoya MiyoSmart IQ (DIMS-TED). These lenses have already been found to be helpful in slowing down the progression of short-sightedness (myopia) in younger children. However, short-sightedness can continue to get worse even in young adulthood. Researchers want to see if these special lenses can also be effective in slowing down short-sightedness in university students aged 18 to 23. Participants will either wear these new lenses or standard single vision lenses, and researchers will compare how their short-sightedness changes over time. The goal is to find better ways to manage short-sightedness in this age group in the UK.
At a glance
What is this study about?
You might have heard of short-sightedness, also known as myopia. It's when distant objects look blurry, but close-up objects appear clear. For many people, short-sightedness tends to get worse over time, especially during childhood and the teenage years. This study is looking at whether short-sightedness continues to worsen in university students and, more importantly, if new types of glasses can help slow this down.
The study focuses on a specific type of spectacle lens called Hoya MiyoSmart IQ (DIMS-TED). These lenses have special features designed to help control how quickly short-sightedness progresses. They've already shown promise in slowing down short-sightedness in children aged 8 to 12. Since short-sightedness can sometimes keep getting worse into early adulthood, researchers want to check if these lenses can offer similar benefits to university students.
Essentially, the study aims to compare how effective these new DIMS-TED lenses are against regular single vision lenses in a group of UK university students who are 18 to 23 years old and have short-sightedness. By doing this, the researchers hope to gather more information to help improve how short-sightedness is managed for young adults, potentially reducing how much their vision changes over time.
Key takeaways
- Study looks at new lenses (DIMS-TED) to slow down short-sightedness.
- Aimed at UK university students aged 18-23.
- Compares new lenses to standard glasses.
- Could help find better treatments for young adults with short-sightedness.
- Participation involves regular eye checks and wearing assigned glasses.
Who may be eligible?
To join this study, you need to be a university student in the UK, aged between 18 and 23 years old. You must have short-sightedness that has shown some recent change in how quickly it's getting worse. You'll also need to have good general eye health and be able to see clearly with your current glasses or contact lenses.
There are also some reasons why you might not be able to join. For example, if you've already tried other treatments to control your short-sightedness (like special contact lenses or eye drops), or if you have certain other eye conditions such as a lazy eye or very severe short-sightedness. Also, if you have a strong difference in prescription between your two eyes, or if you take medicines that affect your pupils, you might not be suitable.
Before you start, you'll be given detailed information about the study to read. If you're happy with everything, you'll be asked to sign a consent form. It's important that you're willing to come to all the scheduled appointments and that you're happy to wear whichever type of glasses (either the new special lenses or standard ones) the study assigns to you. Your involvement is voluntary, and you can withdraw at any time.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- Are you a university student in the UK?
- Are you between 18 and 23 years old?
- Do you have short-sightedness that has recently changed?
- Have you never tried other treatments for short-sightedness (like special contact lenses or eye drops)?
- Are you willing to attend all study appointments and wear the glasses assigned to you?
What does participation involve?
If you decide to take part, you'll attend a series of appointments at the university. During these visits, the research team will perform various eye tests, similar to a regular eye exam, to measure your vision and monitor any changes in your short-sightedness. You will be randomly assigned to wear either the new special lenses (DIMS-TED) or standard single vision lenses. This means you won't get to choose which type you try, as it's part of the study design to make it fair.
You'll need to wear the assigned glasses as instructed by the study team, likely for most of your waking hours. The researchers will explain the schedule for your visits and how long you'll need to wear the glasses. You'll also be asked to stick to these appointments and wearing times throughout the study period. The exact total duration of your participation will be explained in detail by the research team.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (2)
- University of BradfordVerified postcodeBradford, United Kingdom
- University of HuddersfieldVerified postcodeHuddersfield, United Kingdom
Common questions
What is myopia?
Myopia is the medical term for short-sightedness, where distant objects appear blurry.
What are DIMS-TED spectacle lenses?
These are special glasses lenses designed to help slow down how quickly short-sightedness gets worse.
Will I get to choose which glasses I wear?
No, participants will be randomly assigned to wear either the special lenses or standard lenses, like flipping a coin, to ensure the study is fair.
How long will the study last?
The exact length of the study for each participant will be explained by the research team during your initial consultation.
Can I leave the study if I change my mind?
Yes, you can withdraw from the study at any time without giving a reason, and it won't affect your medical care.
How to find out more
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
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