Highly Aspherical Lenslet Target (HALT) technology in combination with low-dose atropine to control myopia progression

Abstract

Purpose : To evaluate the efficacy of the Highly Aspherical Lenslet Target (HALT) technology combined with Low-Dose 0.01% Atropine Eye Drops to slowing myopia progression

Methods : Retrospective case series of young myopic patients aged 6-18 years in treatments with HALT technology spectacle lenses (HALT group) or 0.01% atropine eye drops (atropine group) or combined 0.01% Atropine Eye Drops plus HALT spectacle lenses (combined A+H group) or single vision lenses (SVL). The latter acted as control group.
Demographic features, cycloplegic autorefraction spherical equivalent refraction (SER), axial length (AL) adverse events were reviewed in both eyes at date first seen and over time.

Results : 175 patients met the inclusion criteria. In particular, 41 were included in the HALT group, 48 in the atropine group , 33 in the combined A+H group and 53 in the SVL group. Overall the mean age at presentation was 9,7 years (range 6-13 years). The mean age among groups were not statically difference (p values > 0.05). Regarding SER and AL, all treatments groups significantly reduced myopia progression at 12 month compared with the control group (p< 0.001).
At 12 months the combined A+H group significantly reduced SER progression compared with the HALT group and atropine group (p values < 0.03). Regarding AL, a significant difference was found only between combined A+H and atropine groups (p value < 0.05). In fact, we found no difference between the HALT group and the combined H+A group (p=0.52).

Conclusions : HALT technology spectacle lenses and 0.01% atropine eye drops was both efficacy in slowing myopia progression. The combined A+H treatment seems to be more efficacy in slowing myopia progression in terms of SER than single treatments. However regarding AL, the combined treatment resulted most successful only compared with 0.01% atropine eye drops.

This abstract was presented at the 2024 ARVO Annual Meeting, held in Seattle, WA, May 5-9, 2024.