- Design
- Single-centre randomised trial
- Population
- 120 myopic children aged 6 to 12, China
- Primary outcome
- Axial length change at 6 months
- Effect
- 0.15 vs 0.25 mm; difference 0.11 mm (95% CI 0.07 to 0.15)
A single-centre randomised trial in Guangzhou enrolled 120 myopic children aged 6 to 12. The intervention group used a head-mounted virtual-reality device delivering defocus-based visual training at home for 15 minutes a day, plus single-vision spectacles; controls wore single-vision spectacles alone. Published in JAMA Ophthalmology on 1 October 2026.
Over six months, axial length grew 0.15 mm with training and 0.25 mm without (difference 0.11 mm, 95% CI 0.07 to 0.15). Refraction changed by −0.23 D and −0.46 D. No training-related adverse events were reported.
The effect is small and follow-up short, so the authors themselves say clinical relevance cannot yet be judged. It is a reason to watch for longer trials, not to recommend the device.
- Treat virtual-reality defocus training as experimental for myopia control
- Prefer interventions with longer trial evidence when advising families
- Keep outdoor time as a baseline recommendation for all children at risk
- Watch for trials longer than six months before considering this approach
Why it matters
Families are offered home devices for myopia; this sets the evidence in proportion.
Don't overread it
Six months, single centre, small absolute effect; long-term benefit is unknown.
The statistics, in plain English
A 0.11 mm difference in axial growth over six months is small; myopia control is judged over years, and early differences can shrink.
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