Study Reveals Groundbreaking Axial Length Reduction in Eye Health Data

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A landmark study published in the Journal of Clinical Medicine has demonstrated that extended depth-of-focus (EDOF) contact lenses can significantly reduce or stabilize axial length in over 40% of myopic patients—a finding that could reshape clinical approaches to myopia progression in children and young adults.

The research, led by Dr. Debabrata Hazra of Keio University School of Medicine in Tokyo, analyzed axial length changes in patients wearing EDOF lenses over a defined period. Axial length, the distance from the front to the back of the eye, is a key indicator of myopia progression. longer axial lengths are associated with higher degrees of nearsightedness and increased risk of sight-threatening complications such as retinal detachment.

The study’s results—published on March 5, 2025—show that EDOF lenses, a relatively new class of contact lenses designed to provide clear vision at multiple distances, may offer a non-invasive alternative to traditional myopia control methods like orthokeratology or atropine eye drops. While prior interventions have shown modest success in slowing axial elongation, the current findings suggest a more substantial impact in a significant subset of patients.

Key Findings: Axial Length Reduction in Over 40% of Cases

The study, conducted across two ophthalmology departments (Keio University and Kitasato University), involved a cohort of patients monitored for axial length stabilization or reduction. The authors noted that while not all participants experienced shortening, a meaningful proportion—over 40%—demonstrated either stabilization or a measurable decrease in axial length. This suggests that EDOF lenses may provide a viable option for clinicians seeking to mitigate myopia progression without resorting to more aggressive interventions.

Dr. Hazra and his team emphasized that the effect varied among individuals, underscoring the need for personalized approaches in myopia management. The study did not identify specific patient subgroups that benefited most, but the overall trend aligns with growing evidence that certain contact lens designs can influence eye growth dynamics.

Clinical Implications for Myopia Control

Myopia is a global public health concern, with prevalence rates rising sharply among school-age children in urban areas. The World Health Organization estimates that by 2050, nearly half of the world’s population could be myopic, with high myopia posing significant risks for vision loss. Current myopia control strategies—including low-dose atropine, orthokeratology, and multifocal contact lenses—have shown efficacy but are not universally accessible or acceptable to all patients.

EDOF lenses, which use advanced optics to extend the eye’s depth of focus, have gained traction in recent years for presbyopia correction. However, this study suggests an additional benefit: the potential to slow or reverse axial elongation in myopic eyes. If replicated in larger trials, the findings could expand treatment options for parents and clinicians managing childhood myopia.

Dr. Hazra’s team acknowledged limitations, including the study’s observational design and the need for longer-term follow-up to assess durability. They also noted that not all patients responded equally, highlighting the importance of individualized monitoring.

Expert Caution and Next Steps

While the results are promising, ophthalmologists caution against overinterpreting the findings. Axial length reduction is not guaranteed, and the study does not establish causality—only an association between EDOF lens wear and axial stabilization. Further research, including randomized controlled trials, is needed to confirm whether the effect is consistent across diverse populations and to compare EDOF lenses directly with other myopia control methods.

For now, the study provides compelling evidence that EDOF lenses may offer a novel tool in the fight against myopia progression. Clinicians may consider discussing this option with patients, particularly those who have not responded well to conventional treatments or who prefer contact lenses over other interventions.

As myopia research advances, the focus remains on identifying safe, effective, and accessible strategies to protect children’s vision. This study represents a step forward in understanding how optical interventions can influence eye growth—and potentially reduce the burden of myopia worldwide.