The Growing Concern: Myopia in Kids
Myopia, or nearsightedness, is a common vision condition where distant objects appear blurry. with recent studies showing a sharp increase in prevalence, particularly among children. The World Health Organization estimates that by 2050, nearly half the global population, a staggering 5 billion people, will have myopia, a trend driven largely by lifestyle factors such as increased time on digital devices and less time outdoors. In India, specifically, the prevalence of myopia in urban children is predicted to reach over 48% by 2050.
For parents, this is more than a statistic. It highlights the importance of being aware of the potential risks and taking proactive steps to monitor and manage their child’s eye health. If left unmanaged, childhood myopia can progress and may lead to serious eye health issues later in the life, including retinal detachment, glaucoma, and myopic macular degeneration. Early detection and a proactive approach are crucial to help protect a child's vision for a long term.
Spotting the Signs: Is Your Child Myopic?
Myopia often develops during the school years. Parents should be aware of a few key signs that may indicate their child is struggling with Normal vision. These include:
- Squinting or partially closing their eyelids to see clearly
- Sitting too close to the television or holding a book very near their face
- Frequent headaches or tired eyes
- Difficulty seeing the whiteboard from a certain distance at school
- If you notice any of these behaviors, it may be a good time to schedule an eye exam with an eye care professional.
The MiYOSMART Solution: A Different Kind of Lens
MiYOSMART lenses were developed by HOYA Vision in collaboration with The Hong Kong Polytechnic University as a non-invasive solution for managing myopia progression in children. Unlike traditional spectacle lenses that only correct vision, MiYOSMART is designed to address the underlying progression of myopia itself.
The lens uses a unique technology to help slow down the eye -ball growth, which causes myopia to worsen over time. This makes MiYOSMART a simple, safe, and effective option for parents who are looking to do more than just correct their child's vision.
How the Technology Works for Your Child
The key innovation behind MiYOSMART is its D.I.M.S. (Defocus Incorporated Multiple Segments) Technology. The lens has a central clear zone that provides sharp vision for a child's prescription, surrounded by 396 defocus islands that help to slow the abnormal eye growth, responsible for myopia progression
This technology has been clinically proven to be effective. A six-year follow-up study showed that MiYOSMART lenses helped slow myopia progression by an average of 60% in children aged 8 to 13.
Benefits for Your Child's Lifestyle
For a child, wearing glasses should not be a hassle. MiYOSMART lenses are designed with active kids in mind.
- Aesthetics: The advanced technology is built into a lens that looks just like a regular pair of glasses, with a range of sizes and optimized edge thickness to address concerns about thick high-prescription lenses.
- Durability: The lenses are lightweight and highly impact-resistant, making them suitable for active children who play sports or spend time outdoors.
- Protection: MiYOSMART lenses offer 100% protection from UVA and UVB rays. For children who are frequently outdoors, the MİYOSMART Chameleon photochromic and MİYOSMART Sunbird polarized options provide added comfort and glare reduction by darkening in response to sunlight.
Your Next Step
If your child is showing signs of myopia or you are concerned about their vision, a conversation with an eye care professional is the best next step forward. They can help you understand, diagnose and determine if MiYOSMART is the right solution.
Early action can make a lasting difference in your child’s eye health and can help manage myopia effectively.