With the global rise in childhood myopia, identifying the most effective intervention to slow disease progression is a clinical priority. This meta-analysis compared the efficacy of orthokeratology (Ortho-K) and defocus incorporated multiple segments (DIMS) spectacle lenses in controlling myopia progression in children. Nine eligible studies were analyzed, all reporting one-year axial length changes and three reporting spherical equivalent refraction outcomes.
Pooled results demonstrated that Ortho-K was significantly more effective than DIMS in reducing axial elongation over one year (MD −0.07 mm; P < .001), while no significant difference was observed between the two interventions in terms of spherical equivalent refraction changes. Subgroup analyses revealed that treatment effects varied by ethnicity, age, and sample size, suggesting that patient-specific factors influence…
