Optimizing light exposure to prevent and control myopia in children
Optimizing Light Exposure for Myopia Prevention and Control (LightSPAN)
This study tests if changing classroom lighting to mimic sunlight or using a smartphone app to guide light exposure can help prevent and control myopia in primary school children.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 396 (estimated) |
| Ages | 7 Years to 10 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | National University of Singapore Academic / other |
| Locations | 5 sites (Singapore and 4 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT06631339 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This clinical trial evaluates the impact of daily light exposure on myopia prevention and control in primary school children. It features three arms: a technical intervention that modifies classroom lighting to mimic sunlight, a digital intervention that uses a smartphone app and light sensors to provide tailored recommendations, and a control group with standard lighting and no app access. The study aims to assess the effectiveness, safety, and feasibility of these interventions while also exploring their effects on sleep and cognitive performance.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are children aged 7 to 10 years who are studying in Primary 2 or 3 and have good visual acuity.
Not a fit: Patients with significant ocular conditions or systemic diseases affecting eye health may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to effective strategies for preventing and controlling myopia in children, potentially reducing the prevalence of this condition.
How similar studies have performed: While the approach of optimizing light exposure is innovative, similar studies have shown promise in addressing myopia prevention.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion 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 or 1 January 2026
3. Studying in either Primary 2 or 3 classes of the participating school(s) in academic year 2025 or 2026.
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
Where this trial is running
Singapore and 4 other locations
- National University of Singapore, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, Department of Ophthalmology, Eye N Brain Research Lab — Singapore, Singapore (Recruiting)
- Marymount Convent School — Singapore, Singapore (Recruiting)
- Bedok Green Primary School — Singapore, Singapore (Recruiting)
- Westwood Primary School — Singapore, Singapore (Recruiting)
- Wellington Primary School — Singapore, Singapore (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Raymond P. Najjar, PhD — National University of Singapore
- Study coordinator: Raymond P. Najjar, PhD
- Email: lightspan@nus.edu.sg
- Phone: 006566018519
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.