Researchers in Japan have begun what they said is the first study of the effects of multifocal contact lenses (CLs) and low-dose atropine on axial length in young myopes. 

Led by Dr Takahiro Hiraoka, University of Tsukuba, researchers said while some studies have shown the combined use of orthokeratology and 0.01% atropine eye drops can prevent axial elongation in myopic children, the efficacy of combined use with multifocal contact lens (MFCL) and 0.01% atropine remains unclear. This new study will recruit 240 myopic 6–12-year-olds, divided into four cohorts treated with MFCL alone, MFCL plus atropine, atropine alone, or placebo, for one year. 

The primary and secondary outcomes will be the comparison of axial elongation and myopia progression in the four groups over 12 months, while assessing the safety of pairing MFCL with atropine treatment, said researchers.