As an eye care professional (ECP), you’re at the forefront of a growing global phenomenon affecting more and more children’s vision: myopia. Younger generations are now spending less time outside and more time indoors using digital devices at close range–and their eyes and vision are paying the price. Additionally, children are more susceptible to eye damage from UV light than adults, as most lifetime sun exposure occurs under the age of 21¹. With these factors in mind, it is essential to offer kids effective and reliable sun protection, like the MiYOSMART Sun solutions from HOYA. Let’s break down the benefits of this lens as well as some other myopia prevention tips you can give to patients and their parents.
Kids and the Sun: Keeping Them Protected from UV Light
It’s crucial that children get sufficient outdoor time, while also having adequate protection from harmful UV rays. As a preventative measure that’s both simple and inherently no-or-low cost, increased outdoor time is the most commonly recommended behavioural myopia management solution given by ECPs, with 91% recommending two hours of outdoor time daily to help slow down myopia progression in children.¹ Children’s pupils are larger than adults, and the lenses of their eyes are more transparent, allowing more UV rays to reach the retina, making sun protection for the eyes crucial.
Of course, getting kids outside with adequate sun protection can be a struggle. Parents likely remember to slather on the sunscreen and encourage their kids to hydrate frequently, but eyecare remains an afterthought. Thankfully, the MiYOSMART Sun solutions offer protection and treatment in a single solution that is convenient and comfortable for young patients in the Chameleon Photochromic and Sunbird Polarized options.
Protection Where it Counts Most: How MiYOSMART Chameleon Photochromic and Sunbird Polarized Lenses Prevent Sun Damage
Recent research reveals that myopia is on the rise in children globally, with Canada seeing diagnoses in children hovering around 17% and growing.² One effective way to treat such a diagnosis is to prescribe treatment lenses for young patients, like MiYOSMART Chameleon Photochromic or Sunbird polarized lenses, which provide comfortable vision for kids even in the brightest sunlight.
The MiYOSMART Chameleon lenses provide the best of both worlds, as photochromic lenses that adapt to the light in the environment, tinting when exposed to UV rays. Just like the namesake reptile, these lenses transform to their surroundings, shielding the eyes from excessive sunlight and ensuring the wearer has optimal vision across varying environments.
MiYOSMART Sunbird polarized lenses are an ideal second pair to provide uninterrupted myopia treatment, as well as the ultimate comfort and glare reduction in bright sunlight.
Myopia treatments like MiYOSMART are most effective when worn full time.
Let’s break down more of the lens benefits:
- MiYOSMART Sun solutions offer 100% protection from UV-A and UV-B, reducing the risk of long-term damage to the eye.³ Outdoor time is an essential component of a myopia management treatment protocol, but it is still important to protect young eyes from the potential harm of UV light.
- MiYOSMART Sun solutions allow you to ensure your young patients receive uninterrupted myopia management, 100% UV protection and additional comfort in bright sunlight so they can safely enjoy time outdoors.
- MiYOSMART Chameleon lenses use D.I.M.S. Technology for effective myopia management and correction of myopic refractive error, while also protecting the eyes from intense sunlight and increasing overall comfort. In effect, this D.I.M.S. Technology slows myopia progression while offering 100% UV protection.
- MiYOSMART Sunbird polarized lenses also use D.I.M.S technology and provide additional protection from glare, making them ideal for patients who are driving, very light-sensitive, or would prefer to wear a separate pair of sunglasses.
- MiYOSMART Chameleon lenses are designed to withstand the demands of an active child’s life while providing all-day visual clarity and UV defence. HOYA surveyed children in an Early Experience Program (EEP) and found that 98% were satisfied with the lenses at the three month mark.⁴
- These lenses are incredibly easy for kids to adapt to, and their photochromic ability is well designed for active kids who likely won’t have the patience for swapping their lenses when moving from indoors to outdoors and vice versa. In fact, data from HOYA’s EEP found that 80% of children adapted to their new spectacle lenses within just one day, regardless of age or ethnicity.⁴
- MiYOSMART Sunbird lens come in a dark Category 3 tint in a stylish grey colour that provide greater comfort from glare and sunlight, decreased symptoms of light sensitivity, improved contrast sensitivity, and still allow for patients to perceive vibrant colours.
MiYOSMART Sun lenses are the ideal solution for kids who are less likely to tolerate contact lenses and other solutions designed to treat myopia. They are also ideal for kids who require atropine drops because a common side effect of drops is light sensitivity, and this lens helps alleviate that symptom. These lenses are safe, easy to use, and non-invasive solution that are proven to work for their intended audience.
In addition to prescribing a treatment like MiYOSMART Chameleon Photochromic and Sunbird Polarized, remind your patients and their parents to schedule regular eye exams to stay informed on their myopia progression and overall eye health.
You can upgrade your patients to MiYOSMART Chameleon Photochromic and Sunbird Polarized lenses for free now through the end of 2025. Encourage your patients to consider a light-adaptive lens solution for both indoor and outdoor use, and help them see the HOYA difference with MiYOSMART Sun solutions.
Learn more about how HOYA is responding to the global myopia upsurge here.
1. https://www.hoyavision.com/vision-products/miyosmart/miyosmart-sun/
2. https://globalnews.ca/news/10776403/nearsightedness-children-myopia-study/
3. HOYA data on file. Transmission, traffic light recognition, and UV blocking test for MiYOSMART clear and MiYOSMART sun spectacle lenses. 02/2023. Tests were conducted at room temperature (23°C).
4. HOYA data on file: Post Market Surveillance "Early Experience Program of MiYOSMART sun spectacle lenses". 02/2024