Amsterdam, 24 January 2025 – HOYA Vision Care announced the launch of its new power range of MiYOSMART spectacle lenses, specifically designed for children suffering from high myopia. The extended power range unlocks MiYOSMART spectacle lenses for patients with a broader range of negative and cylindrical powers, have a slimmer edge thickness compared to previous MiYOSMART spectacle lenses, and can be housed in a wider selection of frames to suit individual requirements and preferences due to their larger diameter.
High myopia is a severe form of myopia, also known as short-sightedness, and is rapidly becoming a global health concern. It is predicted to affect 938 million people by 2050 – 9.8% of the global population and over a fivefold increase from 2000.1 This surge is driven by changing lifestyle factors, such as increased near-work activity and reduced time outdoors.2
High myopia carries an increased risk of myopic macular degeneration and potentially irreversible blindness later in life from its complications.3 In many cases, myopia will progress if left untreated; a recent expert consensus on the management of childhood high myopia concluded that it is difficult, if not impossible, to predict when its progression will stop due to the multitude of variables that influence it.4
“There is an urgent need to provide comprehensive solutions for children with high myopia as early as possible in order to reduce the risk of myopia-related complications in later life,” said Dr. Natalia Vlasak, Global Head of Medical and Scientific Affairs at HOYA Vision Care. “Slowing down the progression of myopia by just one diopter can reduce the risk of myopic maculopathy by 40%.5 With the extension of MiYOSMART’s power range to treat high myopia, it is not too late for these children to preserve their vision health for the future.”
Reducing barriers to treating high myopic patients
HOYA Vision Care, through its commitment to advancing treatment solutions for visual impairment, has introduced an extended power range of its MiYOSMART clear spectacle lenses. This power range extension accommodates both high myopia and astigmatism, with a wider span of prescriptions up to the highest minus power of −13.00 diopters (D) and cylindrical power up to 4.00D. This action will increase access to effective and innovative solutions for more myopic children, so they can achieve better vision outcomes.
Within the new power range extension, MiYOSMART spectacle lenses are now available in larger lens diameters and with optimized lens edge thickness.6 The increased lens diameters mean that the lenses can be housed in larger frames, accommodating older children and teenagers with larger pupillary distances in addition to those who choose these frames for aesthetic reasons.
John Goltermann Lassen, CEO of HOYA Vision Care said, “With myopia and high myopia on the rise globally, concern for children’s eyecare is at an all-time high. At HOYA Vision Care, we are committed to continuously evolving our treatment solutions to support Eye Care Professionals in providing the best care possible for every child with myopia.”
Since its launch in 2018, more than 10 million MiYOSMART spectacle lenses have already been purchased by parents in over 40 countries worldwide.7 HOYA Vision Care will continue evolving treatment solutions and supporting Eye Care Professionals every step of the way, to allow more myopic children access to effective and innovative care.
Product Disclaimer: MiYOSMART spectacle lenses have not been approved for use in the management of myopia in all countries, including the U.S., and are not currently available for sale in all countries, including the U.S.
References
1. Holden BA, Fricke TR, Wilson DA, et al. Global Prevalence of Myopia and High Myopia and Temporal Trends from 2000 through 2050. Ophthalmology. 2016 May;123(5):1036-1042. doi: 10.1016/j.ophtha.2016.01.006.
2. Morgan IG, Wu PC, Ostrin LA, et al. IMI Risk Factors for Myopia. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 2021;62(5):3. doi: https://doi.org/10.1167/iovs.62.5.3.
3. Haarman AEG, Enthoven CA, Tideman JWL, et al. The Complications of Myopia: A Review and Meta-Analysis. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 2020;61(4):49. doi: 10.1167/iovs.61.4.49.
4. HOYA data on file: Expert consensus – Myopia Management in High Myopia. 04/2024.
5. Bullimore MA, Brennan NA. Myopia Control: Why Each Diopter Matters. Optom Vis Sci. 2019 Jun;96(6):463-465. doi: 10.1097/OPX.0000000000001367. PMID: 31116165.
6. Only applies to clear MiYOSMART spectacle lenses and prescription.
7. Based on number of MiYOSMART spectacle lenses sold as per HOYA Vision Care sales data on file as of October 2024.
Notes to Editors:
About MiYOSMART spectacle lenses
HOYA Vision Care’s new MiYOSMART spectacle lens power range extension enhances both functionality and aesthetics to those suffering from myopia. New features from the extension include:
- Increased power range: Accommodation of prescriptions for both high myopia and astigmatism of up to −13.00D minus power and up to 4.00D cylindrical power
- Larger lens diameters: More flexibility when choosing frames, accommodating patients with larger pupillary distances in addition to those who choose larger frames for aesthetic reasons
- Optimized lens edge thickness: Flatter base curves address common concern relating to the appearance of conventional thick high prescription lenses
