An improved and more stable mouse model of lens-induced myopia.

Abstract

The increasing prevalence of myopia is a pressing public health concern. Robust experimental models are needed to investigate its mechanisms and evaluate potential interventions. Mouse models are particularly advantageous due to their concise and well-characterized genetic background, which facilitates genetic manipulation. However, the small head and eye size, combined with high activity levels of mice, present substantial challenges for the stable establishment of myopia models. The lens-induced myopia (LIM) model, closely resembling the natural progression of human myopia, offers significant research value. Here, we present an improved and reproducible mouse LIM model incorporating a 3D-printed head-mounted spectacle frame and custom-designed high-strength, wear-resistant resin lenses. The device was securely affixed to the skull using dental resin and tissue adhesive, ensuring long-term stability while minimizing interference with feeding and grooming behavior. Four-week induction with -25 diopter lenses in four-week-old C57BL/6J mice resulted in a mean myopic shift of 5.19 D and axial elongation of 110 μm. Electroretinography confirmed preserved retinal function, and the lens detachment rate remained below 15 %. No significant differences in general health status were observed between LIM and control groups. This optimized LIM model provides a reliable, well-tolerated platform for experimental myopia studies and is well-suited for mechanistic and interventional research in mice.