Optimizing Light Exposure for Myopia Prevention and Control (LightSPAN)

Launched by NATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF SINGAPORE · Oct 5, 2024

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

The LightSPAN clinical trial is studying how different types of light exposure can help prevent and control myopia, also known as nearsightedness, in primary school children. The researchers want to find out if changing classroom lighting to mimic sunlight or using a special app that encourages outdoor activities can make a difference in how myopia develops. There are three groups in the study: one group will experience enhanced lighting in their classrooms, another will use the app with standard lighting, and the third group will receive no special treatment.

To participate, children need to be between 7 and 10 years old, in good health, and have good vision. Parents will need to provide consent, and children will wear a light and activity sensor to track their exposure to light and activity levels. Over the course of the year-long study, participants will have their eyesight checked every six months and undergo cognitive assessments every three months. This research aims to help us understand how light exposure can impact not just eye health, but also sleep and learning in children.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Subject must meet all the inclusion criteria below to participate in this study.
• • 1. Written Informed Consent form from parent / legal guardian and assent from child subject has been obtained
• • 2. Is between 7 to 10 years of age at start of study intervention which is 2 January 2025
• • 3. Studying in either Primary 2 or 3 classes of the participating school(s) in academic year 2025
• • 4. Presenting visual acuity or best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) better or equal to LogMAR 0.2 (equivalent to Snellen 6/9 or better) in each eye
• • 5. Normal Intraocular pressure (not more than 21mmHg)
• • 6. No ocular conditions (e.g., optic nerve disease, glaucoma, retinal diseases) except for refractive error.
• • 7. No ocular conditions affecting the accuracy of the ophthalmic examinations
• • 8. In good general health with no significant systemic diseases that may affect eye health
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • All subjects meeting any of the exclusion criteria at baseline will be excluded from participation.
• • 1. Previous or ongoing myopia control treatment (including but not limited to orthokeratology, atropine, pirenzepine, myopia control spectacle and contact lenses, light therapy)
• • 2. Ongoing participation in other myopia prevention and control research trials
• • 3. Any systemic or neurologic diseases (e.g. cancer, epilepsy, Kawasaki disease) known to affect eye health or make the participant vulnerable to the ophthalmic examinations (e.g., light flash)
• • 4. Any other conditions precluding adherence to the protocol including unwillingness to refrain from myopia control treatment for the duration of the study