Effect of Branched-Chain Amino Acid Supplementation on Myopia Progression

A Randomized Controlled Trial of Branched-Chain Amino Acid Supplementation for Preventing Myopia Progression

This study is a randomized controlled trial designed to evaluate whether branched-chain amino acid (BCAA) supplementation can help slow the progression of myopia in young adults.

Eligible participants will be randomly assigned to receive either BCAA supplementation combined with standard spectacle correction or standard spectacle correction with a matching placebo. The intervention period will last approximately six months.

Participants will undergo regular follow-up examinations, including measurements of visual acuity, refractive error, axial length, intraocular pressure, and other ocular parameters. Additional assessments such as ocular imaging (including OCTA), physical examinations, and blood tests will also be performed to evaluate eye health and metabolic indicators.

The main purpose of this study is to investigate whether BCAA supplementation can provide a safe and effective nutritional strategy to slow myopia progression and improve understanding of the relationship between amino acid metabolism and ocular growth.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Healthy university students aged 18-25 years;
2. Spherical equivalent refraction (for eyes without prior corneal refractive surgery): SE ≤ -0.50 D;
3. Corrected visual acuity ≥ 0.8;
4. Corneal curvature 40 D-46 D;
5. Good compliance and ability to cooperate with follow-up and examinations;
6. Willingness and ability to participate in this study and sign the informed consent form.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Strabismus, amblyopia, or other pathological ocular changes;
2. Systemic diseases affecting refractive development and allergic constitution, such as diabetes, metabolic syndrome, etc.;
3. Active eye disease or history of ophthalmic surgery;
4. Use of orthokeratology lenses or other myopia-control interventions within the past 6 months;
5. Use of BCAA-related supplements within the past 6 months, or serum BCAA levels outside the reference range;
6. Considered by the responsible physician to be unable to participate or unable to comply with the study requirements;
7. Abnormal liver or kidney function.