This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the 12-month effectiveness of defocus incorporated multiple segments (DIMS) spectacle lenses compared with single-vision (SV) lenses in slowing myopia progression in children.

DIMS spectacle lenses incorporate simultaneous myopic defocus to reduce axial elongation in children. Although randomized trials have demonstrated efficacy, comparative evidence remains limited. Evaluation of 12-month outcomes is clinically relevant to inform evidence-based myopia management and future research.

A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted following PRISMA guidelines. PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and Web of Science were searched to November 2025 for studies comparing DIMS vs SV lenses in children. Two reviewers independently screened studies, extracted data, and assessed quality. Random-effects models generated pooled mean differences (MD) for spherical equivalent refractive (SER) progression and axial elongation. We used I ² to assess heterogeneity. Sensitivity analysis was conducted using the leave-one-out method to assess the effect of removing each study. Studies were included if they enrolled children with myopia and compared DIMS lenses with SV lenses.

Six studies involving 1224 children were included, and 80.1% of them were from China. The included studies were conducted in Asia and Europe and included pediatric participants with a mean aged around 10 years. Compared with SV lenses, DIMS lenses significantly slowed myopia progression over the first 12 months, showing less SER deterioration (MD = 0.37 D; P < .0001) and reduced axial elongation (MD = –0.16 mm; P < .0001). Heterogeneity ranged from moderate to high, but sensitivity analyses confirmed the stability of all pooled estimates.

DIMS lenses provide consistent slowing of myopia progression, reduce axial growth, and improve refractive outcomes during the first year in children. These findings demonstrate a benefit during the first 12 months; however, the durability of this effect beyond the first year remains uncertain, and the rate of change after year one is likely less. These findings apply specifically to DIMS lenses and should not be generalized to other defocus spectacle lens designs. Most children were from China, which may affect the generalization of these results.