Myopia, better known as nearsightedness, is the most common refractive eye error in the world, believed to affect nearly a quarter of the global population. A refractive eye error occurs when the light that ends the eye isn’t refracted (bent) correctly, meaning that it doesn’t focus properly on the retina, which is the area of light-sensitive cells at the very back of the eye. In the case of myopia, patients can see objects close to them, such as a book or smartphone, clearly. However, objects that are a middle or far distance can appear blurred.

The number of patients with myopia is on the rise, particularly amongst children who tend to develop it in their early school years. Although no definitive cause for this has been identified, experts believe that a lack of time spent outdoors, and ever-increasing screen use could be significant contributors. In a bid to slow the progression of myopia in children – something which can also help to reduce the likelihood of myopia-related complications with their vision in the future – many parents are opting to consider a treatment known as myopia control.

There are several different ways in which it can be possible to control the development and progression of myopia. Most of these involve the use of specially-designed spectacle lenses.

Multifocal lenses for myopia control

Multifocal lenses, also sometimes known as progressive lenses, placed into glasses have been proven to help slow the progression of myopia more than single vision lenses. In fact, one study found that children wearing multifocal lenses had 25% less myopia progression over two years than those kids wearing single vision lenses. Multifocal lenses have different powers in different zones of the lenses to correct vision. This dual-focus design with full corrective power in the centre of the lens and less power in the periphery enables the patient to see clearly at different distances and, since the lenses are placed into glasses, they are easy for children of all ages to wear.

MyoSmart lenses with DIMS technology for myopia control

MyoSmart is an innovative, new spectacle lens that has been developed specifically with myopia control in mind. Developed by leading manufacturer, HOYA, the MyoSmart spectacle lens utilize cutting edge DIMS (defocus incorporated multiple segment) technology which sees the creation of micro-optical segments on the front surface of the lens. These generate an additional focal plane in front of the retina, names the myopic defocus. The myopic defocus has been shown to be able to guide the growth of the eyeball and slow or halt the progression of myopia.

Some of the key advantages associated with MyoSmart include:
 

• Myopia control effect that is irrespective to the direction of gaze

• A shorter adaptation period relative to the previous generation of myopia control lenses

• No need for fiddly contact lenses

• No medication means no side effects for your child

• Based on two-year clinical trial results, MyoSmart has been shown to curb myopia progression by up to 59%, and halt myopia progression by 21.5%.

We look forward to offering HOYA’s latest myopia control treatment to patients at our offices.
 

If you would like to learn more about the importance of myopia control, or the treatment options that may be available to you, please contact our offices where our team would be happy to help.