MiYOSMART is an innovative spectacle lens developed for children and youth to slow the myopia progression. With its patented Defocus Incorporated Multiple Segments (D.I.M.S.) Technology, it offers an improved standard of care for myopia.
HOYA MiYOSMART FAQ
What is myopia? How prevalent is it globally?
Myopia, or near-sightedness, is a common eye condition. It occurs when the eye grows too fast and becomes too long or the cornea is too curved and thick. This causes light rays to focus in front of the retina Instead of on It. Those suffering with myopia see close objects clearly but distant object blurred. It Is often hereditary but increased screen time and spending less time outdoors are also seen as the risk factors for myopia development and progression.
Myopia is becoming a global epidemic with an estimated 5 billion people, or half of the global population, potentially having myopia by 2050 according to research published by the American Academy of Ophthalmology1.
What is unique about the MiYOSMART lens?
The MiYOSMART lens is a child-friendly spectacle lens, proven effective and safe for children ages 8-13. It is easy to prescribe, affordable and an easy-to-adapt treatment. The non-invasive management of myopia has been shown to slow down the progression of myopia on average by 60% compared to the use of single vision lenses. This is based on the results of a two-year clinical trial including children ages 8-13, which was conducted by the Centre for Myopia Research at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University and published in the British Journal of Ophthalmology2.
The wearer receives correction of his/her distance myopic refractive error while for most his/her myopia progression is also slowed. The lens is aesthetically pleasing with a smooth surface and near-identical appearance to regular single vision lenses.
1Global Prevalence of Myopia and High Myopia and Temporal Trends from 2000 through 2050 Holden, Brien A. et al. Ophthalmology, Volume 123, Issue 5, 1036 – 104
2Lam CSY, Tang WC, Tse DY, Lee RPK, Chun RKM, Hasegawa K, Qi H, Hatanaka T, To CH. Defocus Incorporated Multiple Segments (DIMS) spectacle lenses slow myopia progression: a 2-year randomized clinical trial. British Journal of Ophthalmology. Published Online First: 29 May 2019. doi: 10.1136/bjophthalmol-2018-313739
What is the history of MiYOSMART?
In 2012, HOYA Vision Care and The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) developed a cooperation agreement to focus on development of a new myopia control spectacle lens capable of slowing down its progression.
Following years of academic studies, product design and clinical trials, HOYA and PolyU developed the revolutionary spectacle lens MiYOSMART based on patented Defocus Incorporated Multiple Segments (D.I.M.S.) Technology. The lens Is clinically proven to be effective in slowing down myopia progression in children ages 8-13.
MiYOSMART was launched in July 2018 in Hong Kong and China and its roll out continues in a phased approach around the globe.
Have the effects of MiYOSMART been clinically proven?
Yes, a two- year double-blind randomized clinical trial was conducted between 2014-2017 by the Centre for Myopia Research at the Honk Kong Polytechnic University with 160 myopic children aged 8-13 wearing DIMS defocus spectacles. The results showed that daily use of the lenses significantly slowed myopia progression on average 60% more than wearing regular single vision lenses2.
Has MiYOSMART won any awards?
Yes, In April 2018, MiYOSMART was awarded the prestigious Gold Prize, Grand Award and Special Gold Award at the 46th International Exhibition of Inventions in Geneva, Switzerland.
In October 2020, MiYOSMART won the Silmo d’Or award In the Vision Category at the Silmo Paris Optical Fair.
Where are the MiYOSMART lenses being prescribed globally?
MiYOSMART was launched in July 2018 in Hong Kong and China and rolled out in Singapore, and Malaysia in late 2019.
In 2020, it was launched in Canada, Australia, France, Taiwan and by the end of 2020/early 2021 in Italy, Russia and the United Kingdom.
The schedule to roll out the lens in Japan, South Korea, India, South Africa, other major markets in Europe are planned for 2021, with additional country launches planned for future years.
Has all of the increased screen time on computers and digital devices during COVID 19 raised levels of myopia in children?
Increased digital screen time, near work and limited outdoor activities found to be associated with the onset of myopia and its progression could potentially be aggravated during and beyond the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak period.
Very limited studies in China and Singapore in the summer of 2020 have observed some increase while other studies in the US have not shown this to be the case. The effects of the pandemic on myopia rates and individuals with myopia will not be known for some time. (Refer to COVID19 & Myopia document in the MiYOSMART press kit for details).