In the UK, myopia (or short-sightedness) among children is on the rise, with one in four children now diagnosed with the condition. It’s estimated that by 2050, nearly half of the global population will be myopic if trends continue. But what if there were a way to help slow down the progression of myopia in children? This is where MIYOsmart lenses come in. These revolutionary lenses are designed to help manage myopia, offering parents a proactive solution for their children’s eye health.
If you’re wondering whether MIYOsmart might be right for your child, read on for a detailed, easy-to-understand guide to how these lenses work, their benefits, and important considerations.
What is MIYOsmart?
MIYOsmart is a specialised spectacle lens designed to control the progression of myopia in children aged 6 to 18. Created by Hoya, a global leader in vision care, MIYOsmart lenses utilise innovative technology to slow down the progression of myopia in children by an average of 60%. This statistic is based on clinical trials that measured eye growth and myopia progression over two years.
The unique feature of MIYOsmart lenses is their “Defocus Incorporated Multiple Segments” (D.I.M.S.) technology. This technology creates a “myopia control zone” within the lens, which helps manage the progression of short-sightedness without compromising visual clarity.
Key Benefits of MIYOsmart Lenses
Here are the primary benefits that make MIYOsmart lenses an excellent choice for children struggling with myopia:
- Slows Myopia Progression: MIYOsmart lenses are clinically proven to reduce myopia progression by up to 60%, helping protect children’s eye health in the long term.
- Easy Transition: Unlike contact lenses, MIYOsmart lenses are as easy to wear as regular glasses, making them a practical choice for children.
- Comfort and Clarity: These lenses provide clear vision and are as comfortable as traditional lenses, allowing children to go about their day without any special adjustments.
- No Surgery Required: Unlike some myopia control methods, MIYOsmart lenses offer a non-invasive solution that fits seamlessly into your child’s life.
Why Is Managing Myopia Important?
While myopia itself can often be managed with regular prescription lenses, high levels of myopia can increase the risk of serious eye health issues in the future, including retinal detachment, glaucoma, and even blindness. This makes managing myopia from a young age crucial for protecting long-term eye health.
Myopia Stats in the UK:
- Myopia rates in children have doubled in the past 50 years.
- Around 1 in 4 children aged 6 to 13 are myopic, with numbers expected to rise.
- Increased screen time and reduced outdoor activities are contributing factors.
These statistics highlight the importance of solutions like MIYOsmart, especially if your child is spending a lot of time on screens, whether for school or leisure.
Who is MIYOsmart For?
MIYOsmart lenses are ideal for children aged 6 to 18 who have been diagnosed with myopia. They’re particularly suited for children who:
- Are in the early stages of myopia
- Have a family history of myopia
- Spend significant time on close-up activities (e.g., reading, using tablets)
- Are showing signs of rapid myopia progression
The lenses are an excellent choice for parents who are looking for a non-invasive, practical way to help control their child’s myopia.
How Do MIYOsmart Lenses Work?
Traditional lenses correct myopia by focusing light on the retina, allowing clear-distance vision. MIYOsmart lenses go a step further by using D.I.M.S. technology to create a peripheral “myopia control zone.” This zone surrounds a clear vision area, creating a defocused image that helps slow the growth of the eyeball, which is key to controlling myopia.
Here’s how it works in simple terms:
- Central Zone: Provides a clear vision for regular distance viewing.
- Myopia Control Zone: Around the central zone, these multiple defocus segments create a soft focus, which signals the eye to slow its growth.
This unique design encourages the eye to reduce the rate of axial elongation, helping slow down the worsening of myopia.
Are MIYOsmart Lenses Safe for Children?
Yes, MIYOsmart lenses are safe for children and are a comfortable, easy-to-use alternative to other myopia control methods like contact lenses or eye drops. These lenses are durable, impact-resistant, and UV-protective, making them ideal for active children.
What Parents Are Saying About MIYOsmart
Parents who have opted for MIYOsmart lenses for their children often report seeing a noticeable slowdown in the progression of myopia, as well as an improvement in their children’s quality of life. Feedback includes:
- Improved confidence due to clear, comfortable vision
- Freedom from worrying about contacts
- Reassurance in knowing their child’s eye health is being protected for the future
Questions to Ask Your Optometrist
Before deciding if MIYOsmart is the right solution, it’s essential to consult your child’s optometrist. Here are a few questions to guide the discussion:
- How quickly is my child’s myopia progressing?
- Would MIYOsmart lenses be suitable based on their eye health and prescription?
- Are there lifestyle changes or other methods that could also help?
- How often should we schedule eye exams to monitor myopia progression?
At Premier Eye Care, our optometrists are trained in myopia management and can guide whether MIYOsmart lenses would be a good fit for your child.
So, Is MIYOsmart Right for Your Child?
If your child has been diagnosed with myopia, MIYOsmart lenses can be a valuable tool in slowing its progression. These lenses are safe, effective, and designed to fit seamlessly into your child’s daily life. By choosing MIYOsmart, you’re taking a proactive step to protect your child’s long-term eye health.
If you’d like to learn more about MIYOsmart lenses or book an eye exam for your child, contact us at Premier Eye Care. Our team is here to answer any questions you may have about myopia management and help you make the best choice for your child’s vision needs.
