The Parameters Governing the Anti-Myopia Efficacy of Chromatically Simulated Myopic Defocus in Tree Shrews.

Purpose: We previously showed that exposing tree shrews (Tupaia belangeri, small diurnal mammals closely related to primates) to chromatically simulated myopic defocus (CSMD) counteracted small-cage myopia and instead induced hyperopia (approximately +4 diopters [D]). Here, we explored the parameters of this effect.

Methods: Tree shrews were exposed to the following interventions for 11 days: (1) rearing in closed (n = 7) or open (n = 6) small cages; (2) exposed to a video display of Maltese cross images with CSMD combined with overhead lighting (n = 4); (3) exposed to a video display of Maltese cross images with zero blue contrast ("flat blue," n = 8); and (4) exposed to a video display of black and white grayscale tree images with different spatial filtering (blue pixels lowpass <1 and <2 cycles per degree [CPD]) for the CSMD.

Results: (1) Tree shrews kept in closed cages, but not open cages, developed myopia. (2) Overhead illumination reduced the hyperopia induced by CSMD. (3) Zero-blue contrast produced hyperopia but slightly less than the CSMD. (4) Both of the CSMD tree images counteracted small cage myopia, but the one low pass filtering blue <1 CPD was more effective at inducing hyperopia.

Conclusions: Any pattern with reduced blue contrast at and below approximately 1 CPD counteracts myopia/promotes hyperopia, but maximal effectiveness may require that the video display be the brightest object in the environment.

Translational Relevance: Chromatically simulated myopic blur might be a powerful anti-myopia therapy in children, but the parameter selection could be critical. Issues for translation to humans are discussed.